With Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey shattering box office records for an R-rated epic and receiving nothing but praise from critics and audiences alike, it’s no surprise that viewers have been left wanting more. Thankfully, we might just have the thing to scratch your Odyssey itch, especially if experiencing this classic epic through a sci-fi lens sounds up your alley.
12 years ago, fan-favorite writer Matt Fraction (Sex Criminals, Satellite Sam, Batman) and legendary artist Christian Ward (Invisible Kingdom, Aquaman: Andromeda, Olympus) joined forces to deliver a psychedelic, gender-swapped sci-fi reimagining of Homer’s The Odyssey: the 12-part ODY-C.
This epic takes place in the aftermath of a galactic war that lasted a hundred years and follows Odyssia the Clever Champion and her compatriots as they begin their longest, strangest trip yet: the one home. This is perhaps one of, if not the most ambitious reinterpretations of The Odyssey, and is truly a masterclass in exceptionalism, as it goes far beyond simply telling The Odyssey in a space setting and instead radically reinterprets the source material into something exceptionally experimental.
This makes it perfect for Odyssey fanatics looking to experience the classic epic in a way unlike any other, while also getting treated to a mind-melding piece of art, with each page and panel truly being awe-inspiring. The result is one of the most visually impressive depictions of this epic to date. However, if you’re not sold, there’s good news: You can read the first issue for free.
Read the First Issue Free, Then Dive Into the Full ODY-C Epic
Main Cover by Christian Ward for ODY-C #3 (2015)
Those interested in reading ODY-C #1 need only visit Image Comics’ website and the page for the comic, where they will find a link to the first issue. You’ll only need to confirm that you are 18 years or older, as this is a mature comic meant for mature readers. After that, you’ll have full access to the 44-page issue, and if you end up loving the first issue and needing more, then there’s more good news.
Given that ODY-C came out 12 years ago and is a complete series, readers can buy ODY-C, Vol. 1 TP, which collects ODY-C #1-5, for $9.99, and ODY-C Vol. 2: Sons Of The Wolf TP, which collects ODY-C #6-12, for $14.99. There is also the option to obtain the complete collection in hardcover with ODY-C: Cycle 1 HC for $49.99, which collects all 12 issues in one gorgeous book.
With the art being one of the most exceptional aspects of this book, owning physical copies would be a treat for any collector of gorgeous things. And with the ability to read the first issue for free, fans can sample the art before fully committing. Furthermore, given the exemplary quality of the art, it’s also no surprise that ODY-C earned itself its own coloring book: ODY-C Adult Coloring And Activity Book TP.
With adult coloring books on the rise and an overwhelming number of options, the ODY-C activity book truly stands out with 80 pages of coloring fun. However, potential buyers should note that, just like the comic series, the coloring book is intended for an adult audience and warrants its own mature rating.
So, whether you’re looking for your next Odyssey fix, a sci-fi fiend, or a lover of psychedelic art, ODY-C is truly obsession-worthy, with incredible and ambitious storytelling by Fraction and mesmerizing art from Ward that you’ll find difficult to look away from.
Image Comics’ ODY-C #1-12 is now available to read!
