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Aquaman by Peter David #0
Aquaman: Las crónicas de Atlantis
Edición original DC Comics: The Atlantis Chronicles núms. 1-7 USA.
Este es el relato de Orin y Shalako, de sus descendientes y de una nación orgullosa que se vio dividida entre la ciencia y la magia. Es el país que, en un futuro, dará origen a Aquaman, uno de los principales héroes de la Tierra. Pero antes de eso, no serán pocos los conflictos que acecharán a unos habitantes condenados a sumergirse en el fondo del mar.
Las crónicas de Atlantis es un relato intemporal realizado por el guionista Peter David y el dibujante español Esteban Maroto, una obra maestra de DC Comics que influyó de forma decisiva en la renovación que el propio David realizaría de la mitología de Aquaman en la década de los noventa.
El cómic de superhéroes siempre se ha nutrido del folclore y la mitología, y Las crónicas de Atlantis es una de las mejores muestras de cómo se combinan ficción y tradiciones a fin de generar un contexto único para las aventuras de un Aquaman que, al principio de esta historia, ni siquiera ha nacido.
Este es el relato de Orin y Shalako, de sus descendientes y de una nación orgullosa que se vio dividida entre la ciencia y la magia. Es el país que, en un futuro, dará origen a Aquaman, uno de los principales héroes de la Tierra. Pero antes de eso, no serán pocos los conflictos que acecharán a unos habitantes condenados a sumergirse en el fondo del mar.
Las crónicas de Atlantis es un relato intemporal realizado por el guionista Peter David y el dibujante español Esteban Maroto, una obra maestra de DC Comics que influyó de forma decisiva en la renovación que el propio David realizaría de la mitología de Aquaman en la década de los noventa.
El cómic de superhéroes siempre se ha nutrido del folclore y la mitología, y Las crónicas de Atlantis es una de las mejores muestras de cómo se combinan ficción y tradiciones a fin de generar un contexto único para las aventuras de un Aquaman que, al principio de esta historia, ni siquiera ha nacido.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1990
21 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,567 books1,363 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 14, 2022
Shockingly fantastic story and a must-read for Aquaman fans!
Ok, I took one look at all the tiny little word boxes on these pages and inwardly groaned. Usually, having to slog through the tedious wah, wah, wah stuff in wordy comics is enough to make me shut the book and never open it again.
But once I started reading this, I couldn't put it down!
This isn't an Aquaman story, it's the story of how Atlantis came to be. All the questions you ever had about it are answered! Why did they sink? How did they survive? How are they able to breathe underwater? Why do some Atlantians have mermaid tails? Why was Aquaman's blonde hair considered a bad omen? Why can only he communicate with aquatic animals?
IT'S ALL HERE, PEOPLE!!
And it's told in an incredibly interesting way, too.
The whole thing is part soap opera, part action movie, part love story, part mystery, and a teeeeeny bit of soft porn thrown in for good measure.
I was, admittedly, less enthusiastic about Peter David's Aquaman, but even that had a what the hell just happened?! sort of readability that made it hard to put down.
This? This was just a cool as hell story about Atlantis.
Highly Recommended for Aquafans
Ok, I took one look at all the tiny little word boxes on these pages and inwardly groaned. Usually, having to slog through the tedious wah, wah, wah stuff in wordy comics is enough to make me shut the book and never open it again.
But once I started reading this, I couldn't put it down!
This isn't an Aquaman story, it's the story of how Atlantis came to be. All the questions you ever had about it are answered! Why did they sink? How did they survive? How are they able to breathe underwater? Why do some Atlantians have mermaid tails? Why was Aquaman's blonde hair considered a bad omen? Why can only he communicate with aquatic animals?
IT'S ALL HERE, PEOPLE!!
And it's told in an incredibly interesting way, too.
The whole thing is part soap opera, part action movie, part love story, part mystery, and a teeeeeny bit of soft porn thrown in for good measure.
I was, admittedly, less enthusiastic about Peter David's Aquaman, but even that had a what the hell just happened?! sort of readability that made it hard to put down.
This? This was just a cool as hell story about Atlantis.
Highly Recommended for Aquafans
May 23, 2019
A very mature DC comic for its time. Written in the early 80's, it's a generational tale of the royal family of Atlantis filled with infighting, rape, murder, war, incest, and intrigue. Peter David fills in the gaps of how Atlantis sank and why the people of Tritonis are mer-people while those of Poseidonis are still human. Spans all the way to Aquaman's birth. Esteban Maroto's art is reminiscent of Steve Bissette or Gary Giani.
