The Omega Effect. It happens to the best of us. Including Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. If you’re wondering, not a rash.

No, “The Omega Effect” is a crossover event in April encompassing that month’s issues of Punisher, Daredevil and Avenging Spider-Man. Each book is drawn by Marco Checchetto. When editor Stephen Wacker first approached Checchetto about providing the art, he responded with this mashup image:

Rucka and Waid are continuing on their respective titles but will also collaborate on The Avenging Spider-Man issue of the event. The number 52 was mentioned with regard to their process.

Spinning out of recent events in Waid’s Daredevil ongoing, Matt Murdock has secured some dubious information on the five major crime organizations of New York. This “Hot Potato” as Waid refers to the Omega Drive McGuffin which makes Daredevil a point of interest for, you guessed it, Frank Castle. How does Spidey come in? Well, Pete’s good friend Reed Richards first invented the device, so he’s got a vested interest (just not the down time to track the thing down himself).

Both writers speak to the seamlessness with which this upcoming event dovetails with their individual plans. This is a very organic direction for the books in that this has been the direction all along and the two writers have kept in touch on their plans.

Rucka says of his collaborator: “Mark never forgets the wonder that makes these comic book universes so vibrant.” For Waid’s part, he credits Rucka with giving him cause for interest in a character like Frank Castle that he never found all that appealing previously.

We asked the room about their thoughts on the new, happier Matt Murdock and whether this new contentedness would last. Waid suggested that year two might arrive with a sea-change because what the character’s doing now isn’t exactly healthy. Rucka has enjoyed the tonal change, though he doesn’t see it as disregard for what’s come before.

“I think [Matt’s] always understood where Frank was coming from,” says Waid. And not just because of recent demonic possession and his execution of Bullseye. Rucka adds that it’s easy enough for someone to latch on to the Punisher’s initial M.O. for vengeance. It’s the fact that he’s gone far beyond the original revenge mission that might cause other characters to blanche. Waid’s greatest concern when trying to get his head around Castle is the guy’s eating habits. As Rucka explains it, Frank doesn’t eat because he’s hungry. He eats only to keep the machine running. Waid posits that Frank probably hasn’t eaten out since the 70s. “He doesn’t take pleasure in many things.”

Asked about the involvement of secondary characters and allies from the individual books, Wacker promises that while the focus is mainly on the big three, the issue of Daredevil directly following this crossover will shine a spotlight on the supporting cast. “If you were looking for that great Foggy/Aunt May team-up,” says Waid, “You’re gonna have to wait a little bit longer.”

Hey, how about some covers by Marco Checchetto, Marcos Martin and Steve McNiven?