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Review: Aquaman #3

By Philip Schweier
July 20, 2016 - 11:09

Remember those more ambitious develops I promised in my review of Aquaman #2? They’re still coming. As king of a sovereign nation, Aquaman is a rare hero who must straddle that political line for the good of his people. Handling matters doesn’t come so easily to him as it does to Batman.

So in the aftermath of the destruction of the Atlantean embassy, Aquaman finds himself and his people persona non grata in the U.S. Naturally, the monarch takes matters directly to the POTUS (well, his chief of staff, actually). But developments in the South Pacific, as well as Black Manta’s escape from custody are set to de-rail whatever meager diplomatic efforts Aquaman and Mera can manage.

It’s a simple story, told in three basic acts, and so clearly part of a larger narrative. I may feel differently when the initial story arc is completed, but right now, I just keep waiting for the next development with more than a little impatience. The upside for those who are anxious for Aquaman #4 is that the audience clearly wants more. The downside is that impatience may dissipate, and readers may walk away before the first story is completed.

I am obligated to give the book a fair shake, and stay until the very end. I expect to re-read the entire story, to better be able to judge it as a whole.

Philippe Briones takes over art duties for this issue, handling both pencils and inks. Not only does he have easy command of the majesty of “King Aquaman,” but there is a refreshing simplicity in his renderings of American GIs, naval servicemen, and White House staff. Such ordinary figures may not seem so challenging to draw, but I am constantly amazed at the number of artists who seem incapable of drawing an ordinary human. Their efforts tend to stand out to the point of distraction. Briones do not, and I applaud him for that. After all, the title is “Aquaman.”

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12