Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Aquaman #11

By Hervé St-Louis
November 16, 2016 - 07:40

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The creative team explores the consequences of Aquaman’s fight with the Shaggy Man. He is in the hospital and Mera comes to his rescue. Finally able to piece together the conspiracy against Atlantis, Aquaman and Mera may be too late to prevent their kingdom from declaring war on the United States. Will Black Manta’s plan to wreck Atlantis and the world work?

Although little from this issue focused on Black Manta, one has to wonder about his motivations. He is willing to destroy the world, just to get back at Aquaman. That’s commitment. We already knew that he was the meanest villain in Aquaman’s life. He is literally Aquaman’s Joker he gains Lex Luthor qualities by being willing to sacrifice all just to get at Aquaman.

I enjoyed the reunion with the Justice League and knowing that they are still on his side even though Superman was a jerk a few issues ago.

With Black Manta’s ultimate plan now in motion we enter a new chapter of the conflict between him and Aquaman. One thing that bothers me is the lack of background on N.E.M.O. and their capabilities. Black Manta just assumed their leadership and keeps using doomsday weapons and plots at his disposal. But it seems too easy. It lacks realism and makes Black Manta and N.E.M.O. look like James Bond villains, or G.I.Joe’s Cobra. They can do virtually anything.

Philippe Briones’s art is good but there appears to be continuity issues. I even wondered if two artists had drawn this issue. Aquaman’s beat-up face changes from page to page. Sometimes the damaged is bad. Sometimes, it seems like he’s healed. It’s a bit weird.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12