Review: Aquaman #5
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer:Â Jeremy Adams
Art:Â John Timms with Jefferson Sadzinski
Colors:Â Rex Lokus
Letters:Â Dave Sharpe
Reviewed by:Â Matthew B. Lloyd
Summary
Aquaman, Arion and Vivienne find a way to help Captain Nemo retrieve his ship take them to Mera’s location as Aquaman breaks a lot of heads along the way.
Positives
What’s not good about this issue? Well, nothing, honestly. NOTHING. Jeremy Adams continues to build the relationship between Arthur, Arion and Vivienne by focusing on characterization. In Aquaman #5 he also introduces another player, Captain Nemo, Captain of the Nautilus from Jules Verne’s classic novel- 20, 000 Under the Sea. Nemo proves to be a formidable ally against Dagon as our original trio rescue him and his ship. It’s a ton of fun with a lot of excitement and Adams makes sure Aquaman’s character rings true. Â
Adams leaves readers with just a taste of what’s to come as we get a glimpse of an intense and fierce Mera who’s been absent nearly since issue #1. It definitely sets up what’s to come next in this series. I don’t think Dagon is aware of the Tiger Shark he’s got by the tail.
Roy Thomas used to bring in characters from novels into his stories at times, and not just on his Conan work. In Young All-Stars he adapted the work of Philip Wylie for Iron Munro and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Maelstrom.” Adams is so far effectively doing the same thing with Captain Nemo. It’s a lot of fun and it enhances the scope of this series and all things connected with the sea.
I recently reviewed DC Finest: Aquaman- The King of Atlantis, and one of the enjoyable aspects of that collection is seeing Aquaman as a protector. This current run is slowly sliding into that world as we see Aquaman extending his reach to ALL watery domains. It’s fairly subtle, but there is a definite connection. This adds to the feeling this series brings to Aquaman’s character. He’s feeling more and more classic and it’s a great approach.
Negatives
Yeah, Aquaman #5 just doesn’t have any negatives.
Verdict
Those familiar with Jeremy Adams work on titles like The Flash and Green Lantern shouldn’t be surprised that Aquaman #5 is a great issue. As the story progresses, Adams work on the series seems to get better. Great character work, action, excitement, thrills! Stay with this title, Jeremy Adams has found a new approach on the character that while manages to feel fresh while it also encompasses history and classic elements.