March 8, 2018
Peter David's The Atlantis Chronicles is phenomenal. It remains a great read today, and it has to have been utterly unprecedented when it was released.
Totally irrespective of the DC universe, it's an amazing book. This is an epic, generational comic that tells the story of the fall and rise of a civilization. There is little else like it in comic form, and especially little else that simultaneously stays so focused on characters, giving it a strong foundation that keeps the epic storytelling relatable.
The Atlantis Chronicles also plays with unreliable narrators, giving the stories even more depth.
As a DC comic, The Atlantis Chronicles acts as a great backstory for Aquaman and his Atlantis. Sadly, a lot (perhaps all) of this has been lost to DC's constant reboots. However, when it was released, The Atlantis Chronicls immediately offered up a cornucopia of story seeds for Aquaman, based on cultures, characters, and their history.
Altogether, an intriguing and fun book full of mysteries and drama.
Totally irrespective of the DC universe, it's an amazing book. This is an epic, generational comic that tells the story of the fall and rise of a civilization. There is little else like it in comic form, and especially little else that simultaneously stays so focused on characters, giving it a strong foundation that keeps the epic storytelling relatable.
The Atlantis Chronicles also plays with unreliable narrators, giving the stories even more depth.
As a DC comic, The Atlantis Chronicles acts as a great backstory for Aquaman and his Atlantis. Sadly, a lot (perhaps all) of this has been lost to DC's constant reboots. However, when it was released, The Atlantis Chronicls immediately offered up a cornucopia of story seeds for Aquaman, based on cultures, characters, and their history.
Altogether, an intriguing and fun book full of mysteries and drama.
September 24, 2018
Big props to the true Queen of Atlantis Goodreads, Anne, for recommending this as I doubt I would have given it a chance even had I seen it on Hoopla without her excellent review here.
Fun happy underwater adventure times this is not, more like Amphibious Game of Thrones:
Peter David's tale covers literal millennia of Atlantean lore, and the thing I liked best about it was how each arc was narrated by a different chronicler with his/her own inherent biases that sometimes were at odds with the actual events being depicted on panel. An ambitious storytelling approach for early '90s comics to say the least!
The downside, for me, was how the artist and writer skimmed over some of the practical details of life under the sea- the characters walk around rather than swim, for example, and the battles seem more Tolkien than Thunderball.
Fun happy underwater adventure times this is not, more like Amphibious Game of Thrones:
Peter David's tale covers literal millennia of Atlantean lore, and the thing I liked best about it was how each arc was narrated by a different chronicler with his/her own inherent biases that sometimes were at odds with the actual events being depicted on panel. An ambitious storytelling approach for early '90s comics to say the least!
The downside, for me, was how the artist and writer skimmed over some of the practical details of life under the sea- the characters walk around rather than swim, for example, and the battles seem more Tolkien than Thunderball.
May 28, 2025
Atlantis Chronicles by Peter David and Esteban Maroto is nothing short of amazing.
When I started reading, I wasn't sure what to expect. The 1990s weren't always kind to comic books, but this series feels like it could have been written in any era and still be incredible. We go way back to how Atlantis was essentially born, with the initial focus on brothers Orin and Shalako. These two based their lives on very different ideals: Orin, a man of science, worked to advance his people, while Shalako, a man of faith, prayed to the gods. Eventually, their beliefs would clash, but until then, they were protectors of one another.
When Atlantis sank into the depths of the ocean, Orin focused on ensuring his people adapted. This tale was so intriguing, giving an in-depth look at a ruler trying his best, sometimes making the right choices, and sometimes the wrong ones.
The story spans years and years, with generations born and growing, experiencing betrayal, death, and even rape. All of it is included here. The family drama at its finest, mixed with political intrigue, sets the tone and atmosphere of the entire book, and I could not put it down.
This is simply one of the best comics I've read based around Aquaman, and it's not even about Aquaman himself. But you learn so much of the history that you can't help but want more. I will say the last two parts of this seven-part epic are noticeably weaker, but still good. It's just that the first five issues are extraordinary.
This is one you should NOT miss. A 4.5 out of 5.
When I started reading, I wasn't sure what to expect. The 1990s weren't always kind to comic books, but this series feels like it could have been written in any era and still be incredible. We go way back to how Atlantis was essentially born, with the initial focus on brothers Orin and Shalako. These two based their lives on very different ideals: Orin, a man of science, worked to advance his people, while Shalako, a man of faith, prayed to the gods. Eventually, their beliefs would clash, but until then, they were protectors of one another.
