Aquaman #4 – Jeremy Adams, Writer; John Timms, Artist; Rex Lokus, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: Much like his work on Green Lantern, Jeremy Adams’ work on Aquaman can be defined in one word – widescreen. He loves huge set pieces, big villains, and crazy actions – as well as unexpected twists and turns. And it doesn’t get more unexpected than Lori Lemaris, Superman’s mermaid girlfriend from his college years, returning as a villain. Along with her fellow mermaids, she’s in thrall to the dark God of the deep, Dagon. This mysterious villain is behind the disappearance of Atlantis – and Mera and Andy with it – and now she’s successfully taken Arthur captive. Trapped in the bowels of Dagon’s ship and chained with magical chains, Arthur begs for answers about his family, and is menaced with vague statements. Desperate to get free, he manages to use his powers in some truly unique and clever ways – but getting free is just the first part of the coming battle.
That’s the best thing about this series – Adams is thinking about Aquaman’s world in a way few writers do. We see the full capabilities of his new aquakinesis, and there are some amazing widescreen battles that show off just how crazy a battle in this undersea setting can be. The only problem this issue has is that it reads really, really fast. It’s all one big, crazy segment that builds towards the next big event which will play out next issue. Arion and Vivienne are intriguing new additions to the series, as these magical beings are Arthur’s tutors as he enters a strange new world of magic and myth. By the end of the issue, I’m definitely left wanting more – and that’s the mark of a good title. I’m hoping we get some answers about the rest of the cast soon, but this series is expanding Aquaman’s world and his rogues gallery in the biggest way we’ve seen in a very long time.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
