What do you think?
Rate this book
Aquaman (2016) #2
Аквамен. Книга 2: Восхождение Черной Манты
ИЗ ГЛУБИН ЗЛА
Он – Артур, царь Атлантиды, Владыка Океанов, один из основателей Лиги Справедливости, величайший герой... И один-единственный человек вот-вот уничтожит его мир.
Безжалостный террорист в маске, известный как Черная Манта, чье сердце полно тьмы, бездонной, как само море, посвятил всю жизнь цели сокрушить Аквамена. И наконец, он приводит в действие великий план отмщения.
Он выпустит неудержимого гиганта, способного уничтожить родной город героя. Прикажет подводной армии взорвать глубинную бомбу раздора и бойни.
Он стравит между собой два самых могущественных государства – Атлантиду и Америку…
Черная Манта готов к своему восхождению. И вскоре Аквамен, Атлантида и весь мир падут…
Ошеломляющая кульминация легендарной вражды, зревшей десятилетиями, представлена в книге «АКВАМЕН. ВОСХОЖДЕНИЕ ЧЕРНОЙ МАНТЫ» – это обязательная к прочтению глава подводной саги! За нее ответственна целая команда талантливых авторов, в числе которых сценарист ДЭН АБНЕТТ («ТИТАНЫ») и художники СКОТ ИТОН («BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL»), БРЭД УОКЕР («ACTION COMICS») и ФИЛИПП БРИОНЕС («НОВЫЙ ОТРЯД САМОУБИЙЦ»). В сборник вошли выпуски #7–15.
Он – Артур, царь Атлантиды, Владыка Океанов, один из основателей Лиги Справедливости, величайший герой... И один-единственный человек вот-вот уничтожит его мир.
Безжалостный террорист в маске, известный как Черная Манта, чье сердце полно тьмы, бездонной, как само море, посвятил всю жизнь цели сокрушить Аквамена. И наконец, он приводит в действие великий план отмщения.
Он выпустит неудержимого гиганта, способного уничтожить родной город героя. Прикажет подводной армии взорвать глубинную бомбу раздора и бойни.
Он стравит между собой два самых могущественных государства – Атлантиду и Америку…
Черная Манта готов к своему восхождению. И вскоре Аквамен, Атлантида и весь мир падут…
Ошеломляющая кульминация легендарной вражды, зревшей десятилетиями, представлена в книге «АКВАМЕН. ВОСХОЖДЕНИЕ ЧЕРНОЙ МАНТЫ» – это обязательная к прочтению глава подводной саги! За нее ответственна целая команда талантливых авторов, в числе которых сценарист ДЭН АБНЕТТ («ТИТАНЫ») и художники СКОТ ИТОН («BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL»), БРЭД УОКЕР («ACTION COMICS») и ФИЛИПП БРИОНЕС («НОВЫЙ ОТРЯД САМОУБИЙЦ»). В сборник вошли выпуски #7–15.
216 pages, Hardcover
First published April 18, 2017
17 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 2, 2018
3.5 stars
Not too shabby.
I'm going to go ahead and reiterate what everyone else has said about the Mera/Prophecy plot - it's stupid. There's literally no reason for any of it other than to cause wedding drama. Is Abnett dumb enough to drag it out?
I guess I'll find out soon enough.
The Black Manta/ N.E.M.O. thing was cool, though. The whole storyline was pretty action-packed and readably intense. You really get a feel for how much responsibility Arthur has while he tries to juggle being the King of the Fish and a Landlubber at the same time.
I liked that he mended fences with the Justice League but, at the same time, I thought it was kind of silly that he was worried they didn't like him/wouldn't trust him anymore. But whatever. While his reluctance to call on them seemed kinda stupid and just shoved in there for the sake of dragging things out, their reaction to be there for their friend no matter what felt right.
Recommended for Aquafans.
Not too shabby.
I'm going to go ahead and reiterate what everyone else has said about the Mera/Prophecy plot - it's stupid. There's literally no reason for any of it other than to cause wedding drama. Is Abnett dumb enough to drag it out?
I guess I'll find out soon enough.
The Black Manta/ N.E.M.O. thing was cool, though. The whole storyline was pretty action-packed and readably intense. You really get a feel for how much responsibility Arthur has while he tries to juggle being the King of the Fish and a Landlubber at the same time.
