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heabooknerd's review
3.0
I liked the premise of OMNI and the idea of average people suddenly gaining superpowers under high stress situations. Cecelia was an interesting lead and I loved the way the illustrator portrayed the different intelligence modalities with the different colored thought bubbles. There was definitely a lot of potential but the beginning was confusing since it kept jumping around the time line as it explained how Cecelia came to have her powers.
I didn't rate this higher because I felt like OMNI was trying to cover too much (racism, immigration, police brutality, climate change, etc.) and this resulted in all of these issues being downplayed and not treated with the very real respect they deserved. All these issues seemed to be quickly and easily addressed and that made them feel less significant which I don't think is what the writers were intending.
Content Warning: racism, systemic racism, police brutality, police profiling, immigration camps, attempted assault
I didn't rate this higher because I felt like OMNI was trying to cover too much (racism, immigration, police brutality, climate change, etc.) and this resulted in all of these issues being downplayed and not treated with the very real respect they deserved. All these issues seemed to be quickly and easily addressed and that made them feel less significant which I don't think is what the writers were intending.
Content Warning: racism, systemic racism, police brutality, police profiling, immigration camps, attempted assault
libeerian's review
3.0
Reviewed in advance thanks to Netgalley.
Cecelia, a doctor, becomes super-powered with nine different types of intelligence. Other Ignited (aka people with powers) start appearing and a mysterious organization is tracking them. It definitely has an early X-Men feel to the plot (how will society react to people with super-powers? is it the next step in human evolution or caused by something else?), but with a heavy social justice framework to the plot. The plot can feel a little bogged down by the social justice lessons, but the artwork does a good job of portraying Cecelia's nine intelligence types. I'll stick around for one more volume to see where it goes.
Cecelia, a doctor, becomes super-powered with nine different types of intelligence. Other Ignited (aka people with powers) start appearing and a mysterious organization is tracking them. It definitely has an early X-Men feel to the plot (how will society react to people with super-powers? is it the next step in human evolution or caused by something else?), but with a heavy social justice framework to the plot. The plot can feel a little bogged down by the social justice lessons, but the artwork does a good job of portraying Cecelia's nine intelligence types. I'll stick around for one more volume to see where it goes.
thenextgenlibrarian's review
4.0
Gorgeous illustrations, strong female lead with a good heart and superpowers for processing info at the speed of light. Great graphic novel!
thenextgenlib's review
4.0
Gorgeous illustrations, strong female lead with a good heart and superpowers for processing info at the speed of light. Great graphic novel!
saramarie08's review
4.0
Read more graphic novel reviews at www.graphiclibrary.org.
Doctor Cecilia is a gifted surgeon working for "Doctors Without Borders" when she discovers she may be the future of human evolution. It's a phenomenon she calls "Ignited." Humans placed under extreme stress or afraid for their lives manifest super-human abilities. For Dr. Cece, it so happens that she thinks and can project herself into the nine different learning modalities to solve any problem she's put in. But, she's not the only one. With Ignited sprouting up all across a volatile U.S and world landscape, how can they come together to put their powers to good use, and what does this mean for the evolution of the un-ignited humans?
This may be another in a long-line of superhero comics, but Grayson's approach to super-human powers is unique and intriguing. There are only a few ignited so far who have powers similar to other comic book characters, but definitely Cece's 9 modalities is new and different. Cece often talks amongst herselves, and the dialogue provides a fascinating look at the different way people can approach a solution. Grayson also makes use of real and stressful situations, like the detention facilities on the U.S./Mexico Border, instead of drumming up his own fictitious situations that may ring hollow in comparison to the real world today. There's a nice cliffhanger ending here to keep readers going as well. Martinez' illustrations make use of a bright color palette to denote each of Cece's modalities, but the world itself is shaded with natural colors and makes use of a typical, solid comicbook style.
Humanoids does not have age ratings for their material. There is some mild violence with a very small amount of blood, and that's about it. A knowledge of current events would help readers understand events of the book and connect with characters.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
This review was made possible with an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Net Galley. This graphic novel will be on sale September 1, 2020.
Doctor Cecilia is a gifted surgeon working for "Doctors Without Borders" when she discovers she may be the future of human evolution. It's a phenomenon she calls "Ignited." Humans placed under extreme stress or afraid for their lives manifest super-human abilities. For Dr. Cece, it so happens that she thinks and can project herself into the nine different learning modalities to solve any problem she's put in. But, she's not the only one. With Ignited sprouting up all across a volatile U.S and world landscape, how can they come together to put their powers to good use, and what does this mean for the evolution of the un-ignited humans?
