Aquaman: Rebirth #1
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Aquaman: Rebirth #1

Event\Storyline: Rebirth Writer: Dan Abnett Artist: Oscar Jimenez Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: June 8, 2016 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 39 User Reviews: 59
7.1Critic Rating
7.3User Rating

Born to both the surface and the sea, Arthur Curry walks in two worlds but can find a home in neither. The king of Atlantis looks to reconcile his split heritage as he embarks on a new mission that may finally make him choose between his two paths.
POLITICAL PLAYER: "As the leader of a world power," writer Dan Abnett says, "Arthur believes it's time Atlantis became part of the global community. Atlantis has been on the outside for too long: feared, mysterious and misunderstood. But that means getting the world used to Atlantis...and vice versa.

  • 9.6
    SciFiPulse - Patrick Hayes Jun 26, 2016

    I haven't read an Aquaman book in a few decades. This encourages me to continue to read his exploits. I'm in. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comicosity - Doug Zawisza Jun 8, 2016

    If there's a good story to be told, the writers and artists are going to tell it, and Aquaman: Rebirth #1 is a great start to a good story. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    The Source by SuperHeroStuff - Marc Buxton Jun 10, 2016

    This book pops in every way and it seems like Aquaman is in very good hands as we head into a new era of Aqua-love.” Theres a film coming, a Justice League movie appearance, and a Rebirth all in the near future for the Sea King, and if this is the era of Arthur Curry, than Dan Abnett and company kicked it off in a major way. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Jun 12, 2016

    This Rebirth issue, whatever it may be, is a good jumping on place - it's a narrative-heavy issue framed around a serious action sequence with Aquaman fighting to prevent a terrorist attack on the American shore by an Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - Jake Baumgart Jun 9, 2016

    Abnett, Jimenez and Eaton's Aquaman: Rebirth #1 is exactly the kind of course correction that is needed for Aquaman. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Nick Enquist Jun 8, 2016

    The comic has great artwork by Oscar Jimenez, a unique concept, and at only $2.99, this book gives new fans a great look into the misunderstood Aquaman. Hopefully we see a lot more great work from this comic in the future. It's definitely worth picking up. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    CourtOfNerds - Kevin Carley Jun 9, 2016

    Like most of the Rebirth books, much of this comic is exposition. However, the reveal at the end makes it all worth while. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Major Spoilers - Wayne Hall Jun 14, 2016

    This was a good refocus for Aquaman, although I must admit this was my least favorite of the Rebirth titles so far. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Multiversity Comics - Robbie Pleasant Jun 13, 2016

    A good jumping on point for anyone who wants to get into the "Aquaman" comics, as it's meant to be, with good action and character moments. Read Full Review

  • 8.2
    Comicsverse - Phil Casey Jun 12, 2016

    Overall, it's a solid first issue. If you have not read Aquaman and want to get started, it is a good launching pad of an issue. Abnett is a very good writer, and the issue showcases everything that makes Aquaman great in a short period of time. Even without much action, this issue showcases what makes Aquaman such a dynamic character; his role as ambassador, leader, andsuperhero; and his tug of war between the land and sea. Most importantly, the issue underscores his relationship with Mera, which is decidedly one of the best love stories in comics. Anyone who has had any passing interest in Aquaman should give this a read and get ready for what promises to be a good series. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Fortress of Solitude - Cindy Harley Jun 28, 2016

    The illustrations of the characters, surroundings, and sea creatures are awesome. Every detail is looked at with a good eye. Seeing as it is the deep blue sea, the overall look really grabs the reader's attention and is quite satisfying. The story is, in a nutshell, the life of Aquaman; his history and his purpose in life. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Outright Geekery - Eli Funaro Jun 13, 2016

    Overall, Aquaman: Rebirth is a short effective story that sets up this new series. It recalls his past history while constructing a fresh take on his character. New readers will find it easy to follow this comic as it positions the plot at a new jumping off point. Despite popular belief, Aquaman can now be considered cool, and with Jason Momoa portraying him in the movies, I think this King Arthur of the Sea may just become a new fan favorite. With most of the Earth covered by ocean, a guy who rules over that world is no one to be taken lightly. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Pop Culture Uncovered - Ray W Jun 8, 2016

    Aquaman Rebirth #1 is great and is new reader friendly. The writing is superb with introducing him and his supporting cast. The story is good, but the villain's plot is flimsy because its been done before. Also, the story references an old event, but doesnt detract from the story. The art and colors just looks astounding. If youre new to the DC Universe this is a DC Rebirth title worth checking out. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Geeked Out Nation - Grant Raycroft Jun 8, 2016

