REVIEW: ‘Justice League: The Omega Act Special’ Issue 1

Justice League: The Omega Act Special Issue 1 is published by DC Comics and written by Joshua Williamson, with art by Cian Tormey, colors by Yasmine Putri, and letters by Dave Sharpe.

This is a prologue to DC’s K.O. Time-Trapper, which reveals a dark future to Booster Gold and The Flash, showing that all roads lead to Darkseid.

This issue is part of a series of events leading up to the blockbuster event, and they have all taken place almost immediately after one another. Justice League Unlimited Issue 11 and Superman Issue 30 ended at the same point, and Justice League: The Omega Act Special Issue 1 is the beginning of the meeting that was called. But due to the power of Time-Trapper, it occurs only in a moment. Time-Trapper and Booster Gold are arguing because Time-Trapper isn’t revealing all he knows to the group.

The pace of the book is surprisingly quick, considering it takes place while time is at a standstill. The next stage of the issue takes Booster on a journey, similar to what happened with Superman in his recent arc. Like Booster Gold, Time-Trapper dragged Superman into a dystopian world ravaged by the twisted version of the Legion of Darkseid. It shows that in whichever future they go, the Legion of Darkseid are there. It’s an intense comic that centers on trying to convince a version of Doomsday to help.

There are only three main characters in Justice League: The Omega Act Special Issue 1, but Williamson makes them all shine. The Time-Trapper is such an enigmatic figure. He comes with premonitions of the future, often dragging heroes into the future without consent. He had been here to help, but he’s not necessarily on the side of the angels. He just heralds news of the future. But now he has given up, willing just to let Darkseid win. Opposing him is Booster.

Even though the time traveler has just been rescued from the future, half-dead and healing from torture, he has that tenacious desire to keep fighting and a belief in Superman, as well as the other heroes. Alongside him is the Flash, the only figure on the Watchtower that can operate when time slows down. Williamson portrays both him and Booster as amazing, genuine heroes. They will always continue fighting and help anyone they can to fight against evil, even when all hope seems lost.

The art is fantastic. The characters on the Watchtower are drawn to appear strong and determined. It’s easy to forget the Time-Trapper’s true identity when in his hooded cloak, up until the moment he takes it off. He’s a weaker, older Doomsday, weary and emaciated. While usually benign, there are several occasions when his monstrous looks are terrifying to behold.

Booster, usually such a lovable and cheery character, has to stand up on behalf of the Justice League and humanity. He’s bearded and more bedraggled, which helps make him more serious and intense as he does in Time-Trapper’s face. The battle scenes are incredible, with sprawling bodies and a desperate struggle to survive. The time-travelling moment leads to some fun and mesmerizing visuals, as the broken DC time stream becomes easier to traverse.

The colors are brilliant. There is a wonderful vibrancy to the costumes of both Flash and Booster Gold. The red, blue, and gold are stunning. But around them, often the tones feature a stark but empty white and dull gray. It means that it’s always easy to focus on those two. The lettering is clear and easy to read.

Alongside the Watchtower story, there is also a subplot about the very early days of Krypton. A young Lara-El and Ursa find an abandoned temple on their planet, with both Doomsday and Darkseid having a presence down there. It shows that Darkseid has been part of the DC Universe from the beginning to the end.

Justice League: The Omega Act Special Issue 1 sets up the most important figure of the upcoming event. Booster Gold was crucial at the start of All-in, and it looks like he will be pivotal to DC K.O., too. It’s interesting that even though the cast of this special is relatively small, it’s still a loud comic. The dialogue is important and foreboding, always talking about what’s to come. The build-up to the start of the next event has been incredible, making it clear that it will shake the entire fabric of both the DC and Absolute Universes.

Justice League: The Omega Act Special Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.