When Atlantis sank into the depths of the ocean, Orin focused on ensuring his people adapted. This tale was so intriguing, giving an in-depth look at a ruler trying his best, sometimes making the right choices, and sometimes the wrong ones.
The story spans years and years, with generations born and growing, experiencing betrayal, death, and even rape. All of it is included here. The family drama at its finest, mixed with political intrigue, sets the tone and atmosphere of the entire book, and I could not put it down.
This is simply one of the best comics I've read based around Aquaman, and it's not even about Aquaman himself. But you learn so much of the history that you can't help but want more. I will say the last two parts of this seven-part epic are noticeably weaker, but still good. It's just that the first five issues are extraordinary.
This is one you should NOT miss. A 4.5 out of 5.
April 21, 2017
I know this is not the current history used for Aquaman in the DC universe, but is has already been my favorite. Epic multi-layered history of Atlantis and Aquaman's family are weaved nicely throughout the series. I admit it a soap opera in comic form with all the love interests, betrayals and intrigues. The art is not the standard comic book style art but it fits the story well. Very recommended
February 20, 2018
Fabuloso.
July 1, 2014
Reseña de Daniel Gavilán para Zona Negativa:
http://www.zonanegativa.com/antologia...
Antología básica de Peter David 3: Crónicas de Atlantis
Considerada por muchos como la mejor etapa del señor de los Océanos, la forma más indicada para aproximarse a su andadura al frente de las aventuras del personaje es -contra todo pronóstico- una maxiserie en la que no aparece Aquaman. Con el magnífico dibujo de Esteban Maroto, estos siete números nos adentran en el pasado de Atlantis, narrándonos una saga de tintes mitológicos en el que nos descubre generación tras generación, los secretos sobre el legado y la maldición de la nación sumergida, y como los pecados de su pasado han determinado irrevocablemente el destino de sus herederos.
(Reseña completa en http://www.zonanegativa.com/antologia... )
http://www.zonanegativa.com/antologia...
Antología básica de Peter David 3: Crónicas de Atlantis
Considerada por muchos como la mejor etapa del señor de los Océanos, la forma más indicada para aproximarse a su andadura al frente de las aventuras del personaje es -contra todo pronóstico- una maxiserie en la que no aparece Aquaman. Con el magnífico dibujo de Esteban Maroto, estos siete números nos adentran en el pasado de Atlantis, narrándonos una saga de tintes mitológicos en el que nos descubre generación tras generación, los secretos sobre el legado y la maldición de la nación sumergida, y como los pecados de su pasado han determinado irrevocablemente el destino de sus herederos.
(Reseña completa en http://www.zonanegativa.com/antologia... )
September 15, 2022
Easily in my DC Top 5 and one of the most brilliant origin stories I’ve ever read. And it might even be true!
I don’t know why so few reviews mention this: An archaeologist and theologist named Dr. R.K. Simpson discovered these stories after they washed up on shore in Israel. No kidding! He took his findings to his colleagues, but because they were written on an impossible-for-its-age waterproof paper, and the general tinfoil hat nature of Atlantis, they refused to believe they were authentic. And no scholarly publisher would print his findings. So he did what any sane person would do: go to DC.
Long story short, this may actually be the story of Atlantis. It’s a multi-generational epic of love and war, science and magic, belief and disbelief. And it makes a lot of sense!
I don’t know why so few reviews mention this: An archaeologist and theologist named Dr. R.K. Simpson discovered these stories after they washed up on shore in Israel. No kidding! He took his findings to his colleagues, but because they were written on an impossible-for-its-age waterproof paper, and the general tinfoil hat nature of Atlantis, they refused to believe they were authentic. And no scholarly publisher would print his findings. So he did what any sane person would do: go to DC.
Long story short, this may actually be the story of Atlantis. It’s a multi-generational epic of love and war, science and magic, belief and disbelief. And it makes a lot of sense!
February 2, 2018
Beautifully drawn and lushly coloured, it's the plotting that lets this series down. The dialogue and writing are well up to Peter David's usual standards, but the story is overly episodic, with long gaps separating its various chapters and little clarity about when the book's three main sections occur in relation to one another. The individual sections are each very good, especially the first and longest of them (although that's also the one that embraces one of the very worst of the grimdark era of comic's tropes), it's just that they don't entirely cohere into a whole. A flawed but absolutely gorgeous to look upon work.
