DC Comics reviews for 7/17/19 – Batman #75, Aquaman #50

Aquaman #50

Aquaman #50 marks a series of homecomings in an important, double sized issue. While he’s teased on both the regular and variant cover, Black Manta’s return is not a significant part of the issue. That’s one of those somewhat misleading teases to sell readers on a big showdown between Aquaman and his arch-enemy. As the issue plays out, it’s clear that kind of marketing trickery wasn’t needed as writer Kelly Sue DeConnick has more than enough exciting developments without a big action sequence.

Arthur is back at Amnesty Bay and he’s not alone. The Old Gods are tagging along and learning the ways of Arthur’s hometown. Aquaman, meanwhile, has to deal with the media anxious for a statement on his return and his strange new allies. I appreciated DeConnick having one of Arthur’s Justice League allies show up as well as his return from death warranted League response even if it’s just one member. It’s nice to see DeConnick’s take on regular Aquaman instead of the amnesiac trying to figure out his identity.

DeConnick still hasn’t won me over on the reason for this latest split between Arthur and Mera. It doesn’t read consistent with the portrayal of the character since Rebirth started and still feels a little out of nowhere just to keep them apart. There is a pretty crazy twist DeConnick throws in that I doubt anyone will see coming and it’s bizarre enough to keep me invested to see how she plans to play it off.

There’s also the arrival of a somewhat forgotten member of the series who has been absent from DC for awhile. It’ll be interesting to see what DeConnick has in store for this character who likely will have a far more prominent role under her watch.

Robson Rocha and Eduardo Panscia team up on the art this issue. DC might not have another two artists with more complementary styles as it’s hard to distinguish who tackled which page. Regardless, the art is consistently good throughout. Sunny Gho has a great sense of how bold to make the colors without overwhelming the softer pencils. It makes for a smartly restrained visual presentation that fits with the feel of the book.

And the Black Manta tease for the obligatory Year of the Villain crossover was played out well even if they’re already starting to have the same feel in each tie-in.

While it went on a little too long, the Old Gods story was pretty entertaining, but reading DeConnick’s spin on Aquaman’s regular life has me very excited about what’s to come even without Black Manta’s return.

Rating: 9 out of 10