Aquaman #7 Review
Who destroyed Atlantis? In the start of a new storyline, we follow the hunter as he stalks and kills his prey, claiming their weapons and armor as trophies. A golden shield, a golden helm…and the final prize is the most powerful of all: a golden trident. The only problem is, he’s going to have to go through Aquaman to get it. Who is he? What is the secret of Aquaman’s trident? And how does this all tie into the destruction of Atlantis?
What I thought
The debut of Black Manta in the new DCU is executed very well. The art courtesy of Ivan Reis is beautiful, dynamic and awe inspiring with the splash pages. Black Manta has also been subtly redesigned but he looks great and nostalgic at the same time. Honestly Black Manta’s stoicism makes him a very ominous presence. His brutality also seems to have motivation which is always good for a well rounded and multidimensional villain. The mystery of “The Others” also has me intrigued and Johns fleshing out of the Atlantis mythology has me glued to my seat! 5/5
Aquaman #8 Review
Part 2 of “The Other League”! As a deadly hunter continues his murderous quest for the Atlantean trident, an unknown chapter of Aquaman’s life is revealed! Before he was a part of the Justice League, Aquaman was Arthur, the man from Atlantis, and leader of a mysterious team of adventurers. Armed with weapons forged in Aquaman’s past, these men and women were on their way to becoming the most powerful people on Earth – until it all came crashing down.
What I thought
More of “The Others” past is revealed and how Aquaman’s father died. The origin of the team is also revealed and why they each have an artifact from Atlantis. I loved the design of the team particularly Yawara and Prisoner. On the down side this issue really finished far faster than one would hope though in its defense things flew fast because it was such a good read. The art is still incredibly detailed and gorgeous. 3/5
Aquaman #9 Review
AQUAMAN and YA’WARA star in part three of the epic “THE OTHER LEAGUE!”
More secrets are revealed about the team AQUAMAN belonged to before the Justice League!
Plus: MERA learns a startling truth about ARTHUR’S past from Shin.
What I thought
All hail the prisoner and his very cool spooky powers. Cool design choice all around and the execution was right on the money! Hats off to Johns for literally rebuilding the Aquaman mythology from the ground up much the same way he did Green Lantern all those years ago. I also like the new dynamic of Aquaman and Black Manta. Their hatred of each other has been given layers which only serve to strengthen both characters substantially. I also must give kudos to Johns team “The Others” everyone seems so fleshed out and distinct I would literally give DC my money for an ongoing staring each once Johns was the one writing it. With every issue Ivan Reis continues to turn in top notch fantastic work. Lovely cover! 4/5
Aquaman #10 Review
“THE OTHERS” part four!
The Others are reunited when the hero called VOSTOK-X arrives on Earth.
MERA learns more about Arthur’s violent past from SHIN.
What I thought
Johns continues to expand on the mythology of Atlantis while filling in the blanks of “The Others” and Aquaman. This issue also cements the hate between Arthur and Manta. The Operative also takes center stage for a cool introduction, art is as detailed as always and those splash pages are a dream, also great looking cover!! Black Manta is an excellent villain!
Aquaman #11 Review
“THE OTHERS” part five!
AQUAMAN and THE OTHERS catch up with Black Manta – but are they really united as a team?
What I Liked
Awesome cover! Absolutely gorgeous rendition of Aquaman with his trident through Manta’s helmet with Blood just oozing out while the background is a bloody ominous red, love the composition with Aquaman literally in the center and the logo not obscuring anything!
Badass- This has been a guilty pleasure of mine for awhile now. In the past before Grant Morrison Aquaman was a joke. I loved the edge one handed rendition of Morrison but this clean cut version from John is a darker more brooding far more engaging character. I’m interested in seeing where this character is going. Ivan Reis continues to do stellar work on art.
The problem this issue was that instead of progressing things in a substantial way more time was spent with character biographies and brings new readers up to speed for what happens next issue. This makes the issue highly accessible but for those following the book it’s disappointing. 3/5