July 27, 2013
"Ya te dijeeeee. Me gustó y listooooo. Es muy lindo y tiene patitos y zumbudrule. Ahora dejame en paz" Dijo el gran Esteban con respecto a esta historia.
August 1, 2019
En este cómic conocemos por qué se sumergió Atlantis y como sus habitantes consiguieron sobrevivir bajo el agua.
Seguimos una saga familiar que comienza con dos hermanos, Orin, regente de Atlantis, y Shalaka. Sus ideales totalmente opuestos los llevarán a estar enfrentados hasta el punto de originar la división del pueblo. Es una historia de venganza, odio, ambición, amor y muerte.
Hay cosas que me han hecho apretar los dientes en alguna que otra ocasión y el dibujo en ocasiones me ha fastidiado un poco, sobre todo a la hora de representar a las mujeres. En fin, interesante si se tiene curiosidad sobre los orígenes de la ciudad y el pueblo atlante.
Seguimos una saga familiar que comienza con dos hermanos, Orin, regente de Atlantis, y Shalaka. Sus ideales totalmente opuestos los llevarán a estar enfrentados hasta el punto de originar la división del pueblo. Es una historia de venganza, odio, ambición, amor y muerte.
Hay cosas que me han hecho apretar los dientes en alguna que otra ocasión y el dibujo en ocasiones me ha fastidiado un poco, sobre todo a la hora de representar a las mujeres. En fin, interesante si se tiene curiosidad sobre los orígenes de la ciudad y el pueblo atlante.
March 17, 2021
Prince Valiant under the sea. This was fun myth making even if it did take itself a bit too seriously. A mature comic for it's day and the story still holds up.
January 23, 2018
I was very happy to see this available as a hardcover book. I hope a lot of people buy it ahead of the upcoming Aquaman movie. You can clearly see some of the inspiration for the movie's version of Aquaman in these stories. The look and feel of Atlantean architecture and armor was established in this series, although it has undergone some changes since then.
I read the original comic books years ago, but I launched in and read the stories again. The writing holds up fairly well. The art is still attractive, but in some places it might seem either too tame (for people who now have access to European-style comics) or too exploitative (for people who respect women characters as equals not as objects).
The biggest change is in the coloring. The new printing of these stories is luminous. Almost like a stained glass window in some places. I found it oddly appropriate because this is -- in essence -- the mythological legend of the founding of the comic book version of Atlantis. So it has the effect of church windows or an illuminated manuscript in some places. The bright colors give a very different effect compared to the original newsprint stories. the original books suggested a certain murkiness or darkness, like you might have under the sea. And, knowing my fellow comic book fans, some older readers might be put off by the new tones.
All around, though, I think it was totally worth the purchase.
I read the original comic books years ago, but I launched in and read the stories again. The writing holds up fairly well. The art is still attractive, but in some places it might seem either too tame (for people who now have access to European-style comics) or too exploitative (for people who respect women characters as equals not as objects).
The biggest change is in the coloring. The new printing of these stories is luminous. Almost like a stained glass window in some places. I found it oddly appropriate because this is -- in essence -- the mythological legend of the founding of the comic book version of Atlantis. So it has the effect of church windows or an illuminated manuscript in some places. The bright colors give a very different effect compared to the original newsprint stories. the original books suggested a certain murkiness or darkness, like you might have under the sea. And, knowing my fellow comic book fans, some older readers might be put off by the new tones.
All around, though, I think it was totally worth the purchase.
February 23, 2022
Una historia de conflictos familiares mezclados con la formación de una nación entera. No aparece aquaman, eso que quede claro, pero vendia más su nombre, supongo. El dibujo espectacular. En las batallas se luce.
Y por cierto, el comic no se corta un pelo en mostrar todo lo que sea necesario para la historia. Y lo más importante para mi, no trata al lector como si fuera tonto, le deja que el discurra, y que decida si lo que ve es mito o realidad (dentro de ese mundo, claro)
Y por cierto, el comic no se corta un pelo en mostrar todo lo que sea necesario para la historia. Y lo más importante para mi, no trata al lector como si fuera tonto, le deja que el discurra, y que decida si lo que ve es mito o realidad (dentro de ese mundo, claro)
October 13, 2024
Tomo 59 del coleccionable tanto en orden de salida como en la contratapa, rarísimo
También tenía la colección completa con las 7 revistas de Zinco pero no sé si las vendere ahora que tengo el tomo correspondiente del coleccionable H&V.
