Harbinger Volume One Omega Rising

Peter Stanchek possesses an unfortunate combination of teenaged vanity with vast powers of mind. Unable to master his abilities Peter and his companion Joe live a hand-to-mouth existence, at least until billionaire philanthropist Toyo Harada takes notice of Peter and his destructive potential and elects to capture the young man in the hope that Peter can be rehabilitated. Peter discovers that he is not alone, that Harada and many others are fellow "Psiots", humans with godlike powers; he soon learns Harada has an agenda in which there may be no place for a monster like Peter. Author Dysart and his team of illustrators explore the theme of the moral effects of unchecked power, something speculative fiction authors have done for decades and more mundane authors for centuries; finding something new to say or at least a novel way to express old ideas is something of a challenge, one the creators are not up to. There is no element of the story better authors have not used to greater effect before, including the decision to make their protagonist a rapist who uses his powers to compel adoration from others. Although the art is competent enough, it cannot compensate for overly familiar storyline. (Jan.)