I liked that he mended fences with the Justice League but, at the same time, I thought it was kind of silly that he was worried they didn't like him/wouldn't trust him anymore. But whatever. While his reluctance to call on them seemed kinda stupid and just shoved in there for the sake of dragging things out, their reaction to be there for their friend no matter what felt right.
Recommended for Aquafans.
March 16, 2019
Black manta has taken over NEMO and is instigating a war between Atlantic and the US. This is full on warfare with covert ops, giant sea monsters and a secret SPECTRE like organization. It's pretty damn cool. Unfortunately the Mera prophecy subplot is just dumb and just an excuse to cause drama during the wedding plans. WAY too much time is spent on it.
March 22, 2019
Wow, I felt like this was a great story. Dan told a great political thriller in the Aquaman world. The one point I thought was cliche was Mera going to the Temple and all this drama happening about the wedding. Le Sigh. The rest of the story was inspired and so much fun to read. This might be the best volume of Aquaman I have read; it's possible.
I enjoyed Superman's role in the story as Diplomat for Arthur and Atlantis. I wasn't sure if the Justice League was going to fight Aquaman or not, but it was all handled so well. That Black Manta is a helluva character. He is one of the great villains out there. He is psycho. Still, many Americans and Atlantians died in this story. That's a brutal world.
I can't wait for the next one. This story is simply amazing. More Aquaman please.
I enjoyed Superman's role in the story as Diplomat for Arthur and Atlantis. I wasn't sure if the Justice League was going to fight Aquaman or not, but it was all handled so well. That Black Manta is a helluva character. He is one of the great villains out there. He is psycho. Still, many Americans and Atlantians died in this story. That's a brutal world.
I can't wait for the next one. This story is simply amazing. More Aquaman please.
March 7, 2017
Def more even than volume 1. Still not amazing but we're getting there.
The set up is great. Mantis is just pulling the strings and fucking everything up. The United States and Atlantis are at war thanks to him. Aquaman is trying to fix it but no one believes him. The political side to it all, the justice league moments, and the fight where Aquaman vs the deepwater monster are great.
The Mara subplot is just okay. I wish I cared more but I don't. I also hate how this wrapped up so nicely. We could have made this a two part arc where Aquaman has to fix things slowly not just beat the bad guy and it's all over. The last issue is a major letdown.
Overall though a fun title, easy to read, the art looks great. So if like Aquaman check this one out.
The set up is great. Mantis is just pulling the strings and fucking everything up. The United States and Atlantis are at war thanks to him. Aquaman is trying to fix it but no one believes him. The political side to it all, the justice league moments, and the fight where Aquaman vs the deepwater monster are great.
The Mara subplot is just okay. I wish I cared more but I don't. I also hate how this wrapped up so nicely. We could have made this a two part arc where Aquaman has to fix things slowly not just beat the bad guy and it's all over. The last issue is a major letdown.
Overall though a fun title, easy to read, the art looks great. So if like Aquaman check this one out.
July 7, 2017
Were as the first volume had some seriously rough dialogue this volume picked things up immensely. Art was good, action was great, story was very good also.
February 16, 2018
This series is moving along swimmingly (I just had to use it) and is again pleasantly exceeding my initial expectations. The story-line continues directly from Vol. 1 - which saw Black Manta taking control of oceanic terrorist group NEMO, and he's now planning to instigate Atlantis versus the U.S. warfare - and diplomatic tensions / problems / incidents are kicked into overdrive for our title hero.
Notably, there are also a couple of nicely written scenes featuring the reassuring arrival of some 'superfriends' (hint) to offer assistance when the situation is bleak. Possibly the most interesting part throughout was illustrating that Aquaman carries an unenviable amount of responsibility (king, warrior, JLA member, husband-to-be, etc.) for one superhero.
Notably, there are also a couple of nicely written scenes featuring the reassuring arrival of some 'superfriends' (hint) to offer assistance when the situation is bleak. Possibly the most interesting part throughout was illustrating that Aquaman carries an unenviable amount of responsibility (king, warrior, JLA member, husband-to-be, etc.) for one superhero.
September 19, 2020
It's entertaining, to say the least. The artwork is great too, but aren't they making up more excuses to not letting superheroes and their girlfriends get married?
