Artist Paul Pelletier and colorist Rod Reis get better and better with each issue. From the designs and sheen of the Atlantean armor to its architecture, everything connects together under one aesthetic world. Their Atlantis looks like a genuine civilization. Reis' colors are extraordinary, particularly in Aquaman's gold scale armor, which glistens almost mystically in the sun. This duo works very well together and it's easy to become immersed in the world they create. This issue is another fine installment in this series. The reader has a lot to digest here and it might be a bit confusing for new readers, but it hardly matters. It's still a pretty straightforward story that is sure to please fans, old and new. It's still easily one of the best comics out there. Read Full Review

The main plot point of this issue was Aquaman trying to stem the tide of Atlantaen weaponry reaching the surface world. Aquaman's former advisor, the disgraced Vulko, tells Aquaman to seek out the rebooted classic villain the Scavenger to stop the weapons trade. Once you get beyond Black Manta and Ocean Master, Aquaman doesn't have the deepest rogues gallery, but this new take on the Scavenger portrays him as a specific breed of irredeemable scum that will be a blast to watch Aquaman take down. Scavenger is not the only threat to be introduced this issue, as the story ends with the arrival of a new threat that could rival anything Aquaman has faced since Johns' run began. Read Full Review

AQUAMAN #18 is another hit. There's a lot thrown at the reader in this issue, but it's all fantastic. It's a straight-forward book the reader will enjoy. While this may not be the best place for a new Aquaman reader to jump on, they won't be too lost. The book does a pretty good job at keeping the reader updated on the events.My only real problem here, aside from Aquaman's 5 o'clock shadow being gone, was that too many times, faces and bodies were buried in shadows. Overall, I highly recommend this issue. Read Full Review

Pelletier clearly doesn't have the same polished look as Ivan Reis, but with Rod Reis bringing the same lush coloring, Pelletier can impress on his own right. He has a simpler style of figure, a little cartoonier, a little less detailed, and a little less emotionally convincing, but it still captures most of the same adventurous and somewhat sinister tones we've had on this series up till now. Read Full Review

Artist Paul Pelletier has the unenviable job of filling the shoes of former series artist Ivan Reis, but he does so with excellent results. He gives a grand tour of the ancient structures of Atlantis, which look like a sunken ancient Roman city. The throne room is as glorious as it is solemn with its intricately detailed thrones made from all manner of shell and crustacean. Moody deep blues used by colorist Rod Reis create an atmosphere for this place that shows us its beauty while also reminding us that these are troubled waters for Arthur. Read Full Review

A crossover with DC's flagship title may have helped raise the profile of “Aquaman,” but it's good to see the title moving back into its own little corner of the DCU. As far as character revamps go, “Aquaman” has yet to reach the heights of “Green Lantern,” but is faring far better than the pre-'Flashpoint' relaunch of “The Flash.” While it may not carry the same clout as Johns' “Justice League” titles, “Aquaman” does have stronger characterization and plotting. This makes it not only one of Johns' greatest recent works, but one of the few consistently great New 52 books in general. Read Full Review

Overall, "Aquaman" #18 is a strong set-up issue, setting up several new stages of conflict for Arthur while dropping none of the existing characters in play or plot threads. Read Full Review

This book is missing a key likeability that holds it back from super-success, but the tonal shift is still a fascinating one. Read Full Review

I always thought Atlantis would have more traffic. Check out that first two-page spread, there are only four people visible in the entire city-scape, and all of them are in the foreground! Read Full Review