DC Comics 2016
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Philippe Briones
Coloured by Gabe Eltaeb
Lettered by Pat Brosseau
The fight with Black Manta may be over but the ramifications certainly aren’t. As the U.S. Government wastes no time in declaring the new embassy off limits to anyone. As much as I hate to say it it’s exactly what I see the U.S. doing trying to force their control over others and escalating something that shouldn’t be. However leave it to Mera to actually put it all into perspective that was an absolutely delightful bit of characterization.
Actually I really like the whole direction that Dan has started this series with. Arthur’s desire to reconcile his two worlds is something that’s long overdue. The embassy and what it represents is more to him than just a way to help heal the animosity the two worlds have for one another and that’s something we get see extremely well represented here. I also like that we see how the United States keeps thinking its acts of aggression from the Atlanteans that is the problem and they have culpability in any of that. A man of two worlds, in one a King the other an outcast and seemingly no way to bring the two closer together.
Last issue Black Manta was taken from custody by N.E.M.O. and this issue we get another peek at that. I like this avenue and while i’m not advocating that Manta end up being a sometimes bad guy sometimes good guy the possibilities of what this could mean for the character is fantastic. I mean i’d love to see Manta use his genius in ways other than to take revenge on Aquaman and this organization well they seem shady and let’s face it he’s not one to take orders but give them. Still it’s a very interesting turn of events what we see here.
I’m very much enjoying the interior artwork here as well. The attention to detail is very nice to see. The use of angles and perspective are well thought out and i’m delighted by the use of backgrounds here. Also there’s something really nice about the way the bodies look here with their natural curves and such without having to go overboard with all the muscles and boobs.
I’m utterly in love and fascinated by what Dan’s attempting to do here. The kind of look into the man who is King and how he fits into the world around him is great. There’s a real depth to the storytelling that centers around his life as a member of the Justice League and the villains that continually come out of the woodwork to destroy him all the while trying to do right by his people, but above and below the surface.
It’s not your typical take on a superhero and it certainly does a lot to showcase as Aquaman as someone who has more going on than communicating with marine life. His temperament and demeanor that is in contrast to his fiancee’s fiery side well it makes for great reading.