November 10, 2017
Dan Abnett can really, really write a good Aquaman story, we have learned- and the great news I just saw today is that he will also be writing a Mera solo series , the first time ever Arthur's queen will get her own title, to which I say...
There's plenty in this volume for everyone- James Bond-ian secret undersea societies, conflict between the U.S. Military and an "alien" threat spiralling out of control, Justice League cameos, brutal fights, and contrived conflict between Our Hero and his bride-to-be due to (you guessed it!) wedding planning problems.*
Definitely one of the strongest Aqua-volumes since the Geoff Johns' and Ivan Reis days, highly recommended!
* OK, it was due to a dodgy ancient prophecy about the end of the world, but you know underlying it all it's because it meant they might lose their venue deposit, right?
There's plenty in this volume for everyone- James Bond-ian secret undersea societies, conflict between the U.S. Military and an "alien" threat spiralling out of control, Justice League cameos, brutal fights, and contrived conflict between Our Hero and his bride-to-be due to (you guessed it!) wedding planning problems.*
Definitely one of the strongest Aqua-volumes since the Geoff Johns' and Ivan Reis days, highly recommended!
* OK, it was due to a dodgy ancient prophecy about the end of the world, but you know underlying it all it's because it meant they might lose their venue deposit, right?
April 8, 2017
[Read as single issues]
Aquaman's second big story arc feels like an event-size storyline. With Black Manta in charge of NEMO, he launches a full-scale attack on America and makes it look like Atlantis did the deed, prompting a war between the surface and the sea. It's a story we've seen before, but with Manta's twisted morals behind it all this time, it feels fresh and new.
Mera gets her own sideplot, in which she faces a prophecy that could lead to the end of the world. All she needs to do is not marry Arthur. Because that's nice.
This is great stuff, from start to finish. Abnett marries political intrigue with superheroics and makes it personal along the way to great effect.
Aiding him are Phillip Briones who has made himself the superstar of this book by turning out the most issues the most consistently, and Scot Eaton who's an admirable second on the rotation.
Aquaman strayed a bit after Geoff Johns left, but he's back on top where he should be now.
Aquaman's second big story arc feels like an event-size storyline. With Black Manta in charge of NEMO, he launches a full-scale attack on America and makes it look like Atlantis did the deed, prompting a war between the surface and the sea. It's a story we've seen before, but with Manta's twisted morals behind it all this time, it feels fresh and new.
Mera gets her own sideplot, in which she faces a prophecy that could lead to the end of the world. All she needs to do is not marry Arthur. Because that's nice.
This is great stuff, from start to finish. Abnett marries political intrigue with superheroics and makes it personal along the way to great effect.
Aiding him are Phillip Briones who has made himself the superstar of this book by turning out the most issues the most consistently, and Scot Eaton who's an admirable second on the rotation.
Aquaman strayed a bit after Geoff Johns left, but he's back on top where he should be now.
August 18, 2017
Rehash of ideas is getting old.
World: The art is okay, I would have loved more kinetic splash pages and character detail but overall it did it's job. The world building is a but choppy and too grand for it's own good. I know Abnett wants to tell a grand tale but there is not enough time to world build to make for a good story. The constant jumps to different groups also does not help. N.E.M.O. is alright but could use further development.
Story: It was okay for what it was, a sea vs. surface story, but seriously are we done with these stories in the last couple of years? Yes I know heavy is the crown but is this all the story is there for Aquaman? Can we not have some swashbuckling tales in the sea? We've had Throne of Atlantis and the constant unending sea hates surface and surface racism to the sea...it's getting very old (just like X-Men books). For what it was it was choppy and kinda all over the place and could have been presented better, the scope was too big and Abnett lost control of the story. All the players needed further development, all the politics needs further depth. This book is surface level is what it is. Aquaman deserves a better more deeper book (It feels like the Marvel Now Black Panther run, a lot of potential, poor writing).
Characters: Arthur is Arthur not a lot of depth and we don't get it enough. Yes we know he is torn as a king but please give us some more depth and better court intrigue for him to deal with. Mera and her sidetrack were not good also and the rest of the cast are just not memorable. Manta is done okay, but his organization is also poorly defined and zzz...
This book could have been Game of Thrones in the Sea and if written well could have been good, but it's not. It's not fun enough, or well written enough. Arthur deserves better.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
World: The art is okay, I would have loved more kinetic splash pages and character detail but overall it did it's job. The world building is a but choppy and too grand for it's own good. I know Abnett wants to tell a grand tale but there is not enough time to world build to make for a good story. The constant jumps to different groups also does not help. N.E.M.O. is alright but could use further development.