También tenía la colección completa con las 7 revistas de Zinco pero no sé si las vendere ahora que tengo el tomo correspondiente del coleccionable H&V.
June 19, 2024
Es inevitable que al pensar en hacer ejercicios narrativos en DC de retrotraerse al linaje y pasado remoto de los grandes superhéroes de su cosmogonía, o bien se acuda al Hombre de Acero y su destruido y añorado planeta Krypton (o la historia campechana de los Kent), se piense en otros parajes del cosmos DCitas como Nueva Génesis, Thanagar o OA... Y si se piensa de forma terrenal, las Themyscira de las Amazonas puede pensarse en un primer momento más que tirar de lógica de echar un vistazo a los océanos que son lo que más domina la Tierra. Y precisamente, el superhéroe acuático por antonomasia DCita está ligado a la hundida Atlantis. Uno de los parajes míticos más universalizados, y en el que la editorial logró dedicarle el espacio que se merecía con esta propuesta que aún enmarcándose en su universo superheroíco, dista mucho de ser un relato convencional en esos términos. No solo por prescindir de la presencia de Aquaman hasta que los hechos nos llevarán inevitablemente a su alumbramiento como esplendoroso futuro de Atlantis. Peter David junto a Esteban Maroto y el color de Eric Kachelhofer, llevan la premisa de plasmar una longeva crónica que atestigua la historia de Atlantis desde los prolegómenos y evento que la lleva a hundirse en las profundidades del mar. Al curioso proceso de adaptación de estos habitantes para asumir su nuevo reino en las profundidades, que conlleva a las primeras rencillas tanto reales como religiosas y de a pie, que tanto marcan y caracterizan las crónicas históricas. De tantos detalles a descubrir que aludirán totalmente a Aquaman, lo que de verdad sorprende de Las Crónicas de Atlantis, es que se logre implicar totalmente al lector con este nuevo tapiz con personajes o bien nuevos, o al menos de personalidad desconocida al ser apenas mentados o aparecidos de forma pre-Crisis en la historia editorial hasta ese momento. Con Orin comenzamos una saga que empieza a recogerse por escrito y que nos conducirá a décadas y generaciones que pagarán los platos rotos de estos fundadores de Atlantis. Por supuesto hay un notable dramatismo y crudeza en lo que acabará aconteciendo en los palacios coralinos y que derivará en los campos de batalla entre algas y cachalotes. Para esto es clave la personalidad gráfica de Esteban Maroto. Con ese estilo y trazo curtido en publicaciones de la editorial Warren que aún tirando de ambientes siniestros, siempre se buscaba generar un cierto realismo en los personajes y sus expresiones. Esto otorga a las narraciones planteadas por Peter David un mayor poderío e incluso reverso tenebroso al permear varios dejes aún más siniestros en cuanto al guion deja margen con la presencia de actos oscuros y de verdadera brujería. Realmente con la aún existente fiebre de historias de fantasía de intrigas palaciegas y nobiliarias sustentadas en el macro negocio a partir de lo referente a la Canción de Hielo y Fuego de George R. R. Martin. Es el mejor momento para redescubrir esta obra (más con accesibilidad total como la edición de coleccionable con la que lo he disfrutado).
El trabajo de defender la premisa de Las Crónicas de Atlantis pasa tanto por caracterizar cada una de las diversas narraciones de varios períodos temporales (evidentemente no hay un solo cronista en toda esta historia), como de añadir ciertos textos a mayores que plantean que Peter David realmente solo está "adaptando" cierta documentación escrita sobre una investigación que establece como real Atlantis y sus manuscritos a modo de crónica histórica. Dejando claro que la misma DC acabó contagiándose totalmente del entusiasmo al encarar este proyecto. Del cual ojalá poder tener más ciclos a día de hoy.
El trabajo de defender la premisa de Las Crónicas de Atlantis pasa tanto por caracterizar cada una de las diversas narraciones de varios períodos temporales (evidentemente no hay un solo cronista en toda esta historia), como de añadir ciertos textos a mayores que plantean que Peter David realmente solo está "adaptando" cierta documentación escrita sobre una investigación que establece como real Atlantis y sus manuscritos a modo de crónica histórica. Dejando claro que la misma DC acabó contagiándose totalmente del entusiasmo al encarar este proyecto. Del cual ojalá poder tener más ciclos a día de hoy.
May 12, 2025
The prelude to Peter David's run on Aquaman is fantastic!!
