Aquaman Sword of Atlantis #51

DC Comics
Aquaman Sword of Atlantis #51
By Hervé St-Louis
September 3, 2007 - 03:31

DC Comics
Writer(s): Tad Williams
Penciller(s): Shawn McManus
Inker(s): Walden Wong
Cover Artist(s): Mario Alberti
144 pages

The Justice League comes to witness the death of the old Aquaman while giving their blessings to the new Aquaman. Meanwhile thanks, to Topo, the squid like Atlantean boy, the Atlantis council and representatives of Sub Diego can finally travel about the planet through oceanic portals. But the portals are guarded by rogue Hatch church. Can the group travel from Atlantis to Sub Diego, while surviving an attack from Hatch marauders?

The story is taking the form of a soap opera with all the supporting characters and their various histories. There’s even a Flash that should not be there! Well, technically, it could be Bart Allen. Anyway, Tempest is here to as is Mera. I was under the impression that the last Crisis was gonna clean up the Atlantis supporting cast of Aquaman. At the very least, it’s a rich cast and Williams is taking full advantage of their varied histories.

It took a while for me to read this story and although it’s mostly discussion, it was entertaining enough to make me want to read the next issue on the spot.

I don’t like the artwork. It’s not bad, but not suitable for this story, except when it comes to deal with Topo. I don’t have problems with cartoony artwork, but McManus’ belongs in another genre, not science fiction and fantasy. It’s hard to sustain belief and it makes Aquaman seem less serious. Given that the plot is strong talks and thin on action, it only reinforces the fact that something is odd about this yet new direction for Aquaman.