This story is basically a stand alone issue for Sue RICHARDS with a bit of Reed spread throughout (I mean that literally as Reed has never looked sillier).

We're expected to believe that Reed Richards covers the entire planet in arrows made of diamonds, that somehow haven't had a tectonic movement in 8 billion years.

Sue RICHARDS won't drink the water because she'd... rather die?

Later, they have Doom on his heels and then the FF just stop thier attack allowing Vic to psuedosciencebabble his way to victory.

And Doom's new tactic of time manipulation? Stolen straight from Rick & Morty's "The Vat of Acid" episode (which was taken from a Futurama episode).

These last two issues rely completely on forced plot devices that North sets up just for the specific needs required to move this story.

That said, I'm beginning to think that North isn't so much the problem as it is the editorial team. The letters page apologizes for a massive creator credit problem from last issue and if they're that sloppy with credits, that might explain why my favorite Marvel team suffers on and on and on from poor story telling.

Never been a Ramos fan but he's hasn't been too bad - but then he draws Sue RICHARDS when she tries to protect the team in a field in such a laughable way that's it's not even funny.

As for my capitalization of Sue RICHARDS in this review, she is called that on the credit page, but then in the recap just below it, it's back her maiden name - heck even Reed (twice) refers to her by the name she hasn't had since 1965!

Just sloppy. more

An enjoyable read, but I can see how some may not rate it too highly either...
***SPOILER***
Namely the fact that Black Manta so quickly goes from "I hate Aquaman, because he killed my father" to "I hate the Crime Syndicate, because they washed my father's body away." Kind of a cheap and silly revenge tale. However, they only had one issue to work with, so they did what they could. The nod to Ocean Master, who will appear in the next issue, was a neat tie-in. more

Prelude:
After that skip of #20 that I won't be covering, let's continue with Death of a King. Hopefully Johns fixes the problem of Arthur and the Ice King (apparently Dead King now?) being barely featured in this issue.

The Good:
I do like the Xebel sub-plot and exploration.

It's very overwhelming (See The Bad) but I think it's designed to be that way. Arthur is King now and has to deal with the consequences of his actions or inactions unlike when he was just a superhero.

It's good that Vulko knows whats going on and that if Arthur talked to him first, he could have better dealt with the Dead King.

Pelletier's art was good like always. He's a consistent artist and it shows.

The Bad:
We've got too many plots running at the same time. There's the Dead King, Orm's Rescue and Scavenger's Attack. It just feels like too much.

Conclusion:
While I do really like this story, it feels too crowded. I think the Scavenger is just a bit too much to have at the same time. more

Prelude:
Last issue was quite strong but Johns needs to sell me on the Ice King. Luckily though, this issue looks to be about him so let's see how it goes.

The Good:
This is a really great issue for worldbuilding. Topo, Swatt and Xebel are the main ones here and they work to great effect.

The Orm side-plot is interesting especially from both sides.

Pelletier's art was good this issue.

That cliffhanger looks promising.

The Bad:
Arthur feels like a side character this issue. It's a small problem but a problem nevertheless.

The Ice King still isn't interesting but we've seen very little of him.

Conclusion:
Johns uses this issue to progress Atlantis' worldbuilding but at the cost of the Ice King and Aquaman's stories. more

Nice start to the new arc. Johns Aquaman has been a stellar run and this issue continues the great writing. Lots of build up and ongoing ends being tied up still make for a great issue for one slowing down to build up to something new.

Prelude:
It's officially the last arc of Johns' Aquaman, Death of a King. Johns has been killing it so far so let's see how he starts this final arc.

The Good:
I like the inner turmoil within Atlantis regarding Arthur.

It's interesting that Mera's crimes earlier in this series is coming to root now, but it ties together with humanity's worry about Atlantis.

The Atlantis cast is really interesting from Murk, Tula and Vulko.

Pelletier's art is good but it struggles to stand up to Reis'.

The Bad:
Bit concerned for the unknown villain currently.

Conclusion:
This is another strong issue from Johns that shows the scars from Throne of Atlantis. However, I am concerned with this arc's choice of villain but it is early days still for that. more

Prelude:
While it's included in the Aquaman: Death of a King trade, Aquaman #17 works as the epilogue for Throne of Atlantis. Let's see where Johns takes this.

The Good:
I love how Johns deals with the fallout from Throne of Atlantis. The Surface is on edge, understandably I would say, and Atlantis is struggling with Arthur as King who is a major change from Orm.

I liked the art in this issue from Paul Pelletier. It worked well for this issue.

I'm intrigued with the cliffhanger.

The Bad:
It is a much slower paced issue with a lot less happening but that is also what the series needed.

Conclusion:
While the progression itself is low, this is a strong issue after Throne of Atlantis dealing with the fallout from that volume. more

Prelude:
It's the final issue for Throne of Atlantis. As is fitting both Reis and Pelletier are pencilling this issue so let's see how Johns wraps it up.

The Good:
First of all, this art from Reis and Pelletier is amazing. They really capture the sense of war that this arc requires.

Arthur and Orm's battle was great. It really highlighted their perspectives on Atlantis, The Surface World and each other.

"I AM YOUR KING!"

Vulko's actions and motives are believable. He does think he's doing the right thing and it's interesting to see a character like that. Ultimately, this story is about people making sacrifices to achieve a greater good.

This crossover will have consequences for both series, but most definitely Aquaman and I love it.

The Bad:
Nothing at all.

Conclusion:
A great ending to Throne of Atlantis which also helps to set up the future for Justice League and Aquaman. It's just a modern masterpiece really. more