While this book has Aquaman in it's title he is not really here (just a few panels as a baby).
What do you get in this book?
The story of Atlantis from the time it was on the surface to the birth of Aquaman.
How is it told?
The story it's not told in a standard fashion, but instead we get a glance at the fictional book called "The Atlantis Chronicles" where different chroniclers tell the tale of Atlantis. Each issue shows a 'chapter' written by a different chronicler, and each of these have different writing styles and tell different parts of the story of the sunk city (sometimes using theirs views and sometimes telling a slightly changed story from what they saw/lived). This book is later referenced in the first issue of the Peter David's Aquaman run (Time & Tide) when Aquaman is reading his and Atlantis origin.
Summary
If you are a DC or an Aquaman fan please do yourself a favour and read this.
This is clearly a 5/5 story without even using any known character.
Also this is a must-read if you plan on reading Peter David's Aquaman.
While this book has Aquaman in it's title he is not really here (just a few panels as a baby).
What do you get in this book?
The story of Atlantis from the time it was on the surface to the birth of Aquaman.
How is it told?
The story it's not told in a standard fashion, but instead we get a glance at the fictional book called "The Atlantis Chronicles" where different chroniclers tell the tale of Atlantis. Each issue shows a 'chapter' written by a different chronicler, and each of these have different writing styles and tell different parts of the story of the sunk city (sometimes using theirs views and sometimes telling a slightly changed story from what they saw/lived). This book is later referenced in the first issue of the Peter David's Aquaman run (Time & Tide) when Aquaman is reading his and Atlantis origin.
Summary
If you are a DC or an Aquaman fan please do yourself a favour and read this.
This is clearly a 5/5 story without even using any known character.
Also this is a must-read if you plan on reading Peter David's Aquaman.
January 5, 2018
I really got surprised by this book, In the same way Hawkworld surprised me, it is a well written book that gives more sense to the Atlantis myth and gives a fine start point to Aquaman. The Chronicles offer really good material to create some really great things in the future of the character, some are been used and some are not but if DC wants to build great characters in their movies this is a good source without a doubt.
I have been reading Aquaman comics since I was a kid, but never know about the existence of this books (To my knowledge, it was never printed in spanish, or in México) but I just love the classic feel, starting with the design and the really nice art by Esteban Maroto, but also with the adaptation of Peter David, if you like some other work of him (Incredible Hulk, X-Factor) I´m sure you will enjoy this one.
I´m aware that this books are for the comic book reader that enjoy characters like Aquaman, that sometimes are under the radar and in this case are a punchline for jokes. To be honest, one of the things that draws attention is how the "talk to fish" is explained with historical arguments and to me, makes sense.
Have fun reading it.
I have been reading Aquaman comics since I was a kid, but never know about the existence of this books (To my knowledge, it was never printed in spanish, or in México) but I just love the classic feel, starting with the design and the really nice art by Esteban Maroto, but also with the adaptation of Peter David, if you like some other work of him (Incredible Hulk, X-Factor) I´m sure you will enjoy this one.
I´m aware that this books are for the comic book reader that enjoy characters like Aquaman, that sometimes are under the radar and in this case are a punchline for jokes. To be honest, one of the things that draws attention is how the "talk to fish" is explained with historical arguments and to me, makes sense.
Have fun reading it.
October 20, 2022
A wonderfully enjoyable piece of fiction. I have to add 'a piece of fiction' because the graphic novel is interspersed with essays by "Professor R K Simpson" explaining how the Chronicles were discovered, how they are the basis of many world mythologies and how they came to be published in this format. This concept is continued throughout and the fact that the good Professor is a complete invention is at no point even hinted at (spoiler he is an invention).
Although this is an Aquaman novel the superhero himself does not appear, this is an origin story for the Atlantis from which he was born (you have to known Aquaman to understand 'from which' and not 'in which') This is pure and simple a mythological origin story and you can enjoy without any hint of superheroes, so long as you can accept the basis of the Atlantis story.
All in all, as I said, a very enjoyable fantasy and highly recommended if you like mythologies.
PS I read this in hard copy but this does not appear to be listed anywhere but I am holding a copy!
Although this is an Aquaman novel the superhero himself does not appear, this is an origin story for the Atlantis from which he was born (you have to known Aquaman to understand 'from which' and not 'in which') This is pure and simple a mythological origin story and you can enjoy without any hint of superheroes, so long as you can accept the basis of the Atlantis story.
All in all, as I said, a very enjoyable fantasy and highly recommended if you like mythologies.
