Aquaman Sword Of Atlantis #44

DC Comics
Aquaman Sword Of Atlantis #44
By Hervé St.Louis
October 4, 2006 - 22:37

DC Comics
Writer(s): Kurt Busiek
Penciller(s): Butch Guice
Cover Artist(s): Butch Guice

Aquaman comes face to face with the evil surface man who has been forcing Altanteans and Lavamen to collect hot lava for profit. That man Ocean Master, the previous Aquaman’s brother has weapons of his own to make sure Aquaman doesn’t spoil his plans. Speaking of Aquaman, more hints are given about the whereabouts of the former hero, thanks to some deduction from his wife, Queen Mera.

Busiek succeeds in making the reader feel for the young Atlanteans at the beginning of the story. I didn’t expect that kind of emotional sentiment from a story written by him. It feels out of his repertoire, but entertaining at once. The dragging subplot about the original Aquaman seems to be drawing to an end, although we still don’t know where he wants to lead the character next. Every time a mission is given to Aquaman, a new one is introduced, taking him off course. The book is also starting to feel packed with the Sea Devils and other supporting casts. Some clean up is necessary. What’s so special with this new Aquaman if he’s surrounded with so many more experienced protagonists?

Each issue of this series is a pleasure to look at, although the characters don’t look like they are in water. That’s the biggest complain I have against this series. Everything looks like it’s straight from a Conan comic book, but the suspension of disbelief is stretched too thin. Drapes, hairs and capes don’t fall flat on the ground under water. They float.

7/10

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