Story: It was okay for what it was, a sea vs. surface story, but seriously are we done with these stories in the last couple of years? Yes I know heavy is the crown but is this all the story is there for Aquaman? Can we not have some swashbuckling tales in the sea? We've had Throne of Atlantis and the constant unending sea hates surface and surface racism to the sea...it's getting very old (just like X-Men books). For what it was it was choppy and kinda all over the place and could have been presented better, the scope was too big and Abnett lost control of the story. All the players needed further development, all the politics needs further depth. This book is surface level is what it is. Aquaman deserves a better more deeper book (It feels like the Marvel Now Black Panther run, a lot of potential, poor writing).
Characters: Arthur is Arthur not a lot of depth and we don't get it enough. Yes we know he is torn as a king but please give us some more depth and better court intrigue for him to deal with. Mera and her sidetrack were not good also and the rest of the cast are just not memorable. Manta is done okay, but his organization is also poorly defined and zzz...
This book could have been Game of Thrones in the Sea and if written well could have been good, but it's not. It's not fun enough, or well written enough. Arthur deserves better.
Onward to the next book!
*read individual issues*
June 6, 2019
At first I was worried about whether this would be good, because it seemed a bit like a rehash of Geoff Johns's Throne of Atlantis storyline with Atlantis once again on the brink of war with the United States. But Abnett put enough of his own spin on the idea, and in fact, wrote a story that's even more enjoyable, even if it wasn't as action-packed. Arthur playing detective and racing to find proof of the shadowy terrorist group behind the attacks before the US declares war on Atlantis was all very cool and suspenseful. It all plays like a great political thriller set in the Aquaman world! The further exploration of Atlantean mythos and world building is fascinating: The Drift. The Widowhood. The Deluge. All great stuff. Even the story with the Chewbacca-lookin' monster had a cool ending. There's a lot of promise in this series!
August 14, 2017
First things first this volume collects 9 issue's from #7 to #15 which is almost twice the size of most other trade's which average about 5 per volume, basically you get your money's worth, it's also worth noting that there is more dialogue than most other title's too giving a deeper and richer story.
The art is great throughout and I didn't notice when another penciler took over which is always good. The story is equally great and continues on from volume 1. An absolute bargain content wise and would recommend both of the first 2 volume's, especially to new reader's that want to learn a bit more about the character before the justice league film comes out later this year.
The art is great throughout and I didn't notice when another penciler took over which is always good. The story is equally great and continues on from volume 1. An absolute bargain content wise and would recommend both of the first 2 volume's, especially to new reader's that want to learn a bit more about the character before the justice league film comes out later this year.
September 7, 2017
Firstly Aquaman is so underrated he is an amazing character and deserves more recognition. The art in this was amazing but what really shined was the narrative. I was on the edge of my seat gripped the entire way through this Volume and im so excited for more Aquaman, Mera and the rest of Atlantis.
If you enjoy DC i beg of you to give the Aquaman rebirth a read it is amazing, one of my all time favourite DC runs.
If you enjoy DC i beg of you to give the Aquaman rebirth a read it is amazing, one of my all time favourite DC runs.
November 22, 2018
Wat een geweldige serie dit!!!!! Love it ♡
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
www.facebook.com/thebookbabecisz
July 28, 2022
This volume features the machinations of NEMO as they finally succeed in sparking a war between Atlantis and the USA. The Justice League gets involved and we see Aquaman vs. Black Manta yet again.
This is a pretty good story with some political thriller style action, but to me it seems a little silly that the Justice League didn't get involved and put an end to things earlier. They seem too quick to believe Atlantis is behind the attacks even though by now they should know better. You'd think the USA would know better by now too, but I suppose since Atlantis did attack before, probably more than once, it has set a precedent. The subplot with Mera is a little silly but hopefully will eventually have a payoff. The art isn't bad but I liked the art of the New 52 better.
Overall a good approach to a character that many writers seem to struggle to define.
