Emperor Aquaman #17 – Jeremy Adams, Writer; John Timms, Paolo Vilanelli, Artists; Rex Lokus, Colorist
Ray – 9.5/10
Ray: Aquaman’s quest through the Lighthouse continues, as he searches across the universe to find other water planets and create a united ocean. After last issue’s battle to liberate a crustacean planet, he’s on to his next adventure – which is causing some consternation back in Atlantis. Some traditionalists are grousing that the Emperor is acting recklessly, putting Atlantis in danger. And Mera wishes he was spending more time with him and their daughter. Arthur has even turned his back on his villains, allowing Lollana to conspire with Black Manta for their next big attack. But right now, Arthur is busy traveling into deep space, into a strange ecosystem that seems to consist of writhing tendrils. Arthur doesn’t recognize it – but his traveling companion does. Arthur is in space with Jarro, the beloved tiny Starro spore, and the little guy recognizes it immediately as the feared Father Star, the genesis of all Starros.
Jeremy Adams is taking a huge risk here. Jarro is one of the most popular new characters in the DCU, and most people love him when he’s dressing up in a Robin suit and calling Batman dad. But this isn’t that Jarro. This Jarro is older, and is more aware of who and what he is. He was raised by Batman to value life – and he sees his species as an evil plague that wants to wipe out everything good in the universe. When the Father Star awakens, Jarro is forced into action – and he seeks to do something that might not only turn Aquaman on him, but alter his entire trajectory in the DCU. It’s kind of like giving Jeff the Land Shark a villain arc, and I would be dubious – but it is written very, very well and feels completely in character. Ultimately, Jarro is still a good being, and that’s what drives him to extremes, but his conflict with Aquaman this issue is one that isn’t easy to unpack.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes
