What do you think?
Rate this book
Future State: Aquaman #1
Future State: Aquaman #1
When Jackson Hyde accepted the mantle of Aquaman, he didn’t expect to also have to mentor Andy Curry, Arthur and Mera’s teen daughter. Nor did he expect that he and Andy would get sucked into the Confluence—an interdimensional nexus that connects distant planets and galaxies through the One Great Ocean. And he certainly didn’t expect to lose Andy in the process of trying to find their way back home.
Now Jackson’s not sure how long he’s been stuck in a prison on Neptune (five years?) or how many times he’s tried to escape (200 at least!). But today Jackson saw something in the water that gave him hope for the first time in a long time—and his captors have no idea what he’s got in store for them.
Now Jackson’s not sure how long he’s been stuck in a prison on Neptune (five years?) or how many times he’s tried to escape (200 at least!). But today Jackson saw something in the water that gave him hope for the first time in a long time—and his captors have no idea what he’s got in store for them.
25 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2021
4 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Thomas
221 books37 followersBrandon Thomas is the writer and co-creator of critically-acclaimed comics series EXCELLENCE (Skybound/Image), HORIZON (Skybound/Image) and THE MANY ADVENTURES OF MIRANDA MERCURY. Previous work includes the comics series NOBLE (Lion Forge), VOLTRON (Dynamite), and FANTASTIC FOUR TALES (Marvel).
NOBLE #1 was awarded the Fist Award for Best International Comic by the 2017 Lagos Comic-Con, in recognition of best usage of characters/stories based on persons of African descent. NOBLE was also nominated for 2019 Glyph Comics Awards in six categories: Story Of The Year; Best Cover (winner); Best Writer; Best Artist (winner); Best Male Character (winner); and Best Female Character.
Since 2003, Brandon has written comics for several publishers, including Marvel, Lion Forge, Arcade, Dynamite, and DC Entertainment, and has published over 300 original columns as part of the Ambidextrous series. His first creator-owned project THE MANY ADVENTURES OF MIRANDA MERCURY shipped from Archaia Entertainment to widespread critical success, leading to his biggest comics projects to date — the sci-fi conspiracy thriller HORIZON (co-created with artist Juan Gedeon), and the action fantasy series EXCELLENCE (co-created with artist Khary Randolph) — both published by Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment.
Brandon also hosts The Two Brandons podcast with Eisner-Nominated writer Brandon Easton (Transformers: War For Cybertron, Star Trek: Year Five, Vampire Hunter D: The Series).
He lives and writes in Southern California with his wife and son.
NOBLE #1 was awarded the Fist Award for Best International Comic by the 2017 Lagos Comic-Con, in recognition of best usage of characters/stories based on persons of African descent. NOBLE was also nominated for 2019 Glyph Comics Awards in six categories: Story Of The Year; Best Cover (winner); Best Writer; Best Artist (winner); Best Male Character (winner); and Best Female Character.
Since 2003, Brandon has written comics for several publishers, including Marvel, Lion Forge, Arcade, Dynamite, and DC Entertainment, and has published over 300 original columns as part of the Ambidextrous series. His first creator-owned project THE MANY ADVENTURES OF MIRANDA MERCURY shipped from Archaia Entertainment to widespread critical success, leading to his biggest comics projects to date — the sci-fi conspiracy thriller HORIZON (co-created with artist Juan Gedeon), and the action fantasy series EXCELLENCE (co-created with artist Khary Randolph) — both published by Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment.
Brandon also hosts The Two Brandons podcast with Eisner-Nominated writer Brandon Easton (Transformers: War For Cybertron, Star Trek: Year Five, Vampire Hunter D: The Series).
He lives and writes in Southern California with his wife and son.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 2, 2021
Let's just talk about the art in this one! It was absolutely amazing. I mean I really loved it. This is a new take on Aquaman that I think people will actually enjoy. From what I've seen and heard, everyone doesn't necessarily enjoy Aquaman, but I think that the pairing between Jackson and Andy works really well. I mean if anything that last scene is enough to realize how much of a badass Jackson is and the crazy power potential that is going exist between him and Aquawoman. I believe that Aquawoman has already made an appearance in Future State: JL, but I haven't read it yet. I'm excited to go back and learn more about Andy.
