Well, Aqua fans, we’re here again. After several miniseries featuring our favorite human-Atlantean hybrids, Jeremy Adams is here to take the reins of a new ongoing series. I was so excited to see this series announced, but I couldn’t help but wonder if it would sink or swim. Picking up from the events of Absolute Power, the first two pages of Adams’ Aquaman open the door with a mission statement that sets out what the book is about.
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Adams takes us closer to reconstructing everything we know and love about Arthur Curry/Aquaman, but this book is unafraid to do something different. Don’t be shy about stating it. The Aquaman title is refreshing to fans, as it was similar in tone from New 52 to the Rebirth era, which was helmed by Geoff Johns and Dan Abnett. This is not a complaint as these books made me a fan. We also got some different takes from Karen Bunn, Kelly Sue DeConnick (who loves orchids), and Ram V. This is Aquaman fighting monsters and ultimately killing God.
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If these two pages aren’t enough to get you interested in the new Aquaman series, I frankly don’t know what will. Throughout this first issue, John Timms was absolutely flexible as he delivered some of the crispest lines I’ve ever seen. Some of the dialogue gave me a Dan Mora vibe, which I can’t really complain about. Tim’s emotions coming through through his character beats are matched only by the scale and scope of the action scenes. Rex Rochs enhances Tim’s art with color combinations that reflect the tone of Adams’ script, including cool tones for quiet moments and exaggerated bright colors for action scenes. All I know is that I’m excited to see this entire team further explore the underwater world of the DC Comics universe.
Two little things that captured my imagination while reading had to do with Aquaman’s supporting cast. For one, I’m glad to see Aquaman’s pal and former Aqualad Jackson Hyde make an appearance, so I hope we get to know more about him. And two, I’m a little hesitant about Arthur taking over Mera’s hydrokinesis powers after “Absolute Power.” I’m excited to see her mentor him, but a little sad to see one of the things that made Mera stand out taken away from her. Also, I can’t help but wonder how much of Amnesty Bay will be depicted in this book. That was the focus of previous runs, but it looks like Adams will turn the focus more on the depth of what Aquaman’s side of the world has to offer.
Not only did the first two pages wow me, but Adams also sets up some really exciting things in this first issue. Arthur wanted to be a superhero rather than a political king, but he may have gotten more than he bargained for. A magical artifact appears, seemingly erased from memory, and by making it disappear throws the biggest possible wrench into the gears of Atlantis. This leads Aquaman to seek the help of the Justice League to find out what happened to his kingdom and family. These events lead to the final page where I said out loud, “Oh no,” and then thought, “What does that mean?!” It’s really hard not to spoil anything, but you’ll know when we get there, dear reader.
Aquaman #1 flies out of the gate feeling nostalgic yet fresh. Jeremy Adams has created something new and exciting, and John Timms provides art to match the scope of the spectacle. If Adams and the team can keep this up, this run could be something really special.
“Aquaman” #1 promises a lot of things to come.
Aquaman #1
Aquaman #1 flies out of the gate feeling nostalgic yet fresh. Jeremy Adams is creating something new and exciting, and John Timms is providing art to match the scope of the spectacle. If Adams and the team can keep this up, this run could be something really special.
A familiar but newly energetic interpretation of Aquaman.
It was a jaw-dropping mystery.
Art that makes you want to see more of this world.
He is wary of Mera’s powers being stripped away.
