DC comics reviews for 4/17/19

Aquaman #47

Kelly Sue DeConnick wraps her first big arc on Aquaman, Unspoken Water, this issue. This amnesiac storyline hasn’t been as consistent as Nightwing, but it was enjoyable enough even if it was losing steam as it reached the conclusion. I think it largely has to do with the fact that it’s yet another big sea monster Aquaman needs a ton of help to stop. That was essentially the premise of the final act of Dan Abnett’s lengthy run. The problem of course is it’s hard to be invested in random new characters introduced four issues ago.

At his core, Aquaman or Andy, is still a hero and he’s trying to do the honorable, noble effort to keep Callie safe. DeConnick teasing Mera and Atlantis earlier might have been a mistake as I’ve become more intrigued with the idea of Aquaman with no sense of his memories reconnecting with his fiance. DeConnick introduced enough new characters that they would make for an interesting supporting cast once(if?) Aquaman regains his memory.

Robson Rocha’s art continues to be well-detailed and epic in scope. Rocha truly understands how to get the most of these sweeping, fantasy scenarios. Inker Daniel Henriques and colorist Sunny Gho provide clarity and the right amount of drama to fully set the tone.

I’m looking forward to seeing what DeConnick has in store next. Beyond Aquaman learning the truth about his past, I’m hoping we get a mix of familiar and new villains. Abnett’s run did a great job of providing a strong balance of adversaries and I think DeConnick could do the same as she continues her run.

Rating: 7 out of 10