PS I read this in hard copy but this does not appear to be listed anywhere but I am holding a copy!
December 12, 2024
Wow, a prime example of how a great writer can elevate a comic to its highest potential.
This book looks boring, features no characters that are widely known, doesn't have good artwork and the lettering looks terrible as well. And yet the writing is so stellar that it outshines everything else.
As many older comics do, it features lots of text boxes and dialogue. This would be tedious to read in other books, where I prefer an approach of showing and not telling. Yet in this book it's compelling to read on and on. I couldn't stop reading and wanted to know what happens next.
What makes this even more impressive is the circumstances of this book: An archaeology professor finds the Atlantis Chronicles on the shores of Isreal, written on waterproof paper. None of the scientific journals believe him and so he approaches DC Comics to adapt the chronicles into a comic.
I bought this Deluxe Edition solely for the purpose of preparing for the upcoming Peter David Aquaman Omnibus and after reading this, I cannot wait.
Hats off to the incredible writing talent of Peter David!
This book looks boring, features no characters that are widely known, doesn't have good artwork and the lettering looks terrible as well. And yet the writing is so stellar that it outshines everything else.
As many older comics do, it features lots of text boxes and dialogue. This would be tedious to read in other books, where I prefer an approach of showing and not telling. Yet in this book it's compelling to read on and on. I couldn't stop reading and wanted to know what happens next.
What makes this even more impressive is the circumstances of this book: An archaeology professor finds the Atlantis Chronicles on the shores of Isreal, written on waterproof paper. None of the scientific journals believe him and so he approaches DC Comics to adapt the chronicles into a comic.
I bought this Deluxe Edition solely for the purpose of preparing for the upcoming Peter David Aquaman Omnibus and after reading this, I cannot wait.
Hats off to the incredible writing talent of Peter David!
April 17, 2019
Empecemos por un aviso, en este cómic no aparece Aquaman por ningún sitio. El título es un simple reclamo para que cualquier lector un poco despistado caiga en sus redes. Dicho esto, sinceramente no creo que esta maravilla de cómic necesite del reclamo de ningún superhéroe.
Es cierto que aunque Aquaman no tenga nada que ver con este cómic su lectura es una buena manera de conocer toda la mitología que rodea a este personaje y entender un poco mejor las motivaciones de los Atlantes.
Toda esta introducción es para deciros que me ha encantado estas "Crónicas de Atlantis" y que son una lectura altamente recomendable. Es verdad que quizás el dibujo puede echar para atras a algunos lectores que están aconstumbrados a un estilo más "milenial" pero en mi opinión Maroto ha hecho un trabajo soberbio.
La única pega que le pongo al volumen es que quizás los últimos capitulos son un poco más apresurados y el final aunque satisfactorio nos deja con ganas de mucho más.
Es cierto que aunque Aquaman no tenga nada que ver con este cómic su lectura es una buena manera de conocer toda la mitología que rodea a este personaje y entender un poco mejor las motivaciones de los Atlantes.
Toda esta introducción es para deciros que me ha encantado estas "Crónicas de Atlantis" y que son una lectura altamente recomendable. Es verdad que quizás el dibujo puede echar para atras a algunos lectores que están aconstumbrados a un estilo más "milenial" pero en mi opinión Maroto ha hecho un trabajo soberbio.
La única pega que le pongo al volumen es que quizás los últimos capitulos son un poco más apresurados y el final aunque satisfactorio nos deja con ganas de mucho más.
May 26, 2019
Even if you don't know or care about Aquaman, DON'T WORRY. This is NOT an Aquaman comic, despite the retitling of the collection. It's only loosely related, as this is the story of the Atlantean royal family loooong before Aquaman was born.
What a fucking journey. I didn't expect this to be quite as good as it was. Multi-generational stories can be tricky, but it's pulled off expertly here. This is a millennia-spanning story of mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters, and all of the complex relationships that are inherited over time. It's a true epic, with both sci-fi and fantasy stylings holding it together. This is really the first time I've seen the comics medium really successfully tackle the concept of a fantasy epic, like Lord of the Rings and its kin. It's just wonderful. Recommended for literally anyone, regardless of your comic experience, DC experience, or Aquaman experience.
