Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Aquaman #12

By Hervé St-Louis
December 7, 2016 - 09:49

Atlantis has declared war on the United States and casualties amount. But Atlantis is not responsible or the attacks. Black Manta’s N.E.M.O. is behind the attacks, using stole Atlantean gear and creatures. Will Aquaman be able to prove the innocence of his nation before the world’s nations decide to fight back?

The scope of this story is wide. The number of casualties and destruction depicted has been huge already. Part of me did not expect this. It is difficult to know how much continuity matters since Rebirth and how peripheral of important Aquaman is to the DC Comics universe. That’s the story of Aquaman in a nutshell. How much does he matter to the rest of DC Comics!

I can’t help but feel that these stories run in cycles. We’ve seen war between Atlantis and the United States so often. But this is a new story. Black Manta has been behind similar wars between Atlantis and Oumland way back in the 1991 Aquaman series. Peter David’s Aquaman has had similar stories in his 1993 Aquaman series. Geoff Johns used this theme in his own New 52 Aquaman series. Over at Marvel Comics, Namor has invaded the surface world too many times to recount.

What makes this storyline different? I don’t know yet. It’s a good storyline that goes into the details of war but also hints at international relations and stolen war gear. I wish that Dan Abnett had tied this closer to the attack on the Atlantean ambassy in Aquaman Rebirth #1. The events in the comic must be seen in light of that. As for Black Manta, he continues to be a major villain and problem for Aquaman. It’s just right.

Philippe Briones reminds me of Jim Lee in some ways. But I’m not a fan of the way he draws hair in water this issue. It feels as if his characters’ hair is on dry land. His backgrounds are great although I don’t like how Atlantis gear looks like common science fiction technology. I wish he would add something more distinctive how water-related, besides water screens.

I have one complaint about colourist Gabe Eltaeb. Black people’s palms are a different colour than their hands. Black people do not have black palms.

Rating: 8.5 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12