June 2, 2022
For context from myself: I read this twice before rating it.
This was pretty strong in my opinion. I like the chemistry between Jackson and Andy. The story telling that gives you just enough to guess what’s going on, but doesn’t tell you very much, very good. Great start. Liked it first read, held up on second read.
This was pretty strong in my opinion. I like the chemistry between Jackson and Andy. The story telling that gives you just enough to guess what’s going on, but doesn’t tell you very much, very good. Great start. Liked it first read, held up on second read.
February 17, 2021
Wow--the cover in no way represents the tone of this book. And it's a pleasant surprise too. Maybe Brandon Easton's best DC work yet.
January 29, 2021
We've already been introduced to the new Aquawoman in Future State: Justice League, where we saw the hero working alongside the new version of the Justice League, but Future State: Aquaman takes a jump back in time, showing a key part of the origin of this new hero.
The issue opens with Jackson Hyde looking older and more grizzled than we've seen him before, trying to escape pursuit in some strange dark ocean, with people in pursuit. Despite failing to make it to freedom Jackson sees something in the water that causes him to laugh as he's captured. We then learn that he has been held prisoner by the Confluence, a group that he has tried to escape some three hundred times already. Brought before their leader Jackson begin to reveal his tale, filling in both his captors and the readers.
Years earlier, after having taken on the mantle of Aquaman from Arthur Curry, Jackson was swimming in the ocean with Andy, the daughter of Arthur and Mera, training her how to use her abilities. However, something strange happens and the two of them find themselves transported into a bizarre ocean neither of them recognise. This is the Confluence, a nexus in space where the oceans of different realities intersect.
Jackson and Andy begin to search for a way back to their home, but travel from ocean to ocean, discovering strange new creatures, and having to fight for their survival.
Whilst I was hoping that this issue would give me more information on Andy this is really Jackson's story, his chance to shine, and it really does show off to people who might not be as familiar with the character why he's worth paying attention to. We get to see him the dual roles of protective mentor and defiant prisoner, as a man filled with hop, and one almost broken. The issue hows how big a journey he's been on, and even when he should be completely beaten down and ready to give up he's willing to stand and fight. Anyone who thinks Aquaman is a joke character still really gets shown how wrong they are in this story.
The issue felt like it gave enough set up to the main event, without getting too bogged down on the details. We get enough explanation of where Jackson and Andy are to understand the stakes, we see enough of their relationship to understand how it works, and it means that come the final pages readers are pumped to find out what's going to come next.
The comic has some gorgeous artwork from Daniel Sampere, who manages to breath a lot of life into the mostly empty oceans around the characters, making sure that each place and every creature we see feels different and unique. Colourist Adriano Lucas also plays a big part of that, and the instant you see that the ocean around them has changed a different, sickly colour you know that something's happened, that our heroes are in a bad situation.
If there's one complaint I'd have to make about the book it's that the front cover, whilst gorgeous, really has you expecting a more lighthearted adventure, and doesn't quite prepare you for the stakes or the grim tone within it's pages; but that's not something that's completely bad, as it means the content of the book hits harder for the tone the cover.
If you're a fan of Aquaman this comic is sure to keep you entertained and get you pumped, and if you've never read anything of the character before this is a perfect jumping on point, one that shows just how amazing the series can be.
The issue opens with Jackson Hyde looking older and more grizzled than we've seen him before, trying to escape pursuit in some strange dark ocean, with people in pursuit. Despite failing to make it to freedom Jackson sees something in the water that causes him to laugh as he's captured. We then learn that he has been held prisoner by the Confluence, a group that he has tried to escape some three hundred times already. Brought before their leader Jackson begin to reveal his tale, filling in both his captors and the readers.
