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I'll be back

Not bad but nothing memorable for me.  I'm starting to think we have to get the real #1's to know if we like these or not.  The Rebirth issues aren't much more than catch up issues,

I think this was the epitome of an Aquaman comic. And sadly, I just don't think I am in for it.

There is nothing bad here, like Jeff said. Nothing really great either, other than being exactly the comic it needs to be. It is a comic about the king of the oceans and this is what kind of stories I think we will/should get. Again, I just don't think I am the audience for this character. Not this way. Not the correct way.
If you are however, this will be a good version of Aquaman for you to read about, this aquatic Aquaman.

I may come back to see if he starts becoming more of a land hero, but he really does need to be a water hero again. At least for a few years I think.

For what this was, it was good. But for me, about an average comic.

6 outta 10 Hunger Game Atlantis Zones
 :)

Issue #1 (Regular series)

Okay, not bad. About the best Abnett book I have read in sometime, as sad as that is to say (he has really not wow'd me lately).

This is a typical first issue, setting up the new themes (like the Embassy) and staging new characters (one of which I hope we didn't lose already as I enjoyed his brief appearance).

While there is nothing special here, the art is serviceable, if not kinda neat and the writing is good for the topic. I have to keep in mind how hard a sell Aquaman is by the nature of his water-world, isolated as it is, so I try to keep that in mind when reading. Aquaman also suffers, like a lot of characters I like (Moon Knight especially) for not having the best rouges gallery to pull from. You mostly get either Ocean Master or Black Manta. I will not spoil what villain shows up here, but I am sure you know it maybe one of those two. Yeah?
 ;D
Sure, there ARE others like the Fisherman or Dagon or a few others, but ... yeah. Black Manta or Ocean Master.

I mean much like my complaint with Doomsday or Luthor being the only Superman villains we see at the start of any "new" Superman product, Aquaman has the same dreaded reappearance of foes, so you know going in there is a 50/50 shot at who the "bad guy" will be. And if we are honest ... honest in our agreement that Ocean Master kinda sucks ass as a villain, the percentage is actually more of a 80/20 split.
 :D

Still, this issue was much better than the Rebirth issue if nothing else, though that wound't have been too hard in my opinion.
 :D

6 outta 10 Cries of "Can we bring back the Malignant Amoeba?"
 :D

Issue #2

This book needs to be the first "Rebirth" book that drops back to once a month publishing. This book may be worth $2.99 a month, maybe, but it damn sure isn't worth $6 a month. It's not. The end of this just made no sense what-so-ever. How can you have that much anger and that much dedication and then ... ?

Ugh.

I also think that our boy Abnett needs to run right out and apologize or except an apology from Lanning, as he is just killing his solo career. He hasn't been good on much.

Dude, get the band back together, ASAP!!!

5 outta 10 resolutions that make you scratch your head.
 :-\

Gotta agree Perry.

Every writer in the last 12 years continues to make the same plight and plot for Aquaman. Since no one, to a small degree, gives a shit about the character (truly, like me ;D), then go nuts!!

I mean, Peter David was allowed to do that, and look at his run! It actually climbed charts! It's looked at as a wonderful, seminal run on the book! Aquaman truly became badass!!

I think more than anything, I'm sick of watching Aquaman wear his own popularity on his sleeve the way his fans have to when they say they like him and others laugh. But, this A-man has also been an incredible ass of a king to the Atlanteans ever since he came back in the New 52. It's no wonder they've always thought about ditching him.

Indeed, Jimmy. He can have great stories, I know he can, but ... man, I just get so frustrated watching a character I like not have a good book. He is almost back to being the brunt of jokes, but not for just being who he is, but for being a character no-one can get a hold of and have a good long run with.

Maybe if they kept him by a lake instead of by an ocean?  :D :D I mean, I live by the ocean so I feel comfortable around it, but maybe it is the vastness of that body of water that comic fans in Kansas just can't enjoy or get a grasp on?

 :D :D :D

Maybe if we put him by a lake, make him a camp councilor? Jason or no Jason ... just get him some fresh water?  :D



 

Issues 3 & 4

Perry is right.

It's a damned stupid, and poorly written that these gov't men just yell stupid inanities at A KING OF SUPERHUMAN PEOPLE about them bombing their ship and doing it to make the USA look stupid. Seriously, is that man Trump himself? And by the way, he's totally a member of this NEMO group; not that this is an element we can't see coming. And much like the foolish trope of the right hand man in Green Arrow being the betrayer, then yes, this stupid trope will come to pass.

