Omega The Unknown #05

Just as James-Michael is starting to come to terms with his strange new life, he makes another shocking discovery – he can read people’s thoughts!

James-Michael Starling, now a student in a rough school in New York, sees a student come in, beaten badly by bullies. As his classmates look on their wounded friend in horror, Starling’s mind is consumed by strange voices, calling for revenge.

Meanwhile, Omega the Unknown watches El Gato, a local criminal with magical powers. Omega scouts out El Gato’s apartment, and is attacked by magical defenses.

Amber brings James-Michael along as she picks up her pay from the Daily Bugle, where she works as a photographer. J. Jonah Jameson tries to bilk her out of her pay, but Starling argues him into paying in full. She takes him out for an egg cream to celebrate, and he tells her about the voices. He can also pick up on Ruth’s mental voice as she walks by outside the shop. She’s concerned, and interested, and supportive.

Omega, having escaped, returns to Gramps’ pawn shop, where he has been staying. He finds a charm there that he feels may help against El Gato’s magic.

James-Michael, Amber, and his school friends go to visit the hurt boy in the hospital, where they are fearful about his chances.

El Gato is about to brand a woman with his sign, and magically control her into marriage, when Omega breaks in. El Gato sends some demonic women against him, but he defeats them. Then El Gato turns into a panther, and attacks. Omega defeats him after a fight, and he transforms back into a human. The woman El Gato was going to force into marriage takes the brand and uses it on El Gato, trapping him in human form.