This comic is a great example of how to reboot a comic book series. Anyonecan jump into AQUAMAN #1 and #2 and know exactly who these characters are and what their motivations are. The deeper story of the uneasy trust between two worlds, along with the great art, really makes AQUAMAN one of the best titles to come out of DC Comics' rebirth. Read Full Review

Abnett is laying some very interesting groundwork and the politically infused direction is a fresh way to go. I'm hoping there's a bit more intrigue in that direction, but we'll see. We've yet to get a real hardcore mix of the two that's as much about process and the dealing as it is fighting supervillains, and it looks like Abnett might be filling that niche. So far, so good though as he's shown he can balance the two worlds quite well. Read Full Review

Aquaman #2 is a solid entry into both its own series, and the Rebirth initiative as a whole. It continues what is a great jumping on series for Aquaman newcomers and seasoned fans alike. Dan Abnett is quickly making himself indispensable to the modern pantheon of DC comics creators. Read Full Review

Overall then, while it still feels more like a continuation than a quote-unquote Rebirth, I actually rather enjoyed Abnetts run on the New 52 Aquaman, and that enjoyment has most certainly translated to this new series. Abnetts Arthur Curry has a strong, confident voice, and if youve always viewed Aquaman as something of a lesser superhero (damn you, Robot Chicken!) then this series is all but guaranteed to change your mind. Definitely one of the highlights of DCs Rebirth so far, and a series with a huge amount of potential as it moves forwards. Read Full Review

Many comic book readers have never given Aquaman much credit, especially where credit isdue. “Rebirth” is giving the world an opportunity to get to know this amazing character at a new level and readers should take advantage of that. The coloring has been fluid and clean, and the inking has been precise. The artwork is what I would expect to truly portray the beauty of Atlantis, and the writing has been true to the characters. Read Full Review

It's another solid issue in what's been a standout series so far, telling stories which reflect the current state of the world without making them seem preachy in any way. Read Full Review

Ultimately I quite liked this issue, it was full of good action, as well as good writing. It highlighted an aspect of Aquaman beyond just his role as a superhero, and focused more on his abilities to inspire and influence people, which are the attributes of a king. While it did much less to establish the people of Atlantis than the last issue, it did present a great representation of Aquaman to new fans and old fans alike. If future issues can continue to give us this confident, thinking hero, I believe that this will be a series to keep an eye on. Read Full Review

Aquaman #2 is the total package from soup to nuts. Abnett co-introduced the modern day Guardians of the Galaxy to the world and Marvel made some major film bucks on that little project. Hopefully, DC films will swim the same currents as Abnett and company because this is some very good stuff. Read Full Review

Aquaman has been a fast starter. With an action-packed opening act, the real challenge will be to see if it can keep this pace up. If so, Aquaman is going to be one of the more exciting of the Rebirth titles. Read Full Review

This is a very good comic. There is a nice balance between story, action and character. Abnett and Co. are developing characters and broadening Aquamans mission for the modern world. Its a good time to read Aquaman and a great time for Aquaman fans. Aquaman is no joke. Its not too late to jump on board. Read Full Review

The issue redefines Aquaman and his role in the new DC universe, while at the same time, it continues to build the conflict between the two worlds, which I think will be an interesting story that will evolve over time. Read Full Review

The "new" that this story promises will largely have to wait for the future, but this is still a fun issue in itself and is promising for the series overall. Read Full Review

Aside from the aforementioned fight, not much happens other than Atlanteans escorting surface dwellers to safety. The cliffhanger allows me to believe that Dan Abnett has a grand plan, but I hope he's not already running out of gas. As I said earlier, the twice-monthly shipping schedule probably does prove taxing on creators, so we will have to see how this turns out and hope for the best. Read Full Review

An issue consisting of a single fight, no matter how nicely drawn, is still a rip-off. If you're brand new to Aquaman, it will fill in a few plot points, but it's doubtful that this issue will draw in to explore the character further. But if you've got a thing for lots of splashing, then you have found your comic book! Things are exploding and splashing all the time! Read Full Review

If you're looking for an emotional action sequence you can't do better. The issue is heavy on the action though, leaving you wanting more. Read Full Review

One of the biggest problems with Aquaman is that his character no longer seems fresh. Its a book filled with retread of ideas and clichd plots. The last issue showed promise of trying something different for the character, but with this one were back to the same old. Rebirth was Aquaman's sink or swim momentto do something new and exciting with the character, and so far he's sinking. Aquaman needs to evolve, or hes doomed to stay in the bottom of the sea. Read Full Review

