Comic Review: AQUAMAN #1
Aquaman is most definitely an instant pull for the foreseeable future and a book I will be eager to buy multiple copies of, simply to hand out to friends and prove that he is far, far more than simply the butt of a joke.
Written by Geoff JohnsArt and Cover by Ivan ReisPublished by DC ComicsPrice: $2.9932 pagesIn stores now! For the past few years with the help of Family Guy,Youtube and all around Internet memes Aquaman has simply become the butt of a joke in popular culture. Thankfully new series writer Geoff Johns is fully aware of this recent stigma, runs with it, fully aware of how our world sees Aquaman and injects it directly into the DCU. It becomes a great framing device for the character and a strong chord in DCs new agenda throughout the New 52 to have superheroes talking to the general public again rather than just to other superheroes. All these factors make the character stronger and more bad-ass than ever. This issue hits so many good beats for both casual and hardcore readers to enjoy. The opening robbery scene shows everything needed for readers to understand the books characters, abilities and how world interacts with him. The highlight of this issue for me however is the scene at the seafood restaurant where Aquaman takes a break to grab something to eat (yes he eats fish) and is quickly disturbed by a blogger fanboy wanting an interview and on the side lets him know most people think he is an awful superhero. Its a great and subtle way to set up background exposition for the character and really makes us sympathise with Aquamans current situation and the upbringing he endured. The use of flashback panels throughout this scene works fantastically, a simple and strong substitute for heavy dialogue expositional moments. Speaking of art, Aquman is pencilled by DC heavy hitter Ivan Reis (Green Lantern, Blackest Night, Brightest Day). As nice as his work in recent years has been, it has been heavily constricted by editorial schedules (especially during the mammoth bi-weekly venture that was Brightest Day) leaving his work feeling rushed at times. After reading Aquaman #1 Im certain that Reis is drawing the book of his career right now. You can really see how many hours of work have been put into every page, characters are extremely expressive, panels are dynamic and strike a strong blockbuster tone during the big and small moments. Working again alongside Blackest Night Co-InkerJoe Prado and Colourist Rod Reis bring a fantastic contrast between the dark and decrepit scenery at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean where we meet the storys villains and the vibrant and dynamic landscape of America. Every panel is breathtaking and I know I will be re-reading this book later simply to drink every piece in to the fullest. Overall this book has been an extremely strong success, Johns & Reis have been able to prove to hardcore and casual readers that Aquaman doesnt suck in one issue. Im sure we have only just scratched the surface of what this book has to offer and the overall arc the team have in store over the next year or so. Aquaman is most definitely an instant pull for the foreseeable future and a book I will be eager to buy multiple copies of, simply to hand out to friends and prove that he is far, far more than simply the butt of a joke.
rating: 5
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