Aquaman #34

6.7

Critic Rating

12 Reviews
7.3

User Rating

17 Reviews
Writer Dan Abnett
Artist Kelley Jones
Cover Price $3.99

"King Rath: Secret Origin"! Even after a decisive victory is won by Aquaman and the resistance, King Rath tightens his grip on Atlantis by unleashing an ancient magic that has not been seen for thousands of years. But little is known about the true origin of the man who calls himself king...until now! Witness the shocking origin of the nefarious King Rath in this special issue!

Reviews (12) User Reviews (17) Rate / Write A Review

CRITIC REVIEWS

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  • 9.5

    Bounding Into Comics - Daniel Mills

    Mar 21, 2018

    Aquaman #34 sets up an uphill battle for Arthur. Rath and Kadaver are powerful beings who are more than prepared for a long and difficult fight. Hopefully, so is Aquaman. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles

    Mar 21, 2018

    With Rath taking an even more desperate gamble, things definitely seemed poised to heat up. Aquaman remains a really compelling read right now and with the Mera limited series there's no better time to get onto this sector of the DC Universe. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Bleeding Cool - Joshua Davison

    Mar 24, 2018

    Aquaman #34 is the deepest look into Corum Raths identity weve had so far. Its a good start in making him a villain worth remembering. Hes not yet on the level of Black Manta or Ocean Master, but its a start. Hopefully Dan Abnett will be able to seal the deal on this character. In any case, this issue is recommended, and you should certainly check it out. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield

    Mar 21, 2018

    There's a rather significant art shift this issue, as iconic Batman artist Kelley Jones steps on. That turns out to be a clever choice, as Jones transforms the world of Atlantis from a gorgeous fantasyland to a creepy underground haunted kingdom, which works with Rath's twisted worldview. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Kabooooom - Matt Morrison

    Mar 21, 2018

    It would spoil too much to explain why Jones proved a perfect choice for this issue. Suffice it to say that Jones' talents are well-exploited by the issue's end. More, anyone who enjoys weird horror and a bit of Lovecraftian influence in their stories would do well to check out this issueif only for Jones' artwork. Suffice it to say that I will continue to watch this series closely and recommendAquaman #34to those who have yet to give this series a shot. Read Full Review

  • 7.5

    Weird Science - Reggie Hemingway

    Mar 21, 2018

    A little diversion from an already-bloated story might not be warranted, but it can be welcomed when it's handled by Jones and Madsen. Some rare insight into a character barely developed, but who should be central to this story. Better late than never. Read Full Review

  • 7.0

    DC Comics News - Cameron Tevis

    Mar 22, 2018

    I have really enjoyed the last two arcs but wish there had been more reason to dislike Corum Rath. This new issue and new arc looks to be headed in that direction. But unfortunately, now the art suffers. However, if this arc can give a powerful conclusion to the entire saga, then it will be worth the read. Read Full Review

  • 6.8

    Comicsverse - Aaron Young

    Mar 22, 2018

    AQUAMAN #34 takes a narrative turn to focus on the royal court of Corum Rath. Dan Abnett sadly doesn't capture any villainous complexity in Rath. Meanwhile the cartoonish style of art from Kelley Jones and Michelle Madsen doesn't fit with the gritty atmosphere of Abnett's writing. In the end, AQUAMAN #34 is a misstep in an overall great series. Read Full Review

  • 6.0

    ComicBook.com - Matthew Mueller

    Mar 21, 2018

    Not the best issue of the series, but there's plenty here you'll want to pay attention to for future issues. Read Full Review

  • 5.0

    Comics: The Gathering - Hussein Wasiti

    Mar 21, 2018

    This is yet another mediocre issue. Abnett chooses to investigate the character of Rath but I think he comes up short and doesn't provide anything interesting. If you haven't dropped this yet, please do. It's a waste of your time and money if you're seeing things right. Read Full Review

  • 4.0

    AIPT - Connor Willesden

    Mar 21, 2018

    Very much a filler issue with okay writing and art that isn't very good. Read Full Review

  • 1.6

    You Don't Read Comics - Christopher Landers

    Mar 21, 2018

    In the end, this issue was a dark spot in an otherwise very enjoyable story arc. Raths backstory, while needed to flesh the character out, should have come earlier and not have been concentrated into a single issue. Aquaman is missed, but surely he will be back next issue to continue his violent siege of Atlantis. One can only hope that Abnetts stalling is over and Arthur will finally get his hands on Rath next month. Read Full Review

USER REVIEWS

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  • 8.5

    Superheroes for Hire

    Mar 25, 2018

    I have to say I thought I knew where this series was heading - predictable takedown of the latest person to steal Atlantis's crown. But the plot twist of this issue promises at least a little more sinister action to come. "The Aquaman" and his band of rebels will certainly have their hands full come next issue. I was a little uncertain of the art in this issue at first. I think the coloring left a bit to be desired of Kelley Jones' art style in the beginning, but by the end of the issue things seemed to mesh a little better. And the tonal shift near the end also explains the choice to substitute in Kelley Jones' horror-style art for this interlude issue. There are some great scenes that play to his strengths, both with still shots and more

    + Like Comment
  • 7.5

    Comix4fever

    Mar 23, 2018

    Rath's history is told here and even as child was power hungry. (The real surprise is that an old friend comes back into the story.)

    + Like Comment
  • 7.5

    Briton

    Apr 03, 2018

    This issue felt like a filler.

  • 7.0

    Supes' soups

    Mar 21, 2018

    Jones' art keeps making me think I' reading a classic Swamp Thing comic when I'm not but while this issue isn't bad, it's definitely more of a one-shot feel explaining the background of Rath. I believe Arthur Curry, the Aquaman actually does not even make a physical appearance in this issue. It is interesting enough and while not as blatant as Green Arrow, Aquaman is a comic with political commentary these days. As the oppressor is reminded of times when he was the oppressed and his resentment against the stupidity of common folk.

    + Like Comment
  • 5.5

    daddyT

    Mar 22, 2018

    bad art and Aquaman isn't even in it. Worst issue of the entire series so far.

    + Like Comments (4)
  • 10

    Bruno Mael

    Mar 21, 2018

    + Like Comment
  • 9.0

    + Like Comment
  • 8.5

    Chriskiss

    Mar 22, 2018

  • 8.0

    pizzamain

    Mar 25, 2018

  • 8.0

    sebastianorellana95

    Mar 26, 2018

  • 7.5

    ActionCity

    Mar 21, 2018

  • 7.0

    mikesbr42

    Mar 17, 2020

  • 7.0

    ed1138

    Sep 29, 2022

  • 7.0

    ZachPort123

    Mar 20, 2023

  • 6.0

    Psycamorean

    Oct 09, 2018

  • 6.0

    DoctorLaze

    Dec 23, 2018

  • 4.0

    Sherman The Wonder Dog

    Mar 25, 2018

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