And I know that Arthur needs to tow the line between human and Atlantean, but man, he seems like a silly pussy by letting this arrest happen and be this meek, foolish puppy. Between issues 3 & 4, it's just a poor sequence of events that attempts to create tension which is only "accomplished" as long as everyone is an utter moron, and no one thinks before acting.

Absolutely, buddy. Good points, all.

And the thing with Manta now, after the bull at the end of issue #2, is now ... Arrhh.
Whatevs (as my daughter use to say)
 >:(

Aquaman #6
Titled "The Drowning: Conclusion" ... or as I call it ... "Perhaps there's hope"

This was not bad. Not bad at all. Aquaman vs Superman and Aquaman didn't back down. I think this may be, no, I know it is the best issue of the series. Aquaman actual felt regal in this issue. He even drives an "I AM KING" statement home with perfection.

Really looking forward to the next issue now.

7 outta 10 - Tag Teams Wrestlers
 ;D

Aquaman #8

Better, but not the best or amazing.

As I've said before, I'm sick of an Arthur who waffles as a king (although, he's done better in the recent 2 issues), but it always seems like he never puts Atlantis and it's cultures at his forefront at all. I'm glad to see Mera is attempting to learn and grow-

AH HA.

Maybe that's what bugs me!! Arthur jsut doesn't seem to learn and grown in his kinghood! (that's what I loved on PAD's and Jurgens run on the Aquaman title).

I want to see this guy be more than just a surface dweller who happens to be king-I want him to be Atlantean as well. Perhaps that growth will come.

If this pedestrian way of inciting a world war between the US and Atlantis doesn't ruin the book.

Issue #9

And this issue continues Jimmy's description ... "better but ..."  ;D

Although I will say that the ending was great. Loved it.

One thing I do like about what Lanning is doing on this book is bringing us more in touch with the people of Atlantis. I am not too familiar with most of them, I know there have been writers to do this before, but I can appreciate Lanning bringing me (a relative newbie) into Arthur's underwater world, his people ... making his world bigger ... allowing for future stories to be not, necessarily, about Aquaman, but the people in his life. Aquaman should have stories about his Lois Lanem but more than that. What about Aquaman's Jimmy Olson? Aquaman's Batcave? Aquaman's power battery. Yeah, I like what Lanning is setting up here.

7 outta 10 "What's in your wallet?"s
 :D

Issue #10

Alrighty !! good stuff. Great art, compelling story, just all in all a good comic. From cover to close I enjoyed the heck out of this. Love Mera here.

Yep, this is a good Aquaman arc.

8 outta 10 - aquatic visions
 :)

Uh oh. Am I about to spend more money?

 :D

It's good, not sure if it is let's spend $6 a month good yet.

The art is awesome though. So crisp. Story is good too, but hit or miss as a series. Better of the Abnett stuff I will say that.
 :-\

Issue #9

Still a good issue. I like it. Although, it's a bit of forcing the issue, again, to show how Aquaman is still the picked on guy, but is still so strong, and 'look at what he can do!' but hey, a smart ending to the whole thing nonetheless!!

Issue 10...& 11?

Seriously?

As for Black Manta, I hate him anyway (just for overuse) so everything he does irks me. But yes, that was above understanding how he so easily ... did what he did.

The other point, I just loved how Aquaman finally showed that while he respects Superman, he damn sure doesn't need to bow to him. Loved that he stood his ground and got some licks in.

Yes the "they are doing THAT again" aspect is frustrating, but it was pretty much setup to happen since issue #1 so we knew it was coming.
 ;)

I think the book is getting better, though long time fans may have more issues that I do  :) but with current Abnett writing, that could change issue to issue. Hell, it could change page to page.
 :D

Aquaman #12

Seriously, how do you come back from this:

Good point, Jimmy
How do you come back from that?

Not knowing, and a total different situation I know, but how did they handle San Diego being underwater all those years ago? Not saying it was the same "war" type structure (was it?) or anything close to it, but just curious as that was the first city I can recall that had massive deaths of people in continuity (was it?  ;D)

Were there any DC cities destroyed (IE massive deaths) like this prior in DC and how was it resolved?

Ha, nothing like someone trying to get you to write a comic manifesto, huh?  :D

Issues 13-15

I think I'm actually beginning to fall in line with this war. That much of it is, dare I say it, making sense thematically, without being insulting? Either that, or I got to read so many in a row, that the weak parts of the story were made up in bulk reading.  :D

It's just too bad that no one ever writes Arthur as a truly great king-or even a good one. I have to go back to PAD and Dan Jurgens for that. *sigh*

Also going Monthly !!???!