What a fucking journey. I didn't expect this to be quite as good as it was. Multi-generational stories can be tricky, but it's pulled off expertly here. This is a millennia-spanning story of mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters, and all of the complex relationships that are inherited over time. It's a true epic, with both sci-fi and fantasy stylings holding it together. This is really the first time I've seen the comics medium really successfully tackle the concept of a fantasy epic, like Lord of the Rings and its kin. It's just wonderful. Recommended for literally anyone, regardless of your comic experience, DC experience, or Aquaman experience.
July 31, 2023
Ho letto quest'opera di Peter David ed Esteban Maroto probabilmente fuori tempo massimo, e senza aver letto praticamente nulla dell'Aquaman di David.
Devo dire che si sentonon gli anni trascorsi nello stile di narrazione, ma per me David rimane un ottimo sceneggiatore. Maroto come disegnatore lo conosco (artisticamente) da un paio di decenni, ed è un disegnatore che non mi ha mai deluso. In particolare quando disegna figure umane, le femminili, riesce sempre a cogliere l'essenziale con un tratto pulito.
Forse la parte peggiore dell'opera è la colorazione, che tende a coprire troppo il disegno, specialmente nei primi due-tre capitoli.
Quindi 3 stelle, con la possibilità che aumentino qualora riuscissi a recuperare e leggere l'Aquaman di Peter David.
Devo dire che si sentonon gli anni trascorsi nello stile di narrazione, ma per me David rimane un ottimo sceneggiatore. Maroto come disegnatore lo conosco (artisticamente) da un paio di decenni, ed è un disegnatore che non mi ha mai deluso. In particolare quando disegna figure umane, le femminili, riesce sempre a cogliere l'essenziale con un tratto pulito.
Forse la parte peggiore dell'opera è la colorazione, che tende a coprire troppo il disegno, specialmente nei primi due-tre capitoli.
Quindi 3 stelle, con la possibilità che aumentino qualora riuscissi a recuperare e leggere l'Aquaman di Peter David.
January 29, 2019
Collects The Atlantis Chronicles issues #1-7
There were parts of this that I liked better than other parts, but overall, this has the feel of a classic comic book. In this epic, we get the full history of Atlantis, going back many, many centuries. There seems to be a sense that this story brings us all the way to Aquaman's origin, however I may be missing something because this isn't the origin of Arthur Curry that I remember.
This took me a while to work through, but I really enjoyed this fictional history. There is plenty to mine here for future Aquaman stories.
There were parts of this that I liked better than other parts, but overall, this has the feel of a classic comic book. In this epic, we get the full history of Atlantis, going back many, many centuries. There seems to be a sense that this story brings us all the way to Aquaman's origin, however I may be missing something because this isn't the origin of Arthur Curry that I remember.
This took me a while to work through, but I really enjoyed this fictional history. There is plenty to mine here for future Aquaman stories.
June 13, 2018
I skipped this series when it came out back in 1991 because, well I don't know why. Over the years I heard many good things about it and I picked up the Deluxe Edition hardcover when it came out and I was glad that I did. Aside from setting down the history of Atlantis (and therefore Aquaman) in the DC Universe the book is just a GREAT fantasy story with gorgeous artwork from comics legend Esteban Maroto.
May 9, 2025
En ningún momento he podido desprenderme de la sensación de estar contemplando un dibujo y una narrativa arcaica. Tampoco han envejecido bien los guiones: una historia de líos y tramas palaciegas que se suceden en la genealogía y que , hoy en día, no causan impacto emocional alguno. Si acaso, ciertas reacciones y comportamientos me resultan histriónicos y pueriles.
Y el coloreado, menudo horror. Estropea muchísimo los lápices de Maroto (que tampoco son excelsos).
Y el coloreado, menudo horror. Estropea muchísimo los lápices de Maroto (que tampoco son excelsos).
May 31, 2021
Menuda maravilla de historia. Creo que es de lo mejor que he leído no solo en DC sino en los cómics en general. Con un guión maravilloso de Peter David y los trazos agresivos de Estaban Maroto (dibujante español), nos cuentan la historia de Atlantis como si fuera una gran epopeya al nivel de la Ilíada, la Odisea o Ben Hur. Solo que esta historia abarca milenios. MARAVILLA ABSOLUTA
March 12, 2019
What an absolutely stellar collection of stories. This is as good as comics get. Reads like mythology, only Atlantean rather than Greek, Norse or Egyptian. Reignited my passion for everything Aquaman-related.
July 4, 2025
I was a little skeptical at the start because the book seemed a little dated, but it quickly grew on me. It's definitely one of the best comic books I've ever read, a story encompassing several generations as the kingdom of Atlantis develops culminating in Arthur's birth.
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