I'm very excited to see where Johns goes with Aquaman. There's obviously something big coming, and knowing Geoff Johns, that big thing is going to blow us all away! Back in 30! Read Full Review

I've said this before, and I'm bound to say it again: 'Aquaman' is everything one could hope for in an on-going series. I can't recommend it enough. Read Full Review

This issue has solidified Aquaman as one of the premier titles of the 'New 52.' Letting the first four issues set up Aquaman's world before diving into the origins of Atlantis was a fantastic strategy and it's allowed for Arthur Curry to develop at a pace more fitting in this new era of comic books. Where once readers needed only a few pages and a narrative exposition to give them characterization, it now takes whole arcs to flesh out characters, as well it should. Johns understands the craftsmanship behind developing a character beyond their most prevalent elements. Of course Superman can fly, but how does he feel about the national debt crisis? Wonder Woman flies an invisible jet, so does she have a license? These anecdotes might seem trite, but they serve as examples for the kind of ideas Johns is using to create a deeper, richer character experience. And Aquaman is all the better for it. Read Full Review

It's going to be interesting to see where it goes from here! Read Full Review

While I enjoyed the end of "The Trench" storyline, I will admit that the series lost a little bit of steam by the end of that story. Thankfully, Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis have managed to suck me back in with the start of their latest story arc. Aquaman #5 is an incredibly well drawn comic that sets up an sure-to-be epic storyline. Read Full Review

While more complete and substantial than most issues, ultimately this one still serves as a prelude to a bigger story, albeit a very good one. Read Full Review

The first page of this comic starts with a bang as Aquaman is free falling from the sky and crash lands in the middle of a desert. What a way to start a comic! We get some armed assailants who steal the mysterious artifact from the navy, some insight on Arthur’s past and Atlantis’ connection to The Trench. Geoff Johns (Justice League) & Ivan Reis (Blackest Night) keep dishing out the goods as one of The New 52’s best title. Reis’ illustrations with some very talented inkers & colorists burst out on every page. From DC Comics. Read Full Review

This issue brings twenty-two pages of story (as opposed to the "new" standard of twenty) and gives us a complete tale in this issue. Plenty of mysteries and plot threads are started for the upcoming issues as the mystery of Atlantis continues to deepen. This title is a fun read with outrageous adventures that, as this issue proves, are unpredictable. Johns and company have found the way to make "Aquaman" a great title, and they've even done so without relying on any of Aquaman's traditional foes. Read Full Review

Johns and Reis have made the most of this New 52 to bring Aquaman front and centre: while this issue had problems, it still stands as an enjoyable read and will not tarnish its Top 10 success. This issue ebbed and flowed, but ends with things definitely on the high tide. Read Full Review

For the first 20 pages, I thought I was reading a winner. Great art, accessible concept, tons of room for Aquaman to learn and grow and stretch himself, and to bring readers along for the ride. Instead, all of this immaculate setup came to nothing, being blown off for a cheap gag that belittled the very character we're supposed to invest in. There are plenty of reasons to deviate from structure in a story, but only if it's for a greater good. The end result for Aquaman came out as more fishy than fantastic. Read Full Review

This ham-fisted attempt at censorship is the worst thing about Aquaman#5. Mera's naked and hasn't any hangups about nudity. If that's supposed to be a sheet covering Mera's breast, it's badly illustrated and just smacks of last minute anti-titilation. What's really the point of that? Protect us from nipples if you want, but don't insult my intelligence. Why not simply simply cut the panel here? Read Full Review

Instead, he gets to draw a lot of sand, and we are left with a bratty, emo Aquaman, surrounded by douchebags laughing at him, and Mera having no real characteristics besides “worried wife.” At least there's a dog. Read Full Review

But again it's just pretty window-dressing to an otherwise hollow book. It's formulaic, contrived and bland. Even the mysteries of Atlantis don't really entice. With so many other books in DC's canon that create compelling solo hero adventures, it's quite remarkable that this hasn't been cancelled to make way for something better. It could only be that people are happy to see Aquaman in his own book no matter what kind of story is being told. Read Full Review

Prelude:
Now that The Trench has been concluded, where does Johns take Aquaman next? Well, it appears to be the desert. Let's find out how this issue is then.

The Good:
I love the split story of present and past/future and present(?). It gives a sense of mystery throughout the issue.

We've got some Atlantean plots from this and I'm intrigued.

Reis' art was like always great.

The Bad:
I'm.... not sure... It just feels like a drop in quality.

Conclusion:
While I can't pinpoint why I dislike this issue compared to the past four, I do feel like there was a slight drop in quality.

I like when story arcs transition one into another, instead of being two separate entities, connected only via the same characters featured in them. So in theory, I should enjoy the new adventure of Aquaman, not being a part of The Trench anymore, but serving as its logical continuation. In practice I have somewhat mixed feelings about it - I can't say this issue was bad, but it surely felt underwhelming compared to first 4 chapters. There's mystery, there's action, as well as more personal parts, diving (pun intended) into Arthur's life and relationships, both present and past.