This is what crossovers should be: action-packed, fun stories that entertain and dazzle, filled with character bits and powerful art. In "Aquaman" #16 there is plenty of Justice League action, including a major revelation for Cyborg that sets him among the most powerful characters in the DC Universe, but as it is couched in this crossover, it is handled without much pomp, simply leaving the thread open-ended for further investigation elsewhere. Additionally, there is well-measured, revealing character moments for Batman as his relationships with Cyborg and Aquaman are given clearer shape and finer detail. Most importantly, however, is the impressively handled plot twist that delivers one of the most thrilling final page since the DC reboot. "Aquaman" #16 is a great slice of life in the DC Universe and offers a nice assortment of characters and character moments for fans of many of DC's iconic heroes. Read Full Review

Artist Paul Pelletier really does some amazing work here. On certain pages, the quality of the art is so great that I barely miss Ivan Reis on this book. While that may sound like a backhanded compliment, it's actually quite straightforward and sincere. You can tell Pelletier really gave his all this issue" and it really paid off. I'm glad an artist of his caliber was chosen for this book. With the conclusion of Throne of Atlantis taking place in Justice League next month, this penultimate chapter really ups the stakes and leaves you on the edge of your seat, while also delivering on all of the action, suspense, and great characterization you could possibly want" all rendered in gorgeous detail. Read Full Review

By weaving the story through two monthly comics, it's kept things moving at a fast clip, and given all the characters room to shine. Read Full Review

This was a tremendous issue, and this has been a fabulous storyline. I'd highly recommend this issue, and the story, as they have both been phenomenal, and I'd also recommend the other issue in both this series, and Justice League, as both series have been brilliant before this storyline. Read Full Review

This series is a key step in proving to the world that Aquaman is relevant and necessary and kicks a lot of ass. Read Full Review

Very excited for next month's conclusion. Read Full Review

James Tyrion continues to impress with his story of a cast away Talon looking to strike back at the Court of Owls. Read Full Review

I didn't see the Vulko reveal coming, but I suppose it's obvious in hindsight. There weren't very many other characters in the story. I only wish we knew more about Vulko or had a better emotional investment in him. But the story still works, and his Trench army provides a fun new twist to the battle between the superheroes at Atlantis. I didn't mention it during the recap, but there are a few awesome scenes of the Justice League recruits battling the Atlantean soldiers. Hawkman, especially, comes off as pretty hardcore and awesome. The regular Justice League scenes are good too. I like the friendship between Batman and Aquaman. And I can't wait to see the big finale! Read Full Review

AQUAMAN 16 is a bit of a shocker, but it's a very solid issue. The conclusion for this story is going to be nutty. I found myself a huge fan of Cyborg and what he put on the line in this issue. The Trench comes back full force here, which is awesome, and it seems like the JL have their hands full. On the down side, it's hard to just read this Aquaman book on its own. You have to read JL to get a full scope of this story. Also, I like Pelletier's art on the issue, but some of the long shots in smaller panels had way too much going on.Overall, I highly recommend this issue. Read Full Review

Even though everything is coming together, Johns keeps us guessing to the end with the big twist at the end of Aquaman #16. The reveal makes a lot of sense and it points to how and why the events of "Throne of Atlantis" have taken place, but it also leaves things open for a solid resolution in Justice League #17. Read Full Review

While the occasional disconnect between the art and dialogue might slow down this comic " as well as the lack of a distinct theme to make this a little more evergreen " Geoff Johns is bringing us the Justice League we've always wanted... just not in their own book. Aquaman may be a less-than-compelling lead this month, but as a team player, this book manages to keep moving swimmingly. Read Full Review

Keeping this title looking on par with Ivan Reis's Justice League pencils is Paul Pelletier. The two artists share a similar style, and the cleaner lines of Pelletier's work makes following potentially convoluted action scenes a breeze. The last page has excellent composition with its many visual aids, yet for all the compliments I've given, I have to complain that the featured character lacks a certain oomph to sell the moment. Still, with the crazy plot twists and slick art, it looks like Throne of Atlantis has regained its footing and is poised for a strong conclusion in Justice League #16. Read Full Review

What I love about this issue is the fact that Aquaman is taking such a lead in the Justice League. Before this arc it felt like he was a part time member. I also enjoyed seeing Cyborg's character get fleshed out a bit which makes me think WHY DOESN'T HE HAVE HIS OWN BOOK. I mean come on VIBE just got his own book and Cyborg can't? Let me pull back a bit because I am jumping off a bit. I also enjoyed seeing the return of King Trench ( A term from the Fire & Water Podcast "their awesome). King Trench is the one Trench member with the massive scar on his shoulder. That guy is pissed and if any of his past transgressions are any indication I expect a full beat down dispensed to everyone. Read Full Review

What's more, "Throne of Atlantis" looks to be short and sweet. There's only one more issue (it concludes in Justice League #17) so I can't even complain that they're stretching this one out too long. In fact, when you see this last page, you'll kinda want them to take their time, too. I think we can stop with the Aquaman jokes now. Read Full Review

If nothing else, there's a lot of excitement to be had here, although both Johns and Pelletier fall a little short of the maximum impact they could have. Read Full Review

Overall, I’d give it 4 stars out of 5. Is that a bit bias? Probably, but I’ve really grown to love this run, and I’m really hoping Johns can keep it up with the fantastic writing. Pelletier has impressed me with his artwork as well and besides the inclusion of the Justice League, I wouldn’t change a damn thing about this series. Read Full Review

Geoff Johns continues to use Throne of Atlantis as a showcase for how fascinating the world around Aquaman is and. Aquaman #16 is a good testament of that. Johns was also able to have the new members of the Justice League establish their presence on this title in a quick fashion. Unfortunately the predictability of the twist ending and Orm's importance diminishing hurt some of the story we have been following so far. Johns still has a chance to recover from this misstep and I'm willing to give him that chance because I have enjoyed Throne of Atlantis thus far. Read Full Review

While overall, I think Geoff Johns is doing a good job with this story, this issue felt a little bit scattered with a lot of different stories happening at the same time, but they do come together in the end nicely. And this does end with quite a jaw-dropping twist. It was also nice to see the Justice League's roster expand and I love the choices, since Black Lightning and Vixen are two of my favorites. Hawkman in particular stands out, establishing a new status quo for the character. Read Full Review

It's a decent issue, but the Justice League book has been rather generic and lifeless so far, and that drags the sprightlier Aquaman down a little. Read Full Review

I wouldn't suggest anyone panic and drop Aquaman from their pull-list at this stage in the game. Yes this series has lost Ivan Reis and yes this crossover has, for lack of a better term, sucked, but there is still a ton of possibility in this title and it would be premature to dump it because of a bad crossover (if that was the case we wouldn't be able to read any Big 2 comics). The great news is that Aquaman #17 is going to be the start of the new story arc. Here's to hoping that Johns goes right back to telling stories like ones that made this title great, it needs it after Throne of Atlantis has proven such a difficult pill to swallow. Read Full Review

I usually follow Justice League, but in order to follow the Throne of Atlantis, I had to read Aquaman. I was very impressed by how an arc that encompasses Aquaman can be a great read. Geoff John is a master at shocking endings and this issue is no exception. After finishing this arc, I will continue reading Aquaman. Read Full Review

Film critic Roger Ebert once famously reviewed Batman Begins, saying, "This is the movie I did not realize I was waiting for." And I think that same mentality is true for me with the New 52's reimagined version of Aquaman. Read Full Review