    Aquaman: Rebirth might be the best Rebirth one shot mechanically. It's a solid introduction to Aquaman's life and the struggles therein. It's lax on strong character beats, which is a shame given Aquaman and Mera tend to have brilliant on panel interaction. The different art teams for this issue is somewhat odd since neither style is remotely similar. I fear it might suffer from what the new run on Batman is likely going to have with serious artistic whiplash between the biweekly issues. This issue does a good reminder on why Aquaman is a character brimming with potential and complexity far beyond lame jokes based on the Super Friends cartoon. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - David Pepose Jun 8, 2016

    The measure of a character can be learned based on the types of adventures they can have, and Abnett and company have opened up Aquaman to a world of possibility. If this debut is any indication, Aquaman might become your favorite soon enough. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Mat 'Inferiorego' Elfring Jun 8, 2016

    Aquaman Rebirth feels geared more towards newer readers than to those who have been following the series for the past few years. That's fine, as the issue does give insight into where the series is headed. However, Aquaman fans may find a lot of the recapping to be a bit dull. Regardless, the series integrates that classic Atlantian lore and mythos into the book, making it feel more like a fantasy than a superhero comic, which will really set it apart from the other DC titles. It's not a perfect start, but there's a lot of potential here. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    Graphic Policy - Brett Jun 8, 2016

    The issue is a solid one that builds off of what's been building for the last few issues, but at the same time really sets forth what feels like a new dynamic for Aquaman. It's a dynamic though that feels natural for the character. This is a comic to watch, and it's one that went from some interest for me to a hell of a lot. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Weird Science - Reggie Hemingway Jun 8, 2016

    Are there any questions you have about Aquaman but were afraid to ask? Well this issue will probably answer them all. Like most of the Rebirth titles, this one establishes the status quo and provides some background for stories going forward. There's a Bad Guy reveal at the end, and you've probably guessed who that is already. The art is great, and the undersea scenes look especially good. It's a nice story that won't light the world on fire, but if Aquaman picks up and turns out to be a whirlwind of a book, you'll wish you had read this issue. Read Full Review

  • 7.5
    Slackjaw Punks - Iron Squid Jun 8, 2016

    Aqua man is kind of..eh? Aquaman is literally just explaining what we know about Aquaman already, again just like Superman Rebirth you can somewhat skip this one and jump right into the Aquaman title. We already know he is the King of Atlantis and trying to bring the surface and water lands together. Honestly, as excited as I was for this one, I was rather disappointed. But, I can say that watching Aquaman beat the crap out of people and proving he is awesome"makes the book enjoyable. Read Full Review

  • 7.3
    Heroes Direct - Eammon Jacobs Jun 20, 2016

    Whilst the writing of the issue isn't necessarily sloppy, it's not exactly up to the standards set by the Green Arrow and Flash issues. Overall, it's a good read but only leaves us slightly interested in what's to come for the Atlantean. Read Full Review

  • 7.2
    Nerds On The Rocks - Newscaster Jun 15, 2016

    Overall this was a good introduction to the King of the Sea and a great interlude for what I see as the season 2 of Dan Abnett's Aquaman story. Read Full Review

  • 7.2
    Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith Jun 12, 2016

    I was really excited for this issue, but after checking it out and seeing a very familiar villain at the end of the book, I am on the fence about jumping in head first to the new Aquaman title. If you haven't check out an Aquaman book before, then this is a great jumping on point, but if you are looking for something new, then I think you will be waiting for the new #1 for the series to hit. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Jun 9, 2016

    This issue serves as a good starting point, but the goal going forward should be to showcase what makes Aquaman new and different in DC Rebirth. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    AIPT - David Brooke Jun 8, 2016

    Well written, looks tight, but doesn't offer much new for longtime readers. Anyone new to Aquaman can find a fantastic introduction to the character here. Everyone else might want to wait for the next issue to see how things develop, because as of now this doesn't feel all that new as much of this recap and old hat. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Dark Knight News - Eric Joseph Jun 9, 2016

    Much like Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1, this is a nice primer, but doesn't teach the already initiated much that is new. I can, however, see new readers really getting a kick out of this. Truth be told, I did enjoy this more than the aforementioned book about the Amazon Princess even if they both were awarded the same score. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    The Pop Break - Marisa Carpico Jun 8, 2016

    Abnett does a lot of smart, nuanced work in Aquaman Rebrith #1 that shouldn't be faulted for how uninventive the ending. Speaking of nuance, by the way, it's important to point out that Aquaman doesn't actually talk to fish. As Abnett notes early on, fish are too stupid to carry on a conversation. So, what Arthur actually does is control fish through a telepathic connection to them. The distinction is, perhaps, a small one, but if the issue strives to convey anything, it's that Aquaman is a good guy even if he's misunderstood. He deserves a little more respect. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    GWW - Enrique Rea Jun 8, 2016

