Looks like Aquaman has a little help from some friends based on the cover, but is that enough to stop N.E.M.O. and the U.S. government? That’s right, the American government is at war with Atlantis as writer Dan Abnett further weaves political intrigue into the series. We delve into its depths to answer the question, is it good?
Aquaman #13 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? Read our exclusive preview to find out more.
Why does this book matter?
Dan Abnett has been writing a strong series and based on our scores for the series so far, and the interesting things he had to say in our recent interview with him, this upcoming story is going to be action packed. It appears things are turning up to 11 as multiple threats begin to take hold!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Time to throw down?
Abnett is clearly turning up the heat with this issue and though it doesn’t boil over, it’s clear he’s setting this kettle to blast. This issue opens where the last let off as the Justice League visits Atlantis to find some answers. Thankfully Abnett doesn’t have the story go down a road we’ve seen a thousand times before with heroes fighting and instead has them talk things out. Meanwhile, Mera checks in with the Widowhood, which helps reestablish her fears of/and the influence of the group. Developments with the U.S. politicians also do well to establish it’s going to get a whole lot worse for Aquaman in the coming issues.
This issue isn’t without action however, as Aquaman must take on a submarine that hides a twist of sorts. Scot Eaton does a good job on the action front with an epic full page spread of Aquaman opening a submarine like a sardine can (though wouldn’t the pressure kill them all?). There’s a very bizarre and wild moment that follows this scene that might just stay with you due to Eaton’s twisted panel. Much of this issue is dialogue heavy and Eaton does well to capture the emotions of the characters and the the detail intact. There’s quite a few pages with many characters on page and Eaton never fails to keep the images crisp.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Thankfully the dialogue is well written, because there’s a lot of it here. That said, with so much dialogue the plot moves very slowly which might make many twiddle their thumbs for things to get moving.
Though this might be a geeky issue, but how on Earth are Flash, Cyborg and Batman surviving the pressure of the underwater depths? Unless there’s an invisible force field this seems to be breaking a major rule. There’s also a strange thing going on with capes which in some panels don’t seem to be acting correctly given they’re under water.
Haha.
Is It Good?
A slower paced, table setting issue for sure, but it’s hard not to enjoy the building tensions across the board. This is turning out to be a solid arc that will pay off due to the time spent on all sides of the battle.
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