EMPEROR AQUAMAN #16: Follow the Yellow Lit Lighthouses.

Come for the romantic interspecies flirting and stay because Aquaman and his crew are in terrible danger from an unknown creature! Arthur has restored Mera’s power and has much to learn still as he is setting lighthouses up across the universe. As he visits a species who have pledged their help he finds that they may have bitten off more than they can chew.

Creative Team: Jeremy Adams (WRITER), John Timms (ART and COVER), Rex Lokus (COLORS), and Dave Sharpe (LETTERS).

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

Jeremy is continuing to build on the foundation he has built with this run of Aquaman blending action and adventure with parts of horror alike. The concept of lighthouses that Arthur has decided to build are interesting to me and feel much like checkpoints or spawn points from a video game. Every issues we find something new about Arthur’s abilities and connection to the blue. He was able to give Mera her powers back and now can even create ice.

This issue is full of unexpected alliances even with King Shark pledging himself to Aquaman whereas they would typically be battling one another. As the book hits its climax Jeremy pulls yet another trick from his sleeve with Arthur having the ability to turn water into ice. It’s a fun twist that I haven’t seen him do before and each issue we feel as though Arthur levels up in another way. The final page of this book ends very ominously as a familiar foe has returned to the pages.

The Art and Letters:

I truly feel as though I find something new or detailed with Rex and John every issue as well. The manner in which they detailed King Shark as he made his grand entrance was simply stunning. The subtle ways in which the water dripped from him and the way Rex shaded his slimy skin was intricate and I loved this page the most. The mysterious ant people were even fun to see as they turned nightmarish with tentacles coming from their mouths. It seems these two along with Dave who finds fun and exciting ways to bring the words from the various species to life are having the time of their lives with this book. I’d be hard pressed to find another run that has artwork that is to this level currently.

Final Thoughts:

Emperor Aquaman #16 has Arthur off on his sidequests leveling up as we get a taste of a familiar big bad that is soon to make his appearance. I am continuing to love the variety of species and venues we get with this run each feeling more and more adventurous!

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

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