Review: Aquaman #2
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Jeremy Adams
Art: John Timms
Letters: Dave Sharpe
Colors: Rex Lokus
Reviewed by: Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
Aquaman finds himself in a strange world only to be attacked and captured. An old Atlantean helps him discover the extent of his water powers allowing him to take the fight back to his jailer!
Positives
Right out of the gate, Jeremy Adams shifts direction with the apparent “Omega Gate” seen in issue #1‘s finale. Aquaman recognizes what it is, but it isn’t the main thing. Instead, Adams goes in a completely different direction as he introduces us and the King of the Seven Seas to the Blue (has also been called the Clear- see Swamp Thing Vol. 2 #158). Think the Green, the Red, the Rot…. It’s that sort of thing. Arthur is attacked and jailed by Jenny Greenteeth. Jenny is in need of Aquaman’s water, the water in his body. The landscape in which Aquaman has found himself is overgrown apparently a landscape that was formerly underwater. Jenny Greenteeth is stilla mystery, but she’s clearly connected to this land in some way. It doesn’t seem like she’s an avatar of the Blue, and she looks more like an aspect of the green. She’s an interesting addition right away, as is the concept of the Blue.
Adams impresses immediately by (re)introducing the concept of the Blue which fits perfectly in Aquaman’s milieu. At first I thought it was going to somehow connect to the Lady of the Lake and “The Waterbearer” storyline. However, the Blue may be a more satisfying concept. Adams once again shows that he is able to bring in aspects of the DC Universe that fit a character and find ways to develop them and the character. This is just the beginning, but his track record on The Flash and Green Lantern demonstrate Adams’ skill so we shouldn’t be surprised.
I’m not going to give away the identity of the other prisoner Aquaman finds himself with at the end of Aquaman #2. It’s an Atlantean from the DC Universe that will be familiar to some. It’s another great move by Adams as he brings in existing characters who may not have been seen in a while. It’s a fun surprise and proves to be a compelling addition to this storyline. Adams also drops a few hints that this story will eventually lead back to Darkseid and the New Gods.
Negatives
None of this issue takes place in the water, so that’s a little strange, but it’s ABOUT water. It’s just a small thing. There is the slightest fear that Aquaman will retain Mera’s water powers. It also seems a bit convenient that this power switch is EXACTLY what Aquaman needs to function in this new conflict. Otherwise, it would really be Mera’s story. Don’t want to see her sidelined….
Verdict
Aquaman #2 is a very, very good issue. It’s a definite improvement over last issue, and feels like it might’ve worked better as a first issue. It gets the reader excited and engaged immediately. Plus, there’s some interesting additions to Aquaman’s world with the Blue and the mysterious Atlantean. All in all, this is what should be expected from Jeremy Adams. I expressed faith in his writing in the review of last issue, and it has paid off in the very next issue!
