Omega the Unknown, Volume 1 (Marvel Masterworks)

In the 1970s, writer Steve Gerber revolutionized comics. His innovative work on MAN-THING, DEFENDERS and HOWARD THE DUCK opened creative avenues that excited readers and inspired a generation of creators. So when Marvel announced an all-new character co-created by Gerber, anticipation rose to a fever pitch!
 
OMEGA THE UNKNOWN debuted in late 1975, featuring an enigmatic approach to one of the most compelling stories: the stranger in a strange land. James-Michael Starling, a boy with a mysterious past, holds a curious connection to the super-powered being known as Omega. Their quest to understand the gritty world of New York City reveals as much about us as it does them. As the pair's secrets are uncovered and the action unfolds in the Marvel manner, you'll come to understand why OMEGA holds a place as one of the most influential series of its time!
 
Collecting:  OMEGA THE UNKNOWN (1976) #1-10 and DEFENDERS (1972) #76-77.
 
Written by:  STEVE GERBER & MARY SKRENES with SCOTT EDELMAN, ROGER STERN & STEVEN GRANT
 
Penciled by:  JIM MOONEY with LEE ELIAS & HERB TRIMPE
 
Cover by:  ED HANNIGAN & JOE SINNOTT

Steve Gerber (1947-2008) first came to attention writing Defenders, in which he gave the non-team a non-traditional outlook equaled by few. In Adventure of Fear, he introduced Howard the Duck. Gerber’s other 1970s contributions included scripts for Iron Man, Sub-Mariner and more. Elsewhere, he is equally well-remembered for DC’s Phantom Zone, Eclipse’s Destroyer Duck and others.

“Do you print [them] too?” a young Stan Lee once supposedly asked Jim Mooney (1919-2008). Mooney’s career as penciler, inker, colorist and letterer dates back to the Golden Age — during which he drew stories featuring super heroes and funny animals alike. In the Silver Age, he inked John Buscema’s Thor and John Romita’s Amazing Spider-Man. At DC, Mooney penciled Batman, Superboy and World’s Finest, among others.