Years earlier, after having taken on the mantle of Aquaman from Arthur Curry, Jackson was swimming in the ocean with Andy, the daughter of Arthur and Mera, training her how to use her abilities. However, something strange happens and the two of them find themselves transported into a bizarre ocean neither of them recognise. This is the Confluence, a nexus in space where the oceans of different realities intersect.
Jackson and Andy begin to search for a way back to their home, but travel from ocean to ocean, discovering strange new creatures, and having to fight for their survival.
Whilst I was hoping that this issue would give me more information on Andy this is really Jackson's story, his chance to shine, and it really does show off to people who might not be as familiar with the character why he's worth paying attention to. We get to see him the dual roles of protective mentor and defiant prisoner, as a man filled with hop, and one almost broken. The issue hows how big a journey he's been on, and even when he should be completely beaten down and ready to give up he's willing to stand and fight. Anyone who thinks Aquaman is a joke character still really gets shown how wrong they are in this story.
The issue felt like it gave enough set up to the main event, without getting too bogged down on the details. We get enough explanation of where Jackson and Andy are to understand the stakes, we see enough of their relationship to understand how it works, and it means that come the final pages readers are pumped to find out what's going to come next.
The comic has some gorgeous artwork from Daniel Sampere, who manages to breath a lot of life into the mostly empty oceans around the characters, making sure that each place and every creature we see feels different and unique. Colourist Adriano Lucas also plays a big part of that, and the instant you see that the ocean around them has changed a different, sickly colour you know that something's happened, that our heroes are in a bad situation.
If there's one complaint I'd have to make about the book it's that the front cover, whilst gorgeous, really has you expecting a more lighthearted adventure, and doesn't quite prepare you for the stakes or the grim tone within it's pages; but that's not something that's completely bad, as it means the content of the book hits harder for the tone the cover.
If you're a fan of Aquaman this comic is sure to keep you entertained and get you pumped, and if you've never read anything of the character before this is a perfect jumping on point, one that shows just how amazing the series can be.
January 27, 2021
Wow!! Absolutely unexpected but so beyond welcome.
I’m a little wonky on the FS timeline but... was Andy referring to Jess as “them”?... Cause I first thought she was referring to everyone she’d leave behind but this kinda made more sense to me... tbd.
I’m a little wonky on the FS timeline but... was Andy referring to Jess as “them”?... Cause I first thought she was referring to everyone she’d leave behind but this kinda made more sense to me... tbd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2021
this is so good! i’m really looking forward to seeing more of andy and jackson as a duo, especially since i don’t know much about them except what ive seen in future state: jl #1 and young justice respectively
February 1, 2021
I can’t remember when I last read an Aquaman book. It may have been the first issue of Kelly Sue’s run. This was amazing. I love Jackson Hyde. He’s an incredible character. One of the best Future State books next to Suicide Squad and Justice League.
October 11, 2025
okay, first off, the art in this is EXCEPTIONAL. so much said in the expressions, the colours - stunning.
second, the story? in the few pages we have, we get SO MUCH of the dynamics between Jackson and Andy. the angst, the trust, the care - the faith they gave. I love it.
second, the story? in the few pages we have, we get SO MUCH of the dynamics between Jackson and Andy. the angst, the trust, the care - the faith they gave. I love it.
February 7, 2021
Absolutely incredible start; love the focus on Jackson Hyde and his relationship with his mentee.
June 28, 2021
Check out my review on the Storygraph:
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
February 7, 2022
What a pleasant surprise. This is my new favorite story in the Future State lineup. The art was fantastic and the story was engaging. Not what I was expecting at all but in a very good way.
June 14, 2025
Love aquawomans design here, and aquaman being the current aqualad is fun.
January 29, 2021
Future State Aquaman
So far so good. Not a big fan of Aquaman, but I like the idea of of Aquaman. In the water, freedom from the crap life some of us lead. Anyway like the book. Can't wait to read the next one.
So far so good. Not a big fan of Aquaman, but I like the idea of of Aquaman. In the water, freedom from the crap life some of us lead. Anyway like the book. Can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews