[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Dan Abnett
Penciller: Scot Eaton
Inker: Wayne Faucher
Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb
Summary
As promised last issue, Mera is to undergo instruction in Atlantean tradition to prove her worthiness to be the queen. As Mera meets the Widows of Atlantis, Aquaman is finding his time away from Mera distressing and is not looking forward to months of the same.
It’s not long before Aquaman is faced with the “thing” that N.E.M.O. has unleashed. It’s a giant humanoid creature treading mightily but steadily towards Atlantis. Aquaman and the Drift attack, appearing to hurt it. But, apparently it has a healing factor and it is not down for long. Mera hears the alert sirens and is desperate to leave the Tower of the Widowhood. This doesn’t sit well with the Widows, claiming it is a sign of Mera’s unworthiness that she’s just a pretty girl from Xebel and not worthy of being Queen of Atlantis.
As Aquaman and the Drift continue to fight the thing, it slowly sheds its outward appearance and Aquaman figures out the it’s the Shaggy Man, and the Atlantean army figures out that Atlantis is not the target, the Shaggy Man is heading towards Amnesty Bay, Aquaman’s hometown on dry land!
Positives
N.E.M.O. has finally struck against Aquaman and this subplot is showing signs of paying off. What’s a really nice piece of plotting is the way Abnett is able to continue to work a subplot along side the main story. As the N.E.M.O. subplot becomes the main plot, Mera’s quest to prove herself worthy is not the subplot. Additionally, the subplot has enough meat to it that it cannot be ignored. For Mera, she’s really got to show exhibit her discipline to prove her worthiness and not let her get distracted by what’s going on with Aquaman.
Negatives
Not a lot to find fault with as this series rolls on.
Verdict
Aquaman continues to be a strong title and Abnett is challenging the characters with conflict that forces them to reveal something about their quality. There’s also some innovation with the particular storylines. While Aquaman has always dealt with some of the same themes over the years, Abnett has found a way to embrace the traditional take on the character but tell a new story with some different angles.
