Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Aquaman Sword of Atlantis #52

By Hervé St-Louis
September 4, 2007 - 02:09

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.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12