    If you awaken from a decades-long coma or just want to know who Arthur Curry is as it pertains to DC's “Rebirth” initiative then read this issue. If you're a long-standing fan then this issue won't offer anything new except for resetting Aquaman's place in the DC universe. The true test comes in subsequent issues when he must face an old foe. Aquaman: Rebirth is well done but merely a reintroduction of the Aquaman we know and love. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    ComicBuzz - Ernesto Gonalves Jun 30, 2016

    Aquaman: Rebirth reintroduces Aquaman to the DC universe, re-establishing the origin and status of the character while also revealing his greatest foe and motivations. This prologue comic reveals there is still more yet to be seen. Read Full Review

  • 6.5
    SnapPow.com - John McCubbin Jun 10, 2016

    Aquaman: Rebirth #1 isn't likely to win over new readers, but it still gives fans of the character something to hope for. It also sets the stage for the main series, leaving us witha great cliffhanger.Despite this, there wasn't much intrigue or excitement, with my recommendation being skipping this and waiting for the main #1. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comic Book Resources - Marykate Jasper Jun 8, 2016

    All told, "Aquaman: Rebirth" #1 is a good opening that does much of the work needed for the issues to come. While I'd love to see more polish and invention in the "Aquaman" series ahead, this is a solid, easy-to-read start. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Ian B Jun 8, 2016

    Ultimately, Aquaman Rebirth has left me unfortunately underwhelmed in an issue that I was very much looking forward to. There is nothing aggressively bad about the issue, it's just one major exposition dump for new readers that feels like it lacks a lot of the heart that the series usually has. It does, however, set up the story for future issues well, and gives us a better view into the mind of a classic Aquaman character, the one ultimately narrating the book. I look forward to where the series itself will go from here, and believe that the problems of this issue are likely a one-time thing, making me confident that the series itself will definitely be worth checking out. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Nerdist - Eric Diaz Jun 10, 2016

    I'm still looking forward to Dan Abnett's Aquaman series, but this new directions ultimately doesn't seem all that different from what we've had previously"and that's maybe not such a bad thing. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Jun 11, 2016

    Abnett doesn't seem to have anything new or interesting yet to say about Aquaman. Everything in this issue is par for the course. Aquaman struggles to unite the surface world and Atlantis. Aquaman fights off some random, generic sea terrorists. Aquaman and Mera are a team. Black Manta is the villain. He even repeats Johns' original New 52 commentary about Aquaman being a joke to the surface world because he "talks to fish". There's nothing particularly bad with the issue, it's just not very interesting. This would be textbook Aquaman, if anybody ever cared enough to write a text book about Aquaman. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    411Mania - RobF Jun 16, 2016

    Of all the Rebirth issues to date Aquaman falls to the bottom of the list. (Green Lantern has been the worst in my opinion) It is by no means bad but for seasoned readers like me there is nothing I haven't read before. In comparison to the other stories this one doesn't hold a candle to them. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    We The Nerdy - Alexander Handziuk Jun 8, 2016

    There is a moment in the issue where Aquaman asks how far off he is and in the case of this book, the answer is not that far. The fact of the matter is that the ingredients of a great book are all here but the execution is muddled and uninspired. That being said, the introduction of Black Manta as the formidable villain that he is, salvages what could have been a completely wasted issue.My advice to you fair reader, is to wait until the #1 Issue of Aquaman because Abnett and the rest of the team can do better and Aquaman as a rebirthed character, deserves better. Read Full Review

  • 4.5
    Doom Rocket - Jarrod Jones Jun 8, 2016

    It's a snooze of a debut that damn-near negates its purpose almost immediately. I'd make a fresh water joke here, but after reading Aquaman: Rebirth #1 I just don't have the energy. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    The Kliq Nation - Timdogg Jun 8, 2016

    While I was underwhelmed with Aquaman Rebirth #1, I still have high hopes for Aquaman overall. This will be my first time reading a story arc pitting Aquaman versus Black Manta. Hopefully we'll get Black Manta's son Kaldur'ahm since he appeared in DC Universe: Rebirth #1. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Noah Sharma Jun 16, 2016

    Ironically, Aquaman: Rebirth is kind of dry. There are plenty of little morsels to pique interest, but overall it feels stiff and unspectacular. Artistic and editorial issues seriously weighed the book down and Abnett's attempts to demonstrate the breadth of Aquaman's appeal end up feeling more like a rehash than a rebirth. The issue does succeed in starting to define Atlantean culture and politics and those interested in seeing Aquaman as a political thriller may do well to return for issue #1, but this prologue lacks the excitement or joy to buoy it and it sinks, pulled down by the weight of its ambitions. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    All-Comic - Derek Baker Jun 9, 2016

    Hopefully, Abnett can find a groove and put some his better ideas to good use. Until that time comes, Aquaman is still hard to recommend to anyone other than huge fans. If you dont like the character, this comic is not going to convince you otherwise. Read Full Review

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