Nomen Omen #3: Iron Hearted

Nomen Omen #3 continues the overarching story in the manic and esoteric style we’ve come to expect of it. It is in no way interested in making itself accessible to the lowest common denominator, instead expecting the reader to either keep up or learn along the way. This is a refreshing change of pace from many comics, which really heavily on overly expository writing to explain themselves to the reader. The issue this presents on occasion, however, is that it relies too much on the reader having background knowledge. One must stop and ask ‘why doesn’t Finn wish to touch iron?’ or ‘what does the circle represent?’ That is, of course, you may ask these questions if you were not like me as a child, consuming every bit of knowledge on faeries, magick, and the supernatural that you could get your hands on.

This doesn’t weaken the story; in fact, I would argue it strengthens it. Nomen Omen as an arc stands above the crowd in that it is not only unique in art and story, but unique in the way it interacts with the reader. “I am taking you on a journey,” it says, “there is no time to explain.” In this, the reader relates even more to Becky as a main character, a difficult feat for having a main character with such defining characteristics.

The art of Nomen Omen remains superb, which dynamic line work and sparing yet electrifying colors. I could not imagine any other artist as the focal point of this particular story other than Camagni. The colors being associated with magic and fae folk is a brilliant artistic choice, that will undoubtedly carry over throughout the rest of the series. The character design too remains strong; Lady Macbeth cuts an otherworldly yet familiar image, not unlike an ethereal Cruella Deville. 

Overall, Nomen Omen #3 continues the arc well. While many series stall around the third or fourth issues, this one takes the reader by the hand and continues pulling them along for the ride. I am excited beyond words to see the final destination.