"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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This storyline has really picked up steam and the subplots are starting to pick up as well.
The art is a little off, but improving.
Another impressive issue. Lots of action, but the action serves to further Aquaman and Mera's relationship. Also, every subplot is moved along as well. Top of the pile for me.
This is becoming an interesting title, and Mera really "kicks ass" as the Yanks would say. I do think the US government would not have reacted in such a clumsy and over the top way, but there you go.
Dan Abnett's story of Atlantis being seen as an enemy nation to the US is an interesting one, and it's fairly well executed. Aquaman sounds like a hero, an elder statesman, a man trying to bring both of his worlds together. His struggle works on every level - there's the high octane superhero action, the intriguing political dialogue, and his commitment to a peaceful resolution to the issue. The US government's hesitancy to align with Atlantis makes sense, especially when considering Geoff John's run on Aquaman, and the "Throne of Atlantis" storyline in particular. The main issue I have continues to be with Mera's characterization. She's very one note, and not particularly intelligent in her reasoning. She just wants to fight and attack evemore
Issue 5 is mostly an action issue. This arc is lasting a little longer than it needs to. Mera and Arthur are not exactly seeing eye to eye. Their conflict makes things interesting. The N.E.M.O stuff didn't really feel that necessary this time but we'll see where it goes from here.
Abnett's story has been great so far, and the fun ride continues this issue as well. Just wish they would put a better artist on the book.
I don't know how the army is keeping up with Aquaman and Mera, it's kind of weird. I also find it unnerving that America is trying to assassinate a foreign leader like this. There's some intensity as a result though.
The Drowning story arc isn't bad, but it's not necessarily that good either. It's fine a decent job of introducing new readers to the various characters within the Aquaman series, but it's time for Abnett to step up his A game.