Review by Frank Plowright
Ody-C is a version of Homer’s Odyssey, but repurposed for the far future when almost all men have been wiped out by Zeus. Off to Far Ithicaa began Odyssia’s journey home after a victorious, but protracted battle, an already long trip extended and infinitely more dangerous for the constant interference of the gods.
The previous volume ended with Poseidon looking to take his turn plaguing Odyssia and her crew, but that interference is postponed. Two other craft are also journeying home, and Fraction now considers one of them, also moving away from The Odyssey to incorporate other fictional works. In the opening chapter he considers the legends of Herakles, shifting to his sons for a story that if not adapted from 1001 Nights certainly has that feeling, and as Sons of the Wolf continues elements of Moby Dick manifest. Like Moby Dick, maximum enjoyment of Ody-C doesn’t come from adherence to an ongoing plot, but following where Fraction leads.
The Sons of the Wolf featured in the title are the sons of Herakles and a She-Wolf, and specialise in freeing slaves. They’re introduced in an opening chapter spotlight on He and Ene, who’re the gender switched versions of Helen of Troy and Menaleus in this world. Explorations of the world of Q’af introduce thoughts on possession and freedom as its grim secrets are disclosed.
In keeping with the inspiration, Ody-C features scenes of incredible brutality, yet Christian Ward draws some with such style and visual awareness that they have a beauty to them. On other occasions brutality is shown for what it is, such as the fate of a would-be rapist, whose demise is as violent and savage as his intention. Fraction’s not subtle here, and it’s a rare dip into standard action comics territory. That’s all secondary to Ward once again dazzling with composition and colour, making every page a treat. His visual imagination is astounding.
As with Off to Far Ithica, this isn’t a story with universal appeal. The art and ambition are peerless, but the fractured, allegorical storytelling results in events that can seem frustratingly out of reach and distanced. Small moments resonate, but no sooner have you become invested in someone then they’re reconfigured, corrupted or discarded for the time being. Much concerns He, eventually revealed as the survivor who tells the tale, but the parallel concerns of Ene are fragmentary. It seems Fraction has completely forgotten to complete one of several tales told, but the conclusion is saved for the final chapter.
Further frustration occurs if you want to follow Ody-C in book form. Two subsequent comics were issued looking at Gamem’s journey, but they’re only available in the expensive hardcover Cycle One, which also reprints this volume and its predecessor.
