Aquaman #5

Writer: Dan Abnett Artist: Philippe Briones Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: August 17, 2016 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 10 User Reviews: 37
7.7Critic Rating
7.8User Rating

"The Drowning" part five. Unjustly branded a murderer and a fugitive, Aquaman's forced to defend himself against the might of America's military. Meanwhile, Black Manta and the deadly underwater crime cabal known as N.E.M.O. advance their plan for revenge on Aquaman.

  • 10
    AIPT - David Brooke Aug 17, 2016

    Aquaman #5 is a pager turner. The creative team understands very well how to tell a visual story; it's issues like this that make me want to see a movie written by Dan Abnett. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    DC Comics News - Matthew Lloyd Aug 17, 2016

    When was the last time an acknowledged member of the Justice League was branded as a terrorist and identified as the leader of a hostile nation? Never? Aquaman is probably the only member of the League that could fit that description. If that alone doesnt draw you in, the exploration of Aquaman and Meras characters and their relationship should. Go buy this comic. You will enjoy. Read Full Review

  • 8.8
    Heroes Direct - Eammon Jacobs Aug 18, 2016

    So far, Aquaman's solo series has been one of the most intriguing of the current DC run – it just fits in well with our current global state in terms of politics. Whilst it's not as lovable as other titles like Green Arrow or Nightwing – it makes for seriously compelling reading. If you like the idea of superheroics mixed with a political drama, do not miss this series. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Bastards - Steven Phillips Aug 17, 2016

    Our story ends with what should be a predictable appearance. It is instead a pleasant surprise. As a Justice League member, Aquaman cannot act within a vacuum. His actions and plights are not limited to him in terms of blowback. One of the more interesting elements of Aquaman's mythology is the way he has to prioritize his hero work with his leadership duties. The events of this series so far constitute a major international incident that threatens to destroy Atlantis' image on the global stage. Abnett is doing an admirable job pressuring Aquaman from both sides of his sense of duty. Perhaps the events of this issue will increase the pressure. Perhaps the demands of duty will be relieved somewhat moving forward. Either way, I'm confident this creative team will hold your attention for at least a little while. You know, until this all gets wiped from continuity. Read Full Review

  • 7.3
    Graphic Policy - Brett Aug 17, 2016

    Maybe I'm being nitpicky about the specific details which takes me out of the comic, but overall the issue is entertaining and Abnett has ramped up the action well from the first issue. This is an interesting spin on Aquaman and I'm really interested in seeing where it goes from here. Hopefully the art issue gets stabilized before it drives people away. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Weird Science - Reggie Hemingway Aug 17, 2016

    Last issue depicted Mera breaking out of prison, this one consists primarily of them escaping. Next issue will be Arthur preparing an omelet, and the issue after that will be him eating it. You'll have to stay tuned to find out whether or not he washes his dishes in the next story arc! Though the overall yarn is moving incredibly slow, this issue picks up the pace a bit, and slides some components into place that look to hopefully bring it all to a merciful conclusion. Or maybe like four more issues of running. That could be something. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Big Comic Page - Craig Neilson-Adams Aug 17, 2016

    While its essentially one long action sequence, theres a lot to like about this issue, and about this series so far as a whole. The final pages offer an intriguing new direction and potential obstacle, and while some of the flaws from earlier in the arc remain Black Mantas side story still feels superfluous, although its clear that Abnett is merely keeping the situation simmering away until its time to bring it to the boil this can definitely be viewed as strong opening arc which impressively establishes the new status quo for Aquaman in the post-Rebirth world.  We just need to sort out those darn faces. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Pop Culture Uncovered - Adam Frey Aug 17, 2016

    Not bad, even if Abnett is taking a cue from Geoff Johns by excessively reminding you that Arthur is more than "the fish guy." Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Fortress of Solitude - Rick Austin Aug 25, 2016

    There are little side moments included, from Black Manta meeting the head of N.E.M.O. to the Royal Navy's Joanna Stubbs making a brief return, but basically the whole issue consists of Aquaman and Mera beating the tar out of the army. Mera is typically aggressive, while Aquaman insists that they don't actually kill anybody, which leads to some debate between them about their relationship… but basically it's all about the action here. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Ian B Aug 17, 2016

    Ultimately, this issue was good, but also slightly disappointing. As much as I enjoy Aquaman showcasing just how powerful he really is, especially with Mera right there beside him, the issue itself just doesn't do enough to further the plot. Aquaman and Mera head for water, fighting the military along the way and... that's about it. The issue was fun and entertaining, I just wish it had had a bit more plot to justify its length. If you're looking for something to show you that Aquaman can hang with the heavy hitters, however, this is the issue for you. Read Full Review

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