Jeff Parker with Paulo Pelletier and Netho Diaz take Aquaman through the ringer with this gargantuan, crustacean Atlantian kaiju leading up to a possible confrontation with Dr. Shiro and Tritan.
Positive
Aside from the continuation of DC’s surprise hit, a set up to what appears to be a fantastic arc. The issue wraps up the fate of the Atlantis’s crab beast with some typical Aquaman fashion. More of Aquaman’s past is delved into exploring some questions many might have for his father’s reasoning for staying at an auto-mated lighthouse. The father simply wishes to spend time with his child, maybe this hints at Aquaman’s father possibly knowing the future fate of his son. Wow, kind of tragic when one thinks of scenarios like that.
*Spoilers*
It would seem Parker is setting us up for an exciting arc in the future. If fans pay attention to the downed crusty crustacean beast (I love saying that) they would notice that a panel or two tends to linger on the goop soaked trident. Did Tritan get their hands on some kaiju crab goop or are they shooting for Aquaman’s trident? Granted it appears in the next page, but notice how Arthur (Aquaman) lingers on it for a second before Mera draws him away? Smells like trouble!
Negative
The only negative is the negative that persists throughout most of the New 52 line up, and I mean what appears to be a “developing” house style based around Jim Lee’s unique style. House styles were a staple in the past, now they just seem so outdated and lazy. Let the creators breathe!
Score: 4/5
Though it’s not a standalone book, it still offered a satisfactory kaiju crab butt whooping that many fans will enjoy. Parker is setting fans up for a nice Aquaman vs. government agency arc in the future and maybe Pelletier and Diaz will come into their own. Aquaman deserved a distinct and fresh look that Ivan Reis brought to the book.