This is a pretty good story with some political thriller style action, but to me it seems a little silly that the Justice League didn't get involved and put an end to things earlier. They seem too quick to believe Atlantis is behind the attacks even though by now they should know better. You'd think the USA would know better by now too, but I suppose since Atlantis did attack before, probably more than once, it has set a precedent. The subplot with Mera is a little silly but hopefully will eventually have a payoff. The art isn't bad but I liked the art of the New 52 better.
Overall a good approach to a character that many writers seem to struggle to define.
September 9, 2018
Episch und gut!
Wenn man bedenkt, dass Aquaman früher der Ostfriese unter den Superhelden war, und sich jetzt manch aktuelle Marvel-Serie eine Scheibe von diesem Run abschneiden kann, muss man sagen, dass Dan Abnett seine Sache verdammt gut gemacht hat.
Wenn man bedenkt, dass Aquaman früher der Ostfriese unter den Superhelden war, und sich jetzt manch aktuelle Marvel-Serie eine Scheibe von diesem Run abschneiden kann, muss man sagen, dass Dan Abnett seine Sache verdammt gut gemacht hat.
May 5, 2017
Aquaman is a rip roaring thrill ride. Dan Abnett continues his stellar DC Rebirth run with the king of Atlantis. We are now fifteen issues into this series and it continues to amaze me. The artwork and colors are done well. This is a great looking graphic collection. Dan Abnett does a great job taking us into the culture and political intrigue of Atlantis. He perfectly balances the action with key character developing moments. It was great to see in this volume loving relationship between Arthur & Mera. They really do complement one another. The conflict between Atlantis and America spirals out of control. Arthur may not be able to rely on even the Justice League to get him out this pickle. Mera has her own trouble as the political counsel of the elder leadership fear her marriage to Arthur aka Aquaman. Soon Arthur faces his mortal enemy Black Manta who is rising in power to destroy Atlantis himself. This was a really exciting read. I can not wait to see what happens next.
November 15, 2017
Art was good, story was full of action, and loved the cameo from Justice League characters. Even though his name is in the subtitle, Manta behind the scenes for much of this volume and the climatic fight scene between him and Aquaman is too rushed.
December 2, 2017
If you're doing a solo Aquaman title and pushing the theme of 'I'm a big boy not and now just a filler member of the Justice League', it really undermines your credibility when the JL is required to come save you from your terrible decisions.
January 1, 2019
Another strong entry in the Rebirth Aquaman series. I like how he has concerns most other DC heroes do not - the rule and care for a sovereign nation. Great read and art - looking forward to Volume 3!
January 10, 2019
A very up and down vol. The story has some good elements but as soon as they appear they quickly disappear. However it never enters the boring zone. Solid and fun art. Im just hoping they find a new story, instead of Atlantis vs Earth, it seems a little cliched.
June 12, 2024
3.5/5
Well written, but a little long for my liking. Lots of dialogue and sometimes it feels like there could be much less. But the art is gorgeous and the overall story is quite interesting. Also Obama is here. Cool!
Well written, but a little long for my liking. Lots of dialogue and sometimes it feels like there could be much less. But the art is gorgeous and the overall story is quite interesting. Also Obama is here. Cool!
October 30, 2019
Nikdy jsem nečekal, že budu číst Aquamanův politický thriller který navíc bude fakt dobrý. Abnett po první knížce přitvrzuje a válka mezi suchozemci a Atlantidou je v plném proudu. Příběh je vlastně až na linku Mery celou dobu strašně zajímavý a zábavný, možná jen vyvrcholení přišlo příliš rychle. Kresba je fajn, ale i tak je znatelné kdy se trojice mezi sebou střídá. Tohle je zkrátka skvělá řada a těším se na další book.
February 13, 2021
5 stars
Nice to see Arthur and Meta again. RIP Atlanteans that died. Hope Black Manta and Black Jack will be brought to justice. Also hope that Atlantis and the Surface World will get along now. Would be nice to live in Atlantis.
Can't wait to read Aquaman volume 3!!!!
Nice to see Arthur and Meta again. RIP Atlanteans that died. Hope Black Manta and Black Jack will be brought to justice. Also hope that Atlantis and the Surface World will get along now. Would be nice to live in Atlantis.
Can't wait to read Aquaman volume 3!!!!
March 29, 2019
Merak ettiğim şey; Superman uzayda nefes alabiliyorken, neden suyun altında nefes alamıyor ve oksijen maskesi takıyor?
