Aquaman #40 - Mobile Edition

DC Comics
Aquaman #40
By Hervé St-Louis
September 23, 2018 - 10:21

DC Comics
Writer(s): Dan Abnett, Rob Williams
Penciller(s): Joe Bennett
Inker(s): Vincente Cifuentes
Colourist(s): Adriano Lucas
Letterer(s): Steve Wands
Cover Artist(s): Rafa Sandoval, Ivan Plascencia; Joshua Middleton
$3,99, 20 pages

It’s the finale encounter between the Suicide Squad and Aquaman and Mera’s Atlantis. Lord Satanis is about to detonate a bomb that will destroy all of Atlantis and only Dolphin and Master Jailer stand in his way. Can they save Atlantis?

This incarnation of the Suicide Squad with Harley Quinn has always had a bit of dark humour. It returns in full force this issue with Master Jailer contemplating his future as a possible super hero. While his backstory is very similar to Deadshot’s, he has none of the assassin’s confidence. Aquaman in this issue plays a secondary role to the Suicide Squad but this is not a fault. This crossover has been very intertwined, and it has been difficult to decide where one series start and where the other one ends. This is highlighted in the conclusion where Amanda Waller and Mera have a chat together.

Joe Bennett adds to this satisfying story by showing how his style has evolved since I last saw his work in Deathstroke. He adds textures and crosshatching that reinforce the watery and mystical world of Atlantis. I like to think that he was inspired by Esteban Maroto’s Atlantis Chronicles. It really works here and makes his usually straightforward and solid work more appealing than ever.

Rating: 9/10