Aquaman is one of those superheroes that I've never understood. How has he hung around for so long with almost nothing going for him? Isn't he just a water based version of Superman, just not as cool? He used to be. But this relaunch has done something I never considered possible: made Aquaman interesting.
Aquaman
Vol. 1: The Trench
written by Geoff Johns
art by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
DC Comics
September 2012
In this volume collecting the first issues of the New 52 Aquaman, we find our hero dealing with a population that doesn't understand our even want him. Unlike similar situations, like Spiderman, for instance, Aquaman doesn't hide behind a mask. He also had a girlfriend and openly lives in the community. While he works through his desire to go back to the sea and his feelings of responsibility towards the humans in his community a new species arises - literally - from the deep. These new creatures have one need: to feed.
Watching Aquaman work through his issues lens a complexity to him that I just didn't think he had. He wasn't interesting as the boy scout in orange. He wasn't kinda evil like Marvel's Namor. But with this relaunch he becomes so much more interesting. I credit acclaimed writer Geoff Johns. Midway through issue one of completely lost track of my surprise and was fully absorbed by the story.
The art looks great as well. Reis and Prado put together sharp, precise work that excels at showing action and emotion. Top notch. Check out the sample page. Everything works together very well.
This is one of the better launch titles and one of the biggest surprises. Give Aquaman a shot.
