If you thought this was going to follow the Superman Vs Captain Atom match, think again. In Aquaman #12, Arthur Curry is now the Avatar of the Blue, channeling the raw elemental power of the world’s oceans. But the real shock comes from his opponent: Carter Hall. After a stint AWOL from the DC Universe, Hawkman is back at the forefront, looking to prove he hasn’t lost a step.
Part of the DC K.O. event, this issue pits Arthur’s overwhelming new abilities against the savage, Nth-metal tenacity of a warrior making his violent homecoming. Jeremy Adams and John Timms deliver a high-stakes aerial-aquatic brawl that ultimately asks: Can Hawkman take down Aquaman? The answer is a resounding no.
Friends Becoming Foes
It’s now Round Two of the tournament to decide who will lead the charge against Darkseid. The fight takes a dark turn immediately. Hawkman, realizing Arthur has become something primordial, tries a smart tactical move: he grabs Aquaman and flies him high into the stratosphere. His logic makes sense. Aquaman is the water guy, so get the fish out of the water, and victory is almost guaranteed. But Arthur hits him with a terrifying reality check: “There’s always water.” It’s everywhere, in everything.
This issue also features a deep cut that made me pause my reading, since I have been waiting for the return of this plot thread seemingly forever. In the middle of the pummeling, we get a flashback/vision where Hawkman connects with his deity, Horus (See GL Corps #3). Horus speaks to Carter about finding a new home and says, “For those that still believed, I would call them to a new world.”
This is a massive callback to the Thanagarian and “New World” plot thread, which feels like it’s been dangling around forever now. Adams weaves that deep lore right into the middle of the action, adding in a layer of ancient destiny to Hawkman’s current struggle. Honestly? I can’t wait for this thread to finally start unfolding. This fight essentially just told us that a Hawkman series is coming right around the corner.
God vs. Hawkman
The theme here seems to be that Arthur is changing, and it might not be for the best. Arthur isn’t acting like the hero we know; he’s distant, cold, and speaks in absolutes like “I will do what I must”. Hawkman realizes mid-fight that he isn’t fighting his usual B-tier superhero buddy but an “Elemental” akin to a Water God. The finish is brutal. Arthur uses the water inside Carter’s body to take him out from the inside out. It’s a move that feels almost villainous, cementing Arthur’s transformation into “The Dark Tide”.
Art and Verdict
John Timms’ art is on fire with the layouts. The verticality of the fight, like Hawkman dragging Arthur up, or Arthur dragging the oceans up with him, felt powerful throughout. Rex Lokus’ colors distinguish the two worlds perfectly here as well: Hawkman is bathed in warm golds representing the sky, while a chaotic, deep-blue energy surrounds Arthur. Dave Sharpe on letters give Arthur a distinct voice; when he taps into his full power, the speech bubbles shift, giving that eerie, booming “voice of a god” feel, and I would be lying if I didn’t say Aquaman has never looked cooler than he does now.
Overall, Aquaman #12 is a standout issue. It proves that while Hawkman’s return is welcome, the ocean is a dangerous place, even when you’re in the sky.
‘Aquaman’ #12 Review: When a Water God Drowns a Hawk.. Man
Aquaman #12 is a standout issue. It proves that while Hawkman’s return is welcome, the ocean is a dangerous place, even when you’re in the sky.
