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HAIL TO THE KING! Arthur Curry has been a major player in the DCU for decades. The legacy he has left is immeasurable. Founding member of the JLA. Ruler of Atlantis. King of the Seven Seas. Curry has even made a successful transition into pop culture with two hit Hollywood movies leading the way.
It is only fitting that the King returns to the Comic shops as a part of the “All In Initiative”.
AQUAMAN #1 by Jeremy Adams, John Timms, Rex Lokus and Dave Sharpe begins a new chapter of Curry’s legacy!
Jumping into the heroic waters for this review is Marty Stoked, Matt (Hops Geek news) and yours truly (Ken – ODPH Podcast/Nerd Initiative EIC).
Let’s not wait any longer and see what unfolds now! *** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
HOW WAS THE STORY?
KEN: In dealing with Aquaman, there is a sense of caution as to how to present him. Pop culture has had a notion of him being “The Fish Talking Guy”, nothing more. Adams literally wastes zero time to present him as the true powerful hero he is. The opening struggles to save a crashing plane hits all the marks. It comes off a quick recap for new readers before launching into the present struggles of the King.
Adams showcases him yearning for more. The daily royal duties are mundane. With a hint of danger, Curry lights up. It reflects the message driven home to readers. There is more to this character than they have seen. With a mysterious threat attacking, Curry heads into action. This spins into a shocking twist. It sets the stage for an even greater mystery. In only a few pages, the new stat quo will have readers buzzing.
MATT: Adams tackles a character that can be difficult to write and one that is in my trinity of favorite DC heroes. Showing him dealing with the mundane dealings of life in Atlantis as a ruler and the stark contrast to the joy he exudes when leaping into action to fight is a smart way to kick off your run. Arthur is stacked with new powers and shown right away to be that hero who will stop at nothing to save the day. The issue leaves us with a cliffhanger and mystery as Atlantis is gone in a flash and there is an excellent story on the horizon I can feel it coming.
MARTY: Jeremy Adams masterfully balances action, intrigue, and heart, crafting a story that hooks readers immediately. The pacing is impeccable, with just the right mix of backstory and explosive action to immerse fans in Arthur’s world. The character development is one of the highlights of the issue, as Adams delves into Arthur’s growth not only as a hero but as a king. The internal struggles Arthur faces are equally important as the external threats, and Adams does a fantastic job of showing this emotional complexity.
World-building is another strength of the issue. The stakes feel monumental, not just for Atlantis but for the broader DC Universe. There are clever nods to the Justice League, showing that Aquaman’s mission is larger than just his kingdom. Additionally, the use of sea life, especially the giant sea monsters, adds a unique and thrilling layer to the plot. These creatures are not just a threat to Aquaman but also a symbol of his deep connection to the ocean, which plays a pivotal role in both action and rescue moments.
HOW ABOUT THE ART AND LETTERING?
KEN: Timms and Lokus kick things off with a great opening recap page. It hints enough for new readers to get a sense of the King. There’s no slowing down from here with a gorgeous two page splash. Instantly, the threat is front and center with Aquaman ready. The plane rescue is fueled with a super heroic flare.
Atlantis shines with the regal overtones. The art makes it stand out while balancing Curry’s boredom. Being King comes responsibilities that don’t excite. Luckily fans don’t suffer through that. The panels drive home the chaotic scene with an incredible full page shot. Pacing flows very smoothly as the build spirals into the great twists. Curry’s reaction connect the uncertainty. It all leads into a strong closing panel which sets sail onto a dangerous future.
MATT: Right out of the gate we are met with some intense and gorgeous colors showcasing the deep blue sea and Arthur flying above in his bright Orange and Green. The coloring catches our eyes and drags us in instantly. As we slow down, the amount of bored drawn in Arthur’s eyes and the amount of excitement at the first sign of action are drawn fantastically.
This issue is beautiful, from the letters to the art and the way it is crafted and colored. Lettered into the panels are call backs to where readers can go to if they would like to catch up which makes me a massive fan when comics do that.
MARTY: John Timms brings a dynamic and detailed visual style that elevates every page of Aquaman #1. The underwater scenes are particularly stunning, capturing the beauty and danger of the ocean depths. The faded blues with soft tints of color create an immersive experience, making readers feel as though they are swimming alongside Aquaman and Mera on their way to Atlantis. This attention to detail is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps ground the fantastical elements in a more realistic environment. The inside of Atlantis is drawn with such care that it encourages the reader to pause and explore the intricacies of the cityscape in each panel.
The action scenes are nothing short of epic. The central splash page, where Aquaman charges at a massive water monster, is a standout moment. The layout around this battle is non-standard, with panels surrounding the central image, creating a sense of chaos and intensity. The visual flow is enhanced by the way the sky and sun shine through the monster, illuminating the battle with a beautiful, cinematic glow. This sense of scale and urgency throughout the battle sequences makes for a truly immersive experience.
Rex Lokus’s vibrant color palette breathes life into every page. The colors in the underwater scenes feel authentic, with natural blues and greens evoking the ocean’s vastness. The sunlight that occasionally breaks through the water is used to great effect, adding a magical atmosphere to the visuals. During battle scenes, the colors shift to bolder tones, highlighting the action and amplifying the intensity of Aquaman’s struggles. The overall color work helps reinforce the emotional and narrative beats, elevating the visual storytelling.
Dave Sharpe’s lettering is clear and expressive, adding another layer to the narrative. The sound effects in key moments have a strong impact, especially during action scenes where each splash and crash is heightened. Sharpe’s use of typography complements Timms’ art and Lokus’s colors, ensuring that nothing feels out of place or distracting. The overall letter design enhances the pacing and flow of the comic, helping the reader stay engaged in the story.
FINAL GRADES:
Overall Grade: 10/10
KEN: 10! Atlantis’s ruler is back on his throne & bringing the action with this debut chapter. Adams writing shatters any preconceived notions of the hero being one-dimensional. Timms, Lokus and Sharpe never stop escalating the drama with the art. Long Live the King!
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MATT: 10, easily a 10 for me. As I said, Aquaman is in my trinity of favorite DC heroes, and the team kicks this run-off in such a magical manner. We have stunning visuals, a mystery leaving us asking what happened and how we need more right away. Aquaman is so much more than the guy who talks to fish, and this is another example of the king he is.
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MARTY 10/10: Aquaman #1 is a flawless first issue that redefines the King of Atlantis for a new era. From its gripping story to its stunning visuals, every element works in harmony to create a must-read comic. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or diving into Aquaman’s world for the first time, this is a perfect entry point that offers both depth and excitement. It delivers on all fronts, making it an essential read for fans of superhero comics and aquatic adventures.
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Thanks for checking out our joint review for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let us know what comics you’re reading and hit us up on any social media platform! Ken can be found here, Matt can be found here and Marty can be found here! Untill next time…
