Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Aquaman #3

By Garth the Geek
November 25, 2011 - 16:56

Issue three picks up with a frantic battle between the creatures from the Trench and a small fishing village. I tried to look at this issue in two ways: first, as someone who read (at least) the first two issues, and second, as someone who might be using issue three as a starting point. It succeeds brilliantly at both.

Somehow, without employing captions or awkward dialogue in which two characters “over explain” everything, Geoff Johns manages to convey, quite naturally, everything a new reader needs to know. And for those of us who have been reading this series since the beginning, Johns simply builds upon an already strong story through incredible writing and character development.

One of the central themes of this series is the public’s perception of Aquaman - how they under-value him, how no one seems to really understand him, and the idea that Aquaman is “nobody’s favourite super-hero”. But while this was given center stage in the first issue, it’s become more of an underlying tone in issues two and three - and I couldn’t be happier. I mean, I LOVED how Geoff Johns attacked and challenged the public’s perception of Aquaman (and, in turn, the reader’s perception of Aquaman) but there would have come a point when it would have all become old and tedious. Instead of letting this happen, Geoff Johns has shown restraint, pulling back and giving us glimpses. The “glimpse” of public perception in issue three occurs almost immediately after the creatures from the Trench retreat, and it’s probably the most painful scene of the comic. Aquaman, continuing to help, is told his presence isn’t needed. As consolation, the soldier tells him, “I’ll be sure to tell the reporters you HELPED us out, okay? We’ll put you in a GOOD LIGHT for once.”

We’re also introduced (or possibly re-introduced) to Mr. Shin, a disgraced researcher who is set up to be a possible danger later down the road. Shin also provides some foreshadowing with regards to Aquaman’s trident, commenting that it will bring trouble and alluding to someone who is “going to come looking for it.”

Having never read Aquaman prior to the re-launch, I have no idea whether Mr. Shin is a new character, or if his warning alludes to a previously established story/character, but I’m interested in seeing where Johns will take us.

In short, what began as a joke purchase three months ago has turned into my favourite new series. I can’t recommend it enough.

Rating: 10 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12