Looks like it, but with Sejic's art on the title, monthly is just fine with me. Love his stuff

Just saw (on BC) that Sejic will be doing the art on Suicide Squad #20.

WTF?

So he is only on Aquaman for an issue .. or two (hopefully)?

Well crap on a stick!!!
 >:( >:( >:( >:(

And now I have to read a freaking Suicide Squad comic?

DAMN YOU, DC!!!!!

Right? Is he only on for a new kick start to the writing direction only?

Yeah, I don't know. Just really bummed.  :( I know DC isn't to blame. He is a busy guy and probably just wants to jump around a bit, but still ... I was really looking forward to his art on here for at least 6 issues. I just think his style would work so well in an underwater environment ... thought this was going to be one of those great "Art meets perfect subject" kind of things
 :'(

Of course maybe his art will suck and all of this  ...  Naaaahhhh :D :D ;D

Okay, now I'm really confused.
No comments, please
:D

Just saw this on June 2nd's the Rundown (Multiversity Comics) =


"...the new regular “Aquaman” artist Stjepan Sejic will be taking over “Suicide Squad”#20 for Eddie Barrows and Eber Ferreira"
 ???

So just a fill and back to Aquaman?

Why can't he do two books?  I'm confused by your confusion.   ;D

 :)

Well he may be able to do two issues in a month, but I haven't seen an artist do two titles a month since ... man ... who was the last one to do that? Jerk Byrne? Maybe? J.R.Jr? Capullo (before DC?)

Just saying if Sejic started Aquaman and then is doing Suicide Squad a month or two later, it would seem he may have stopped doing Aquaman to do the Squad. I hope not!! I hope he ripped out the Squad comic before joining Aquaman and it is just coming out after his new gig or he is indeed fast enough to do what Perez use to do. Or heck, remember Kirby and his 6 titles a month.
 :)

Ah - lazy Millennials.   :D :D :D :D :D

(Just kidding for those of you who are Millennials)   ;D

 ;D
YEAH!!!

I would yell for you Millennials to get off my lawn, but you young'ins are so lazy that I would have to wait for you to go to your Uber app and request a ride before you could move !!!!!

 ;) :D :D

Aquaman #25

Guys, go get this book. Truly a wonder to behold. Stjepan Sejic makes the underwater world of Atlantis freaking glow with colors (as yes, he does the pencils, ink and colors!!!!!) and Atlantis comes alive with truly great structure presented by this fantastic artist.
This is a new start, but it does continue on Aquaman's latest exploits that has been happening in the book, but it is also a great jumping on point as all you need to know is ... well ... let's just say Arthur has been deposed (I guess you should try and find issue #24 to see the last few pages before reading this, but read this you must. YOU MUST!!!

I've been reading this Aquaman for awhile, but having this artist on the title has popped this book out of the land of "it's okay" and blasted it into the stratosphere of "Now THAT is a comic!". Even Abnett's writing seems so much better now. Really, it does. You just have to gaze upon this issue.

A must buy

9 outta 10 - wonderments of the sea
 :)
(buy issue #24 with this #25 and enjoy ... enjoy to the fullest)

EDIT, for Jeff ... and others
 :D
Buy #24 for $3 HERE (https://www.comixology.com/Aquaman-2016-24/digital-comic/504908?ref=c2VhcmNoL2luZGV4L2Rlc2t0b3Avc2xpZGVyTGlzdC9pdGVtU2xpZGVy) and buy #25 HERE (https://www.comixology.com/Aquaman-2016-25/digital-comic/504913?ref=c2VhcmNoL2luZGV4L2Rlc2t0b3Avc2xpZGVyTGlzdC9pdGVtU2xpZGVy) (for a little more, but so worth it)
 ;) :D ;D

Lol.

I think I'm being challenged. I accept!

 ;D
Well only when you have time and money to spare  ;)

This isn't a life changing book, it is still Aquaman after all :D :D But if you are ever in the mood for Aquaman, issue #25 (and possibly #24 to get you caught up) is the way to go.

You shouldn't make room for it, but more keep it in mind
 :)

#25

Where was this writing the last 10 issues? Where was this Abnett, who here took his time to lay out a realm, and it's mythology and life, instead of just cramming stuff in, and making it all about yelling hokey things at the king? Issue 24 actually was pretty good, which did come after a decent #23, but I'm happy to see how everything seemed to slow up a bit here, and take it's time to breath and do something well with it.

I cannot remember how to spell Slujvedic's name (I'll get there!), but damn, I'm immensely impressed with how everything came off in this issue!!