Hikaye fena değildi. Justice league i görmek hoşuma gitti. 3,5
Hikaye fena değildi. Justice league i görmek hoşuma gitti. 3,5
April 22, 2025
“I could kill you but I won’t. That’s not who I am or what Atlantis is. I’d like you to REMEMBER that.”
Kinda baller of an ongoing comic to be like “hey? Remember all that stuff that worked and that I tore down in the first arc? Well, this time, I’m gonna build it back up…completely different, but then also double way the fuck down on what you liked about the first arc in the general sense. Cool? Cool.”
And dag Abnett, if he don’t freaking do it! Marshaling up the momentum of The Drowning, Abnett and company just drill down deeper into all the Inquisitorial like court drama of Atlantis, supported by some meaty subplots both for Mera and Manta. And for the long timers, Amnesty Bay and its denizens make a comeback! Providing some much needed humanization to the title and our lead, just in case all the court drama with mermaids and marines-turned-sea monsters didn’t hook ya.
I’m finding myself very charmed by this run. Don’t let the low ish star rating fool you, I think that’s only in part to the arc’s semi-abrupt ending, and maybe possibly Mera not getting another two issues with the viby Sea Bene Gesserit, but this is really solid superhero stuff here. No surprise really coming from Abnett but I think there is a certainly upscaling and core thesis to this series’ writing that might set it apart from the usual fare about the time.
I wish I could remember more the visuals too. Walker comes back in the third arc I think and it starts to look a little more textured but Eaton and Briones are a little too polished for my taste. Even in the bigger set pieces. Still WYLD to me that Josh Middleton did so many variants to this too. Comics! Sometimes they are interesting!
Kinda baller of an ongoing comic to be like “hey? Remember all that stuff that worked and that I tore down in the first arc? Well, this time, I’m gonna build it back up…completely different, but then also double way the fuck down on what you liked about the first arc in the general sense. Cool? Cool.”
And dag Abnett, if he don’t freaking do it! Marshaling up the momentum of The Drowning, Abnett and company just drill down deeper into all the Inquisitorial like court drama of Atlantis, supported by some meaty subplots both for Mera and Manta. And for the long timers, Amnesty Bay and its denizens make a comeback! Providing some much needed humanization to the title and our lead, just in case all the court drama with mermaids and marines-turned-sea monsters didn’t hook ya.
I’m finding myself very charmed by this run. Don’t let the low ish star rating fool you, I think that’s only in part to the arc’s semi-abrupt ending, and maybe possibly Mera not getting another two issues with the viby Sea Bene Gesserit, but this is really solid superhero stuff here. No surprise really coming from Abnett but I think there is a certainly upscaling and core thesis to this series’ writing that might set it apart from the usual fare about the time.
I wish I could remember more the visuals too. Walker comes back in the third arc I think and it starts to look a little more textured but Eaton and Briones are a little too polished for my taste. Even in the bigger set pieces. Still WYLD to me that Josh Middleton did so many variants to this too. Comics! Sometimes they are interesting!
July 28, 2020
Basically the first half of this comic concluded the story arc of the previous one. Just so that immediately after that, it could all repeat itself from the start. The idiocy of the U.S. government seemed to be stuck in a loop. Right after having discovered Arthur's supposed hostility was a set up, they instantly fell for the same trap. AGAIN! Engaging into battle with the same ease as kids would with toy soldiers. Which might've actually been believable if the president giving the orders in the comic had been portrayed as Donald Trump. But Barack Obama? Give me a freakin' break! I think that man deserves more credit than that. Furthermore, the patriotism was too overdone. I get that Americans love their nation, which is fine and all (since I feel like we Europeans could certainly use some of that pride). But when the message almost drips off the pages like it did here, I can't help but to role my eyes.
Where in the previous comic Superman behaved like a douche, this time around the whole Justice League followed his example. Apparently, fighting side by side to save the universe means nothing to these folks when it comes to building trust. All it takes is a sceaming enemy with a weak setup plan, and they’ll right away jump to the worst conclusions. Assuming you’re some kind of felon. Wow, how easily I could miss ‘‘friends’’ like that.
A positive factor for me was that we finally got to see some underwater action again. Although that didn’t do much for the repetitive storyline. Frankly, Mera’s personal side story and the introduction of the Tower of the Widowhood drew the most of my interest. Unfortunately, the rest mainly still felt like a drag.
