While Johns is certainly not the first creator to make a good Aquaman book (Peter David, Will Pfeifer), he's certainly the highest profile writer to throw his hat in the ring, endeavoring to make Aquaman an A-List character. This has all the makings of a juggernaut, and for that reason, Aquaman #1 earns a very rare 5 out of 5 stars. Read Full Review

Don’t mess with Aquaman! It’s basically what this new monthly series is trying to sell you and I’m here to tell you… I’m buying it! Over the years Aquaman has always been the less popular super hero, It’s even mentioned in the storyline in a hilarious seaside diner scene. I was never a fan. I don’t know if it was the costume, the fact that he could control the sea life or he was just a copy of Namor from Marvel Comics. Who knows? None of that matters now because this issue is fantastic! Written by Geoff Johns (Green Lantern) and drawn by Ivan Reis (Green Lantern). Like Johns did for Green Lantern, I predict an awesome new direction for Aquaman. This one surprised the hell out of me. What are you waiting for? Pick up this title. From DC Comics. The New 52. Read Full Review

In short, Im in awe at how good this comic is, and will be adding it to my pull list without hesitation. Read Full Review

Hopefully, this team will hang around for a good long run. It's off to a great start! Read Full Review

There really isn't anything I can say in a short summary that I haven't already said in the main review. So here's the short of it, the piece of information I hope everyone takes: Aquaman IS awesome, Aquaman IS cool, and this new series should quickly put to rest those misconceptions everyone has. I'm not guaranteeing everyone will like or love this book, but give it chance. It will at least change how you view the King of the Seas, Aquaman. Read Full Review

So you did it, Johns. With one swift, incredible issue, you have managed to turn me into an Aquaman believer. Through some comedic moments, pretty intense action, and raw drama, you have hooked me into the world of Aquaman. If Johns continues at the rate this issue went, I wouldn't be surprised if this ended up being one of the best releases from The New 52. For all of you Aquaman fans-- rejoice! This issue will not disappoint you! And as for any Aquaman doubters out there, I say pick this issue up without hesitation. You won't regret it. Hell, Geoff Johns might just make a believer out of you too. Read Full Review

Overall Aquaman's new series has a lot of promise and I can't wait to read issue #2. I have faith in Geoff Johns to reestablish Aquaman as a big part of the DC Universe, much like he did with Hal Jordan and Barry Allen. Read Full Review

So if there's one thing you should take away from this review, it's this: pick up Aquaman #1, whether you're a longtime fan of the character or someone who, like myself, made fun of him for years. I can tell you this: the years of ridicule are over for me. If someone makes fun of Aquaman in my presence I will quickly tell them how wrong they are and toss this book in their general direction. Aquaman #1 is a great introduction to the character with breathtaking art that should make Aqua-lovers out of all of us. Read Full Review

On just about every level, Aquaman #1 is a huge success. While my curiousity had been piqued, I did not expect going in that this would be DCs best new release of the week, but it was. Im now an Aquaman fan, thanks to this issue. And Im sure I wont be the only one. I think my friend Sergio is about to have lots of company. Read Full Review

Ivan Reis’ art is top notch, of course. I absolutely loved his vision for the humanoid sea creatures and the story being light on action gives Reis a chance to really flesh out how Aquaman should look in this new light. The last Aquaman series started strong and turned to crap. Let’s hope this time the man from the sea gets the respect he deserves. Read Full Review

This series gives us a chance to take a good long look at Aquaman on his own terms, and he makes a pretty impressive figure. While the action of the plot leaves much to be desired, we get some very strong personal scenes that do much for building his character. Read Full Review

The real strength of Johns' story isn't how he worked to portray Aquaman as cool or badass. It isn't the creepiness of the Trench. It's the simple and down-to-earth story about a man's effort to be who he wants to be instead of what others want him to be Read Full Review

Great first issue that makes me excited to see what is next since you know The Trench are bound bring Aquaman back to Atlantis. Read Full Review

So on the one hand the art is terrific and really sells the character as he has never looked this good in a while. But on the flip side Johns' hasn't offered anything new for him to do, even people unaware of the character could guess the outcomes of some of the plots that have been set up here. However with the added metatexual commentary comes a sort of charm, which could sustain readers for a few issues (even if it isn't intentional). Read Full Review

But if anything works in Johns' script, it's in large part to Ivan Reis, who has transformed into one of the premiere artists in the industry over the past few years. Teamed with Joe Prado on inks, his lines are feathery, his shadows are soft, but they combine to make some beautiful imagery. Reis knows how to craft a powerful splash page, but he crafts talking heads with as equal interest and care, and the dexterity in his facial expressions have reached new levels here as Aquaman reacts with many different levels of frustration throughout. As with Green Lantern #1 and Doug Mahnke, here Johns is teamed with an artist who is able to overcome a middling script and make a book that's worth coming back to. Read Full Review

To sum up Aquaman so far an enjoyable read and worth a shot. My only worry... what will happen if Johns drops from this one like he did on The Flash. Grab a copy on enjoy or let the hazing begin because well it's Aquman. Read Full Review

The banal Aquaman humor actually makes sense when Johns introduces the guy in the book, as he has the guy stand in front of an speeding armor car, driven by some gun-toting bad guys. What good is this orange guy with a trident? Read Full Review

Aquaman #1 did everything a first issue should not do. The first task of this debut issue should have been to draw new readers into Aquamans character and his world. Johns did nothing of that sort. Instead, Johns wasted the whole issue having Aquaman act as a conduit for Johns' own voice. Unlike all other forms of entertainment that work on a budget, comic books have no budget that might constrain the author's approach to the story. The only budget that comic books have is the creative energy of its writer. Unfortunately, Johns treated this issue like it had a very small budget. Read Full Review

Great opening issue. It has some helpful exposition on Aquaman's lore and powers from Geoff John's and some really nice art from Ivan Reis.

Geoff Johns knows DC characters and the first issue of Aquaman's new 52 title tries to erase the public's perception of Aquaman for new readers. Even the DC universe views Aquaman as a usless joke in this comic and he tries to clear up a lot of misconceptions of his abilities. There is not a lot of action to start out this story but its a great jumping on point if you want to read Aquaman.

Prelude:
Well... it’s time to finally review Johns’ Aquaman. Let’s see how it holds up.

The Good:
First and foremost, the art is superb. Reis’ work is always great but it’s out of this world here.

Johns is challenging the Aquaman is a joke misconception head on and I love it.

Johns’ characterisation for Arthur and Mera is great here.

The Bad:
The Trench.... I’ll have to see more honestly but currently there’s very little to work off of. Just concerned they’ll be generic strong villain group that the hero has to take down.

Conclusion:
A very strong start to Johns’ Aquaman. His characterisation is spot on, the art is superb and this is the exact direction for Aquaman that I’ve always wanted. My only concern is the choice of villains which is odd considering how much Johns loves his villains. But ultimately I believe in Johns and the future of this run. more

good comics

Very solid start of the new Aquaman run. New 52 was generally extremely detrimental to many beloved characters, just to mention Lobo, Harley Quinn or Blackhawks, but there was also few series that were promising, to say at least. Aquaman easily being one of them.

Issue #1 does what any debut should do - it sets up the first story arc, and explains who exactly main characters are. We can see who exactly Arthur is, what kind of a hero, as well as a person. All of that with plenty of self aware jokes acknowledging his (unfairly!) questionable reputation. It all helps to ground the character, and portray him as someone who really doesn't fit anywhere - he's neither a mainlander nor an Atlantean, at least at this particular moment in his life. more