Loved to see

I KNOW !!!!

And yes, I also enjoyed both #23 and #24, but you're correct, this was just something else. On another level. Almost like the goods f ... dare I say it ... Abnett AND Lanning!!!!
 :D


 :D and don't forget Sejic (his last name, the easier name to spell and remember  :D) also inked and colored this issue. A true artist rendition


I am not fimlliar with it, but glad it made you happy
 ;D :)

I picked up issues 24 & 25 as challenged aaaaaaaand........

I liked it!  Both story and art.  I'm adding this to my Wish List and will get at least this arc. If it stays this good I'll likely be on board for awhile.   :)

Nice!!! Hope this lasts for a good bit.

Issue #26's cover with Mera was out of freakin' sight!!! Gorgeous. Certainly a cover of the week (Which I am thinking about starting here)

The story was also tight, continuing our adventure of a on the run king and his beloved. Getting more Dolphin and Vulko now. Me likey. Though I hope that Abnett doesn't make the Dolphin/Arthur connection. I like Mera, want her to stay, let's not screw with that, okay?

EDIT - THIS (http://www.theouthousers.com/images/jce/IvCNuB4/2017/07/AQ26_cov.jpg) is the cover that blew me away!!!

I agree. That cover is amazing!

Issues 26 & 27

The art in these issues is amazing.  And Abnett's story is compelling as well.

Issue 26

Issue 27

Yep - totally on board this series for awhile.

Not enjoying the current arc and art for Aquaman but the new Mera mini is off to a GREAT start.

Being so behind, then reading the last 4 issues interspersingly to catch up, I'm actually on board with how this continually is developing and moving forward. I'm really onboard with this still, and honestly, I don't have complaints either. Especially with not how things have changed so for Rath!!

Is Aquaman cancelled?  I don't see any solicits after next months issue 38.

No, it's there

AQUAMAN #39
written by DAN ABNETT and ROB WILLIAMS
art by VICENTE CIFUENTES
cover by RAFA SANDOVAL
variant cover by JOSHUA MIDDLETON
Guest-starring Task Force X, and continuing from SUICIDE SQUAD #45, also on sale this month! After Atlantis rises to the surface once more, Aquaman finds himself outnumbered and outgunned when Amanda Waller sends in the worst of the worst—the Suicide Squad—to send the Lost City straight to Hell in “Sink Atlantis!” part two!
ON SALE 08.15.18
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES
FC | RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
Please see the order form for details.

and in September -

AQUAMAN #40
“SINK ATLANTIS” FINALE!
GUEST STARRING THE SUICIDE SQUAD!
written by DAN ABNETT and ROB WILLIAMS
art by VICENTE CIFUENTES
cover by RAFA SANDOVAL
variant cover by JOSHUA MIDDLETON
The finale of “Sink Atlantis”, the four-part crossover with the Suicide Squad! The undersea kingdom of Atlantis is overrun with black-ops super-villains; a dethroned ex-King of the Seven Seas; and a former assassin-mermaid from the Bermuda Triangle, all locked on a collision course! The Suicide Squad, Aquaman and Mera: no holds barred!
ON SALE 09.19.18
$3.99 US | 32 PAGES
FC | RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
Please see the order form for details.

I know MY last issue will be #38, before this crossover, however, so in a way, for me, I guess I should have just answered "yes"
 :D

Lol.  I should have said "Answer doesn't matter" because 38 is my last issue too.  Just wanted to make sure it was the finale of the arc.   :D

 :D :D
Good jump point for us both then
 :)

So Kelly Sue DeConnick is coming on the title and will make Arthur more "Momoa" looking. Oh, and another, new origin! YAY!!!

No ... wait ... why is ...

Oh well. I will still try it because I am a big two whore of the Nth degree, but ... I mean ... what if Aquaman the movie flops? Will Arthur's origin and look return to normal or what is normal or what is Aquaman or what ...?
*head spinning*

LINK (https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/07/27/aquaman-comic-to-be-momoa-ized-with-the-coming-of-kelly-sue-deconnick-and-robson-rocha/)

UGH.


NO.

I'm not entirely keen on her writing. I tried her very first Captain Marvel stuff-twice-and still could read past issue 10.

Her initial arc sounds interesting-it could fit in anywhere and read well. Matching the character to the movie would be a grieviously stupid mistake.

If the rumors are true, I should say with a caveat. 😎

True, but I have read it about from a couple different sources now, and although that still doesn't prove anything, it adds a tad more credence than just the known rumor mill site

 ;D