So I’d say this comic was somewhat better than the previous one, but I definitely won’t add it to my list of favorites. For which I rate it with 2.5 stars.
Where in the previous comic Superman behaved like a douche, this time around the whole Justice League followed his example. Apparently, fighting side by side to save the universe means nothing to these folks when it comes to building trust. All it takes is a sceaming enemy with a weak setup plan, and they’ll right away jump to the worst conclusions. Assuming you’re some kind of felon. Wow, how easily I could miss ‘‘friends’’ like that.
A positive factor for me was that we finally got to see some underwater action again. Although that didn’t do much for the repetitive storyline. Frankly, Mera’s personal side story and the introduction of the Tower of the Widowhood drew the most of my interest. Unfortunately, the rest mainly still felt like a drag.
So I’d say this comic was somewhat better than the previous one, but I definitely won’t add it to my list of favorites. For which I rate it with 2.5 stars.
March 10, 2018
This volume continues to have the credibility problems of its predecessor. It's hard to believe that everyone would be so certain that Arthur and Atlantis were engaging in aggression, just based on the fact that some underwater folks are assaulting cities.
However, if you can get past that, this is a really nicely epic comic, where Atlantis and the United States truly could go to war, with all that would entail. It feels like the fate of the world might actually be on the line. Oh, sometimes the storyline lessens itself by descending into superheroic fights, with a too-long battle with a Doomsday-style foe being the most troublesome. But when it moves past that, Abnett's Aquaman really soars.
We also get a really nicely nuanced view of Arthur's character. Mera too. She takes a bit of a backseat in the main storyline, but gets an issue largely too herself, which almost makes up for that.
Overall, a very enjoyable read, despite its flaws.
However, if you can get past that, this is a really nicely epic comic, where Atlantis and the United States truly could go to war, with all that would entail. It feels like the fate of the world might actually be on the line. Oh, sometimes the storyline lessens itself by descending into superheroic fights, with a too-long battle with a Doomsday-style foe being the most troublesome. But when it moves past that, Abnett's Aquaman really soars.
We also get a really nicely nuanced view of Arthur's character. Mera too. She takes a bit of a backseat in the main storyline, but gets an issue largely too herself, which almost makes up for that.
Overall, a very enjoyable read, despite its flaws.
May 8, 2019
Black Manta has always been a bit of a one note character, but what this book does well is make him a much more formidable villain by having him be the head of a terrorist group. It makes good use of his tactical mind as well as his villainous heart.
We get a good example of the JLA trying their hardest to be a team, but their distrust of one another ultimately puts them at odds with Aquaman. I still appreciated the team dynamic, however brief it may have been. There's alot of interesting political dynamics, even if that is undercut by the over the top "aqua-marines".
The issue I had with this volume is that it felt very long. There is a subplot regarding Mera, that felt, unnecessary or at the least, forced. I think the book would've been fine just focusing on the situation with Black Manta, then to try to cram too much in.
This book is good enough to keep enjoying the coming volumes, but not good enough to be great yet.
We get a good example of the JLA trying their hardest to be a team, but their distrust of one another ultimately puts them at odds with Aquaman. I still appreciated the team dynamic, however brief it may have been. There's alot of interesting political dynamics, even if that is undercut by the over the top "aqua-marines".
The issue I had with this volume is that it felt very long. There is a subplot regarding Mera, that felt, unnecessary or at the least, forced. I think the book would've been fine just focusing on the situation with Black Manta, then to try to cram too much in.
This book is good enough to keep enjoying the coming volumes, but not good enough to be great yet.
July 27, 2021
Many people make fun of Aquaman because his power isn't as flashy as some of the other members of the Justice League. Shoot, I was one of those people at one point. But this series does Aquaman so much justice. It clearly defines his powers and strengths - stronger and more durable. It also showcases why Aquaman might be the best member of Justice League (outside of Wonder Woman of course). In many ways, his sense of responsibility for both Atlantis and his hometown showcase a compassion. The fact that he is in a stable and loving relationship with a woman who is his equal and who he respects and loves. The fact that he works alongside women and puts them in positions of power. The fact that the supporting class is very diverse.
The fact that one member of the supporting class, Ajar, clearly has a hero crush on Mera.
This was good storytelling.
The fact that one member of the supporting class, Ajar, clearly has a hero crush on Mera.
This was good storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews