DC Comics reviews 8/21/19 – Batman #77, Superman Year One #2

Aquaman #51

For the last time I’m going to mention how the amnesia storyline dragged on a bit too long in Aquaman. On the plus side, writer Kelly Sue DeConnick continues to show why that was necessary as it helped establish a new supporting cast and the fun twist to the status quo in Atlantis.

As has been the theme for most of this month, the Year of the Villain tie-in is a non-starter as Black Manta doesn’t even appear this issue. It seems like DC editorial had an idea that this event was starting, but forgot to give the heads up to all the creative teams. Big event tie-ins are frustrating to some degree if the link to the major happenings is weak and it feels like false advertising for so many DC books in August. On the plus side, most of these stories with tenuous connections to Year of the Villain have been strong stories so readers probably won’t feel as burned as they would in other circumstances.

Most of the issue finds Aquaman connecting for the first time in New 52/Rebirth continuity with Aqualad. DeConnick has a lot of fun with this dynamic as Aqualad tries to figure out his role with Aquaman while dealing with the inherent shame of being the son of Aquaman’s arch enemy.

Mera meanwhile is busy maintaining her stalling tactics with her pending marriage. DeConnick has set up some entertaining subplots that makes the delay in reuniting Aquaman and Mera worthwhile.

Artist Robson Rocha has settled in nicely in establishing the visual tone of this new era of Aquaman. With inking collaborator Daniel Henriques and colorist Sunny Gho, Rocha has tightened up his style and really done some exceptional work. Rocha was following one of the strongest artist runs in recent memory on Aquaman and has carried the torch strongly. While there wasn’t a ton of action this issue, Rocha conveys all the necessary emotion and personalities from the characters.

Aquaman has become a much more enjoyable read now that Arthur has his memories back and the creative team is firing away making this title an easy read and one worth recommending again.

Rating: 9 out of 10