Posted October 1, 2011 by Norby Ela in Comics

COMIC BOOK REVIEW: Aquaman #1

“Aquaman sucks!” and “He just only talks to fish!.”

That’s what some comments about Aquaman around the net. He is identified as the antonym of the ‘coolest’ superhero in the DC Universe. After reading this first issue, I must say, Aquaman is awesome! And He doesn’t talk to fish! He reaches into their midbrains and telepathically push them to help him out!

I didn’t know much about Geoff Johns, but I did hear about his reputation he did lifted back The Green Lantern franchise and The Flash series. So when I heard that he’s going to handle Aquaman with his Green Lantern artist – Ivan series, I’ m completely sold.

With little knowledge about the character and his past, Geoff Johns fairly fitted me general input to know about the superhero and a brief history with his father. He executed nicely about his public reputation of the DC Universe. With an underwater sea creature that looked like the creatures in an old TV show – The Land Of The Lost and more good introductory of history of the King of Atlantis, I’ll hold on to this title.

Ivan Reis did a good job, he was consistent. His lines and panels were great. I wasn’t disappointed. I’m assured that Aquaman series is in good hands with this artist.

My only problem in this book was a panel when Aquaman walked off the seafood restaurant because he was annoyed by interview questions from a blogger. The panel was when dining customers were there and it just looks confusing in what to make of it. Did they just ignore Aquaman and continued with their daily lives? Are they supposed to be pissed with blogger? What?

Now, can a new reader follow this issue? Yes. Will they enjoy it? Yes. Is Aquaman still the lamest superhero? Nevermore, nevermore.

Earl’s Take

Aquaman # 1 was THE best book that came out this week from DC Comics’ New 52. The book was written by Geoff Johns with art by Joe Prado and Ivan Reis and showcases a new and improved Aquaman; an Aquaman that doesn’t take flak from anybody including fans and haters who have always stated that the superhero was only good in missions underwater or good when it comes to talking with fishes. I daresay that Aquaman # 1 was waaay better than Superman # 1.

The standard Johns storytelling still applies and it read as good as when he wrote the first few issues of Green Lantern. There are a lot of great moments in this book that even people who believe that the guy was never an A-Lister could probably shut up and take notes.

Personally, there was no significant flaw in the book. Maybe the main baddies might not be that imposing (and was pretty campy in my book especially since it felt like I was reading the DC version of “Jaws”.) The strongest point for the book was the fact that it answered and corrected a lot of negative notions regarding the King of Atlantis without having to go and break the fourth wall to do so. All the naysayers are all turned into the inquisitive fanboy/blogger who has this chance encounter with Arthur Curry while the latter goes in a diner inside to order some “fish and chips”.

It’s a smart and engaging book and fans of Aquaman together with fans of Geoff Johsn or Ivan Reis should not miss the book.

Get the book and start enjoying it. I’m really optimistic that Johns, Reis and Prado has a sure fire winner in the form of Aquaman # 1 and its just starting to pick up the pace.

Verdict: EXCELLENT (GET THE BOOK!)

Comic books used for this review was provided by: