There are parts of the ocean even Aquaman should not enter. Now Aquaman and Mera must descend into uncharted territory: the smoky black crevice at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, home of the cannibalistic creatures known only as the Trench. One last secret behind these loathsome creatures will be revealed as "The Trench" thunders toward its bloodcurdling conclusion!
It's hard to put my excitement for this book and this series into words. It's my personal favorite of the new 52 though. It re-establishes this amazing hero and hopefully, it will sweep that Super-Friends Cartoon version of him into some horrible vortex of death. I am loving Reis' art on this book and I think he's a perfect fit. The last page reveal was great, and I am very excited for 2012 Aquaman issues. The only real problems I had were that this issue wrapped up too quickly. I just expected a tad more from the Trench, but I guess they truly are just beasts from the deep... or are they? I highly, HIGHLY recommend this book... it's one of the best of the new 52! Read Full Review
Honestly, one can't ask for much more from an ongoing series. This is one of the reasons I'm happy to be buying comics again. Read Full Review
As always, the art from Ivan Reis is totally on point. His strong lines and eye for detail really brings out the depth of where Aquaman and Mera are. He creates darkness and fear. He also keeps those damn humanoid creatures looking as fucked up as possible. The pages involving the battle is some of the most beautiful work that Reis has ever done. Nobody kicks out an action scene like Reis. Everything just pops off the page. With Johns taking it to the mat and Reis serving up delicious art, Aquaman could be the book to watch in 2012. Read Full Review
If you haven't checked this one out " you owe it to yourself to give it a chance. Read Full Review
The end of the book treats us to a sneak peek at the big story arc set for 2012 which is the secrecy revolving around what caused Atlantis to fall into the ocean. Read Full Review
This opening story is a great first step. Read Full Review
A perfectly enjoyable, functional story, though Johns misses opportunities to really hit home runs with his material. Read Full Review
Johns ends the story on an uplifting moment for Aquaman and Mera. They gain a cheerful pet suitable to Aquaman's and Mera's amphibious lifestyle. It's a nice full circle moment that arises organically from the plot. Read Full Review
This issue wraps up the first arc well, gives us drama, superhero moments, and horror, but I'm still of the opinion that the introduction of The Trench played the mystery a little bit too close to the vest. Aquaman and Mera are clearly defined, well-drawn characters (in all senses of the word 'drawn') and their new hometown has been given a personality that works as well. Presuming that the next arc is what the preview makes me think it is, I expect this new Aquaman to hit heights we haven't seen since 'The Atlantis Chronicles.' Aquaman #4 is is a good issue overall, even with the stumbles, clearly focusing Aquaman's latest personality and status quo, earning 4 out of 5 stars overall. Read Full Review
Aquaman has long been thought of as the joke of comic books. Well, no more. This issue, and series, does the impossible: it makes Aquaman awesome. Read Full Review
This is the conclusion to the The Trench story and it was a wild ride! I’ve got a feeling we’ll be seeing these aquatic uglies again someday. As chilling as they are, I can’t help but feel a tad sorry for them. So they snacked on a few humans, they’re just trying to survive as a species (the world is over populated anyway). Arthur finally gets the respect from humans he so rightly deserves. We also get a glimpse of things yet to come and it looks promising (no spoilers). Here’s to Aquaman! As long as Geoff Johns is on board so will I. Written by Geoff Johns (Blackest Night) and illustrated by Ivan Reis (Green Lantern: Rage Of The Red Lanterns). From DC Comics. Read Full Review
Overall, though, the re-launch of "Aquaman" feels like a resounding success. The comic is fun, it's creepy, and Aquaman himself isn't the sad sack that so many writers have seemed determined to portray him as over the past few years. So far, so good. Read Full Review
But with the end of the first arc we can only look forward. Johns needs to craft a plot worthy of the character, a plot that has an emotional crisis from the beginning and not just thrown in at the end. Although Reis continues to draw a lovely looking book, the title just feels like style over substance. Read Full Review
Prelude:
It's the final issue of the initial "The Trench" arc in Johns' Aquaman. Let's see how he wraps it up.
The Good:
The Trench are an interesting choice of villain. They're trying to survive and help their Queen survive which ties into the royalty and current aspects of Aquaman. He's a former King here trying to survive in a world that finds him a joke.
I like that Arthur is forced to make the hard decision.
It's so heartwarming seeing the kid talking to Aquaman.
Also they have a dog! A dog on the heroes side improves their rating.
Reis' art especially underwater was great.
The Bad:
Nothing. You could complain about the Trench but I liked them enough to pu more
Nice ending to this arc that came just a little to fast. Needed another issue in my mind to let it breathe just a little more.
As much as I love The Trench story arc, I can't stop thinking it should have been longer. Issue #4 serves as the entire third act - something that normally would be spread across 2-3 chapters. I wish Johns took his time instead of pushing the narrative forward faster than a speeding bullet. We not only see where Trench came from, but also witness the fight between Aquaman and their queen, lasting for barely 3 pages, and finally, the arc concludes with a happy end. It's not I don't like - contrary, I was impressed with it, and the ending feels sweet, especially with Ivan Reis' beautiful art, but it all happened so fast!
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