Dan Abnett clearly has big plans ahead for Aquaman and the integration of Atlantis in the dry land world, and while those plans were set into motion last issue, this outing feels like a superficial yet obligatory fisticuffs that were hastened into happening. A slower boil on Manta's revenge with a plan more calculating and involved would have changed his paradigm, but it seems his lot is forever to be predictable in his single-minded purpose. While Aquaman seems to have faltered as a character in this issue, Abnett has seeded enough plot points that perhaps he'll redeem himself in time. Read Full Review

But most of all, they proved something that by now DC readers are more than familiar with: starting a story is easy, ending it is not. This story started on a good note, promising us a kind of Aquaman story we so rarely get: one that we might think about reading maybe. One that might have sort-of consequences. This ending, one issue after it started, is like drinking sea water. It looked so good from the outside as a thirsty man, but once it goes down you realize it was a horrible mistake and are just left more desperate for a drink than before. Read Full Review

The issue is mostly action but there is a good amount of emotion between Aquaman and the Black Manta. It give a bit of backstory on his characters for newer readers like myself. Aquaman continues to be one of my favorite Rebirth titles so far.

Yep, it's an all out action issue, but it's an action issue that uses the fighting to tease out the themes of the series. I liked how willing Aquaman was to out everything on the line to end the cycle of violence between himself and Manta. It's nice to see him behave as the consummate hero. I think Abnett gets what makes Arthur tick.

This issue had a lot going for it. Some great scenes showing just how bada$$ Aquaman can be and equally as compassionate. (I think part of this character for a long time if you look at some of the stories with Ocean Master way back in the 60s). I do like the story line, but would like to see it moving along/advance more.

I also like the 2 page synopsis of the Aquaman/Black Manta backstory. I think this is a great way to build this story as an important one in the character's history like the 1 pagers that tells Batman or Superman's origins.

I had to give it an 8.5 because I think there are some things that would help this book:

1) More of the backstory of Black Manta's father and Tom Curry. What's their history? Seems like you could really build a story that completes a history for Aquaman and Black Manta.
2) Subplots. I am glad to see the focus on Aquaman to help establish him for new characters, but there needs to be some subplots added in.
3) Powerful Villains. Black Manta is tough, but I think we need to some powerhouses pop into this book. more

Cover A - 8.5
Variant Cover B - 9.0
Story - 8.5
Art - 7.0
Color - 8.5
Lettering - 7.5
Two really really awesome covers there is crazy amount of detail in Brad walkers cover and Josh Middleton cover is just beautiful. I really liked Brad Walkers art in the last issue but Scot Eaton did a good job with all the fighting scenes and panels layouts were easy to follow. Abnett is crafting a a new kind of political super-hero. He has given Aquaman a tremendous amount of responsibility- King, Super-Hero, Lover, ambassador stuck between two worlds. As Manta had Aquaman in a killing strike Aquaman almost seemed relieved. I loved that Aquaman didn't just beat Manta down, good job Sir. Lieutenant Joanna Stubbs is a great addition to the narrative she is strong and smart also open minded with every thing going on. more

This is a solid issue, with the Black Manta arc closing, but then being continued. I'm interested to see where this goes.

My full review is here with exact score: https://comicbooger.com/2016/08/03/aquaman-2-review/

Fine issue overall. Quick first arc with a great battle between Manta and Arthur. Really not much to say. Abnett gets props for the resolution, but his execution was not as good as it could have been. The art is fine, but a new colourist could make it a lot better.

A solid entry into this series. The artwork is excellent on the whole, and really excels in the action sequences. Ultimately action is what this weeks entry really is... the big showdown between Manta and Aquaman and the combat is fairly well written. All that said, for an underwater hero, it all seems a bit shallow for some reason, and Black Manta was very quick to fold over all his plans and concede. There is a lot to like about this series but it doesn't seem to quite reach the psychological depth of other series, and the plot seems a bit simple... particularly with the whole issue being taken up with the conclusion of just one fight. Perhaps this will read better as a full arc in trade format... only time will tell.

It's always great to see an issue with Black Manta and Aquaman facing off. I think the art can still be improved upon, however I enjoyed this issue more than #1.

The artwork seems to have settled down a bit, but the Aquaman Rebirth has been disappointing so far.

Intriguing ending which I'm looking forward to see. All out brawl of an issue, art could of been better for the amount of action there was. Dialogue felt quit short, but well written regardless.
Feel the story could of been developed a bit longer, we'll see what enfolds soon.