Writer/Creator/Director: Mark Edward Lewis

Writer/Creator/Actress: Alina Andrei

Artist: Emmanuel Xerx Javier

App Designer: Marty McDonough

Summary/Press Release:

For the first time, Motion Comic media, producer/writer/artist commentaries, character biographies and pane-by-pane comic book reading are now combined in LEM Media Productions’ & Odyssey Studios new series of “Apps” for the Applemobile device network. The Omega 1 series for iPod and iPhone comes to life with voice-overs, an original score, and audio and visual effects. App 1 follows the gripping story of Omega 1: a genetically enhanced she-weapon, searching for her lost identity while working as an information courier in the post hacker-war ravaged world of 2023. With the help of her elite courier team, she must piece together her past to uncover a government conspiracy for global control, orchestrated by the very people who raised her.

A breakthrough, innovative and immersive app experience directed by award winning director/composer Mark Edward Lewis (“Mad Maxine,” “La Fleur de la Bataille,” “ThroughPipes Breath,”) and App designer, Marty McDonough, producer/actress Alina Andrei (“Mentalist,” “The Event,”) Issue 1 of 24, of these “Appisodes” introduces the menacing Rev. Dr. Bertrand, the half-bionic Dagger, computer genius Red, and master information couriers Lina and AJ, along with the entire operative staff of ETHOS including Tau, Sigmaand John Rutgers—all of whom want Omega out of the picture. With her ability to use the powerful arts of Mul Ga Chi, Omega and her team at Alpha Courier Alliance fight for survival as the try to piece together Omega’s past, a United Nations cover-up, and the origins of the hackers who started World War III.

Motion Comic Trailer: Omega 1

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud3nep1bWd0[/youtube]

The comic book industry has seen a rapid evolution in in mediums over the past couple years. Digital illustration techniques and motion comics productions have proven that comic books can be enjoyed as much in a digital age as before. These technologies are continuously adapting the medium to a new and digital world, as comics make the shift from traditional printed media to digital distribution system.

Omega 1 utilizes these methods to give readers a unique, forward-thinking experience, that is certain. With a good premise, solid production value, classic artwork, and original score Omega 1 sets itself up as a next-generation comic book experience that should prove to be intensely satisfying. But is it successful in doing so? In the first two issues I watched, I have to say, no.

First off, I need to be clear about something. Omega 1′s overall concept is great. Creators Mark Edward Lewis and Alina Andrei have a really good idea on their hands. The artwork is great and Edward’s score gives the motion comic experience a special flair that you would expect to come from a major studio like Marvel, but certainly not from an indie distributor. Their “Appisode” format is unique and offers more content for $.99 than my issues of Silverhawks did in the 80’s. There’s a lot going on here to make this a really awesome digital comic experience. So where do things go wrong?

The flaw in this design is the voice acting. You can have the best script in the world, but when an actor can’t deliver, then it sounds as silly as it does insincere. The action of the project is hampered as well as scenes are stuffed with superfluous grunts and other “combat” noises that are distracting from the drama of these scenes.  This is an indie project and most of the voices are done by the creators themselves. The artist in me wants to respect that, but some of the characters come of as completely ridiculous and it hampers the project overall. I’m sure they could have found some hungry voice actors out there that could have brought some variety and dimension to this project that is sorely needed.

As a motion comic, I don’t think Omega 1 much of a success. This is a shame, because it’s a great package and concept. I would have enjoyed the story more if I just read the print issues; unfortunately, so much of the visual storytelling of the motion comic experience is in the voice dialogue, which doesn’t impress. They are on the right track, but there is room for improvement to make this project a real success.

I give Omega 1‘s Appisodes, Two Out of Five Stars.

 

 

I give Omega 1 #1 and #2, Three Out of Five Stars.