The end of an epic story arc can often feel either underwhelming or rushed, but Aquaman #8 manages to stick the landing with a truly brutal and transformative finale. Writer Jeremy Adams, along with artists John Timms and Rex Lokus, delivers a powerful conclusion to Arthur Curry’s clash with the dark god Dagon, leaving a changed king and a wide-open future for the series.
Adams’s run has been building to this moment, and this issue expertly handles the weight of everything that came before. The heartbreak from the previous issue, the tragic fate of Mera due to time dilation, is the engine that drives this story.
The issue opens not with action, but with a poignant flashback to a young Arthur and a powerful lesson from his dad about facing crisis head-on. This anchors Arthur’s vengeful fury in something deeply personal, elevating the conflict from a simple superhero brawl to the righteous fight of a king who has lost everything and is now fighting for their memory.
DC Comics
The art by John Timms and Rex Lokus is phenomenal as usual. Timms’s dynamic return to the series is a feast for the eyes, taking an already menacing Dagon and making him terrifyingly powerful. The raw, violent energy of the battle is visceral, with Dagon impaling Arthur’s allies and demonstrating his destructive force. Yet, amidst the chaos of tridents, swords, magic, and even submarine missiles, there are moments of serene stillness. A panel of Arthur floating alone in the ocean reflects his unwavering resolve, while the vast, striking underwater landscapes perfectly complement the story’s emotional weight.
The issue’s climax is a powerful one, with Adams making the bold narrative choice to have Aquaman narrate William Ernest Henley’s “Invictus” during the final blows. It’s a move that pays off, leaving readers with a new status quo and an Aquaman who has become the “Avatar of the Blue.”
However, the issue is not without problems, as the transition into this new title reads a little clunky, especially with mentions of “omega energy” from other series. Still, it’s a small stumble in an otherwise fantastic issue. Another great touch is the callback to the first issue, finally revealing that the monster sliced by Arthur was, in fact, Dagon. This is a great example of rewarding readers who have been paying attention all along.
Aquaman #8 is a definitive moment for the character. It’s a brutal, soulful finale that cements this run as a potential classic. It doesn’t offer easy closure, but instead reshapes the King of the Ocean and sets the stage for a bold new direction.
‘Aquaman’ #8 Review: Battles for Vengeance and a New Beginning
Aquaman #8 is a definitive moment for the character. It’s a brutal, soulful finale that cements this run as a potential classic. It doesn’t offer easy closure, but instead reshapes the King of the Ocean and sets the stage for a bold new direction.
