DC Comics
Writer: Tad Williams
Pencils: Shawn McManus
Finishes: Walden Wong
Cover: Mario Alberti
On their way to Sub Diego, Aquaman, Tempest, Aquagirl, the mayor of Sub Diego and Topo notice that Black Manta has taken over the city and is waiting anxiously for Aquaman’s return to exact yet another attempt at revenge. Officer Malrey, the mutated Sub Diegan is held prisoner as a bait to Aquaman. Can Aquaman and his team survive a confrontation with Black Manta and his men?
Black Manta always promises that he’ll make a story worthwhile and this has not changed. He’s back to his old self although, like so many other times, I wonder how he survived his last encounter with the old Aquaman way back in Aquaman #39. I’m beginning to think that Mayor Durham is the hero of the series as opposed to Arthur Curry. He’s become strong contender and character in just a few issues.
Williams packs more story into this tale than the average comic book writer. As Aquaman’s publishing fate is always problematic, it makes sense that he tries to get as much millage and story going before a potential series’ cancellation. Writer Kurt Busiek nearly torpedoed the series previously by having such a slow pace. I’m glad that Williams is making the most of this series and making Aquaman and his cast interesting again.
There are lots of revelations and new characters introduced. I’m not sure where Williams is going with this, but he seems to genuinely want to clean up Aquaman. I wish him success. One question though, is where, did all of Mayor Durham’s men go after they crossed the portal?
McManus is growing on me. His version of Officer Malrey is in line with his other work. As the story is mostly about intrigues and brief fights, McManus delivers the goods even if his style seems odd for this series.
Blood and Water
Vampire stories are all the rage these days. Most are silly teenage romances, but every once in a while a vampire tale comes along that doesn’t, um…suck.
Secret Six # 15
Deadshot tries to come to terms with his homicidal impulses.
Blackest Night #4 (of 8)
Barry Allen does his best to rally the heroes, but will they be able to stand against the arrival of Nekron?
Superman: World of New Krypton #9
Jemm storms New Krypton’s High Council Chamber demanding an audience, Kal-El and Zod meet, and the first murder on New Krypton is committed.
Madame Xanadu #16
The return of series artist Amy Reeder Hadley also marks the start of a new, creepy, and great Matt Wagner story.
Superman #693
General Lane makes Mon-El an offer he has to refuse, but an unlikely ally might just save Mon-El’s life.
The Brave and the Bold # 28
The Flash travels back in time to World War II where he joins forces with the fabled Blackhawks.
Northlanders #21
A settlement along The Volga River in Russia deals with the onslaught of a plague in the start of a new story arc.
Superman: Secret Origin #2 (of 6)
Young Clark Kent experiences a bit of a super identity crisis, but manages to get by with some help from his parents and some new friends…Long Live The Legion!
Superman/Batman #65
The Scarecrow takes Superman, The Batman, The Joker, and Lex Luthor on a fear gas induced Halloween nightmare ride.
Azrael #1
The new Azrael’s ongoing series debuts with the death of a major character…
Supergirl #46
The Metropolis Three finally capture Reactron, Thara and Kara make up, and some more light is shed on Lana’s mysterious condition…
Blackest Night: Superman #3 (of 3)
Superman, Superboy, Alura, and Supergirl kick some Black Lantern butt, and Ma Kent holds her own…with some help from Krypto.
