Sunday, April 29, 2012

Aquaman #8

It's consistently one of the best of DC's "New 52" comics, and that's because Aquaman arrives with a (more or less) clean slate.

Writer Geoff Johns has efficiently filled in some gaps in the life of Arthur Curry, but there's still a lot we don't know.

The issue tantalizes us with the idea that Aquaman was once a member of a super-team known as The Others - and apparently his old teammates are being stalked by his deadliest foe.

Add to this the addition of new characters, including the scientist who offers a link between Aquaman, Mera and the mystery behind the sinking of Atlantis, and the never-before-seen heroes (as far as I know) who make up The Others.

We learn a little bit more about the "jungle girl" Ya'Wara (who looks like she stepped out of an issue of The Warlord - not that I'm complaining) and her companion, a large jaguar.

The artwork is a real joy, and Ivan Reis and Joe Prado turn in page after page of beautiful, dynamic art that feels like a cross between Neal Adams and George Perez (in the best sense possible).

There's still a lot of story to unfold here (this is just chapter two), but I'm certainly hooked.

Grade: A-

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