This may be another in a long-line of superhero comics, but Grayson's approach to super-human powers is unique and intriguing. There are only a few ignited so far who have powers similar to other comic book characters, but definitely Cece's 9 modalities is new and different. Cece often talks amongst herselves, and the dialogue provides a fascinating look at the different way people can approach a solution. Grayson also makes use of real and stressful situations, like the detention facilities on the U.S./Mexico Border, instead of drumming up his own fictitious situations that may ring hollow in comparison to the real world today. There's a nice cliffhanger ending here to keep readers going as well. Martinez' illustrations make use of a bright color palette to denote each of Cece's modalities, but the world itself is shaded with natural colors and makes use of a typical, solid comicbook style.
Humanoids does not have age ratings for their material. There is some mild violence with a very small amount of blood, and that's about it. A knowledge of current events would help readers understand events of the book and connect with characters.
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
This review was made possible with an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Net Galley. This graphic novel will be on sale September 1, 2020.
minniequinnie's review
3.0
I have been given an arc of this title from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting story with beautiful artwork. But the story was more interesting in concept than execution. The explanation of powers didn't come until the third issue when I didn't feel an explanation was necessary. The main character likable and so is her sidekick which helped. But my desire to see what happened was all that kept me reading. However I don't intend to continue with this series because it just was Meh.
An interesting story with beautiful artwork. But the story was more interesting in concept than execution. The explanation of powers didn't come until the third issue when I didn't feel an explanation was necessary. The main character likable and so is her sidekick which helped. But my desire to see what happened was all that kept me reading. However I don't intend to continue with this series because it just was Meh.
shawcrit's review
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Humanoids for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At last year's Comic-Con, Omni's artist Alitha E. Martinez told a story about a woman who asked a panel of comic book writers why Black women are always portrayed in comics as mothers of gang members, in sexy roles, and the woman started crying when the response she got was these representations "reflect the world." Needless to say, this anecdote shows the necessity of challenging these tropes and of supporting Black voices and Black creators as they develop multifaceted and diverse representations of Black characters and communities.
Martinez continues on to say that she is "proud to be say that [Omni] is about a very smart woman, people who use their brains to problem solve." It is about a character who is saying "I don't yet know yet, because she's figuring it out" and people who work through problems with brain power rather than brawn.
Martinez's comments point to the importance of a comic like Omni, which gives us an engrossing plot, vibrant art, and a group of unique, diverse women characters including a Black woman protagonist. This volume introduces us to Dr. Cecelia Cobbina, a medical doctor, whose "superpowers" are ignited during a particularly stressful event working for Doctors Without Borders. However, these are not typical superpowers. Cecelia, to quote her colleague Mae, becomes a "multi-modality hyper-genius" capable of perceiving situations from nine distinct "intelligence modalities" (logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, visual-spatial, intrapersonal, interpersonal, verbal-linguistic, musical-rhythmic, naturalistic, and existential). Cecelia learns that she is not the only one who has had new powers activated during moments of intense stress, though the powers differ depending on the individual. These individuals are called the Ignited and each issue explores a distinct Ignited character and their situation, along with Cecelia and Mae's efforts to reach out to them and figure out what is going on. Cecelia hypothesizes that the ignition of these powers is symptomatic of a global crisis related to climate change, but the specifics remain mysterious. I'm excited to read on and learn more.
The story here, skillfully written by Devin Grayson, is entertaining and fast-paced, but it also compels readers to question some of their assumptions about superheroes, superpowers, and numerous topical political issues. The comic addresses themes such as police violence and racial profiling, immigration detention, and disenfranchisement as a result of race, gender, and class. Although these are heavy topics, Omni incorporates quite a bit of humour and playfulness as well. I loved witnessing the relationship between Cecelia, who is more serious, and Mae, who is charming and excitable, as they navigate new and challenging situations.
Martinez's approach to the art is perfect for representing Cecelia's unique powers, as her varying - and sometimes competing - perspectives of any one situation are represented as different coloured thought bubbles. I really enjoyed the visual style of the comic, which is colourful and vibrant. Each issue begins with a little interlude by Mae giving a recap of what happened in the prior issue, which I thought was very effective. "Mae's" art style is also a little different than the main comic; it is a little more simplistic and very cute. I found the inclusion of these little interludes quite effective and creative.
