Aquaman is back with a new ongoing series, and let’s just say it’s genuinely fantastic. Kicked off by writer Jeremy Adams (known for his fan-favorite run on The Flash) and artist John Timms in Aquaman #1, this run feels like a powerful surge of fresh energy for Arthur Curry. After some time from a solo spotlight, this series smartly cuts through recent complexities to deliver pure, high-octane Aquaman adventure, potentially making it his most exciting book in years. WARNING: Spoilers for Aquaman #1-4 below.
One of its biggest wins is how Adams clears the decks. While Geoff Johns‘ New 52 run famously redefined Aquaman’s public image and rebuilt Atlantean lore, Adams takes a different route here. He focuses less on rehabilitating the character’s reputation and more on throwing a confident, established hero into wildly imaginative, high-energy adventures. He reaffirms Aquaman’s core identity – King, husband, father, hero – without getting bogged down in convoluted backstory. This makes it incredibly easy for anyone to jump aboard. While it acknowledges events like Absolute Power (the source of his new hydrokinesis) and uses elements like the “Strange Pearl” from other storylines, prior reading isn’t essential; Adams ensures you have everything you need within these pages to follow Arthur’s current predicament. The pacing is brisk, showing Aquaman’s heroism through immediate action – a simple line from a Coast Guard observer, “That’s our superhero,” perfectly captures his standing in the DC Universe.
A major source of this fresh energy is Aquaman finally wielding hydrokinesis – the power to control water. Gifted by Mera, it’s a power that, frankly, feels long overdue and perfectly intuitive for the King of the Seas. Adams and Timms put this power to immediate, spectacular use. From the stunning visual of Arthur saving a crashing plane by encasing it in a sphere of water, to clever combat maneuvers like creating whirlpools or even controlling oceans of alien blood (hey, it’s comics!), It adds a dynamic new layer to his abilities and looks amazing on the page. It’s a logical evolution that opens up thrilling storytelling avenues.
The central plot hook is just as compelling: Atlantis has vanished without a trace. This premise immediately throws Arthur off balance, launching him on a desperate quest across strange and perilous new settings – alien deserts, imposing ice dimensions, even the decks of space-faring pirate ships. He’s truly tested, facing imposing new threats like the ancient god Lord Dagon and his deadly mermaid assassins. Adams also skillfully connects this adventure to the wider DC Universe, adding satisfying depth for dedicated readers without alienating newcomers. Beyond the thrilling surface, the series subtly explores themes of leadership under extreme pressure, the weight of responsibility even when stripped of traditional power, and the need to adapt when your entire world is upended.
And visually? This book is stunning. John Timms delivers artwork that consistently bursts with energy and dynamic layouts, making Aquaman look incredibly cool and undeniably powerful. Timms masterfully portrays Arthur as a regal king while subtly revealing the immense pressure and worry beneath the surface during this crisis. Rex Lokus’s colors make the pages explode with life, especially the vibrant underwater scenes and crackling energy effects. The introduction of Arthur’s newly forged, glowing trident-sword is another visual highlight, promising exciting future confrontations.
While the action rarely lets up, the series keeps Arthur’s character firmly at its core. Adams ensures he remains the noble, resourceful leader readers expect, even when facing impossible odds or grappling with frustration. Grounding the cosmic scale of the adventure are moments of reflection, like a touching flashback to young Arthur and his father, reminding us of the fundamental decency driving him. The tension is palpable, even in quiet moments, underscoring the personal stakes of his search for his kingdom and family.
So, what’s the takeaway? This new Aquaman series is a fantastic comeback, offering a perfect blend of accessibility for newcomers and satisfying depth for longtime fans. It provides a clean start, a logical and visually exciting power upgrade, a high-stakes cosmic quest, and consistently gorgeous artwork. Adams and Timms are crafting a modern Aquaman story that feels both fresh and definitive, packed with action, intrigue, and genuine heart. The stage is set for epic confrontations – the inevitable clash with Lord Dagon, the mystery of Atlantis’s fate, and Arthur’s continued mastery of his evolving powers. The series leaves readers genuinely eager to see what happens next, making it an essential read and arguably Aquaman’s best in recent memory. The tide is definitely high for the King of the Seas right now.
