EMPEROR AQUAMAN #18: Trademark Infringement.

Arthur has received a mysterious offer from deep in space and must go and check it out, leaving him to find that even with the power of the Blue, he still has so much to learn. Meanwhile, an unexpected prisoner is waiting for Arthur, and it’s none other than Hal Jordan! The duo must team up to escape the situation they’ve become stuck in.

Creative Team: Jeremy Adams, Rex Lokus, John Timms, Dave Sharpe, and Paolo Villanelli.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

This issue brings us Hal Jordan and a whole ton of humor, which Adams executes perfectly! I love how the driving plot force is almost Michael Scott but in alien form, as we meet the Associate Vice Vice President of the knock-off Green Lantern Corps. What makes it better is how Hal, despite being held captive without his powers, still runs his mouth. Adams captures his spirit perfectly (which goes to read Jeremy’s Green Lantern Corps), and we even get hilarious moments calling out the trademark infringement by Mr. Vice Vice President.

This issue, however, is not all fun and games because we do get emotional beats with Mera, Arthur, and their child, and Mera understands the Emperor has duties but also misses her husband. At the same time, Arthur is beaten for the first time and takes a confidence hit, which leads him to unleash some insane abilities and to a serious moment between him and Hal. This issue builds upon these characters who we’ve been with for 18 issues now, and we still are learning new things, which is no easy feat. And it’s another reason this is my favorite Aquaman run ever crafted.

The Art and Letters:

I’d be hard-pressed to find someone who is making beautiful covers as well as Timms is with this run right now. Every issue has a burst of color and sets the tone for what’s inside the pages. Aside from that, Paolo is having a blast drawing this issue up; I love the design for the Vice President and how the Lantern is just tipped on its side. What stands out most is how beautiful the opening pages are to me. Arthur, Mera, and their child on shore overlooking a lighthouse, and how serene the setting is, brings a sense of calm and peace to me as I was reading this issue. Rex’s colors build the background setting with how the sun is hitting and turning into a purplish sky. The greens and oranges, along with the light blues, in our big climax are gorgeous on the eyes that really sells this issue. Sharpe’s lettering captures Hal’s tone while he is full of quips compared to Arthur, who has a real sense of seriousness about him with a hint of defeat at his capture.

Catch up on last month’s review!

Final Thoughts:

Emperor Aquaman #18 is a home run full of fun and adventure as Hal Jordan makes a glorious appearance. I cannot help that the team is luring us in and ready to crush us as Black Manta is on the horizon; however, every issue we learn more about Arthur and his new abilities. The issue is bursting with detail and gorgeous coloring, making it one of the best in the run to date.

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