I recommend Omni to those looking for:
-diverse representations of BIPOC characters
-narratives centered on smart and unique women with strong friendships
-stories trying to shake up and add something new to the superhero genre
-stories that explore contemporary political and social issues
-vibrant and eye-catching art
-an enjoyable, action-packed time
Content Warnings for:
-police violence
-racial profiling
-immigrant detention and family separation
At last year's Comic-Con, Omni's artist Alitha E. Martinez told a story about a woman who asked a panel of comic book writers why Black women are always portrayed in comics as mothers of gang members, in sexy roles, and the woman started crying when the response she got was these representations "reflect the world." Needless to say, this anecdote shows the necessity of challenging these tropes and of supporting Black voices and Black creators as they develop multifaceted and diverse representations of Black characters and communities.
Martinez continues on to say that she is "proud to be say that [Omni] is about a very smart woman, people who use their brains to problem solve." It is about a character who is saying "I don't yet know yet, because she's figuring it out" and people who work through problems with brain power rather than brawn.
Martinez's comments point to the importance of a comic like Omni, which gives us an engrossing plot, vibrant art, and a group of unique, diverse women characters including a Black woman protagonist. This volume introduces us to Dr. Cecelia Cobbina, a medical doctor, whose "superpowers" are ignited during a particularly stressful event working for Doctors Without Borders. However, these are not typical superpowers. Cecelia, to quote her colleague Mae, becomes a "multi-modality hyper-genius" capable of perceiving situations from nine distinct "intelligence modalities" (logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, visual-spatial, intrapersonal, interpersonal, verbal-linguistic, musical-rhythmic, naturalistic, and existential). Cecelia learns that she is not the only one who has had new powers activated during moments of intense stress, though the powers differ depending on the individual. These individuals are called the Ignited and each issue explores a distinct Ignited character and their situation, along with Cecelia and Mae's efforts to reach out to them and figure out what is going on. Cecelia hypothesizes that the ignition of these powers is symptomatic of a global crisis related to climate change, but the specifics remain mysterious. I'm excited to read on and learn more.
The story here, skillfully written by Devin Grayson, is entertaining and fast-paced, but it also compels readers to question some of their assumptions about superheroes, superpowers, and numerous topical political issues. The comic addresses themes such as police violence and racial profiling, immigration detention, and disenfranchisement as a result of race, gender, and class. Although these are heavy topics, Omni incorporates quite a bit of humour and playfulness as well. I loved witnessing the relationship between Cecelia, who is more serious, and Mae, who is charming and excitable, as they navigate new and challenging situations.
Martinez's approach to the art is perfect for representing Cecelia's unique powers, as her varying - and sometimes competing - perspectives of any one situation are represented as different coloured thought bubbles. I really enjoyed the visual style of the comic, which is colourful and vibrant. Each issue begins with a little interlude by Mae giving a recap of what happened in the prior issue, which I thought was very effective. "Mae's" art style is also a little different than the main comic; it is a little more simplistic and very cute. I found the inclusion of these little interludes quite effective and creative.
I recommend Omni to those looking for:
-diverse representations of BIPOC characters
-narratives centered on smart and unique women with strong friendships
-stories trying to shake up and add something new to the superhero genre
-stories that explore contemporary political and social issues
-vibrant and eye-catching art
-an enjoyable, action-packed time
Content Warnings for:
-police violence
-racial profiling
-immigrant detention and family separation
sup3r_xn0va_maya's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
TW: Immigration detention centers, police brutality, and racism.
Omni is the story of Dr. Cecelia Cobbina, an Ignited, a human being affected by a change in the earth thus giving them super powers. Dr. Cobbina can process her thoughts at the speed of light and she has near perfect intellect in the 9 different categories of intelligence.
The main character, Dr. Cobbina, and her companion, Mae, travel across the U.S.A and help other Ignited. In some cases their intentions are to stop Ignited from "making bad situations worse".
This was enjoyable but not my favorite super hero comic. For a comic about super heroes there wasn't much action. All in all this comic was okay, it was enjoyable.
Giving this 3 out of 5 stars.
Omni is the story of Dr. Cecelia Cobbina, an Ignited, a human being affected by a change in the earth thus giving them super powers. Dr. Cobbina can process her thoughts at the speed of light and she has near perfect intellect in the 9 different categories of intelligence.
The main character, Dr. Cobbina, and her companion, Mae, travel across the U.S.A and help other Ignited. In some cases their intentions are to stop Ignited from "making bad situations worse".
This was enjoyable but not my favorite super hero comic. For a comic about super heroes there wasn't much action. All in all this comic was okay, it was enjoyable.
Giving this 3 out of 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Racism, Deportation, Forced institutionalization, and Confinement