Aquaman is back! But what is he now? Hero? Lover? King? Superhero? He barely has time to consider it, because colossal water kaiju are rising to threaten the surface world! From rescuing a downed plane with his newfound water powers (a gift from Mera, as seen in Absolute Power) to investigating a mysterious pearl, Aquaman’s hands are full. And if that wasn’t enough, Atlantis has vanished! Writer Jeremy Adams and artist John Timm dive deep to redefine the aquatic hero in Aquaman #1.
It’s been some time since Aquaman had his own ongoing series. His last outing was in Brandon Thomas and Sami Basri’s Aquamen. While that book boasted a full roster of supporting characters—Mera, Tula, Tempest, and Jackson Hyde—and a plot about rogue Atlantean sleeper agents, it never quite made a splash. Now, with Aquaman #1, writer Jeremy Adams delivers a welcome reset. He largely sidesteps those previous storylines and gives us exactly what we crave from an Aquaman title: Arthur in all his familiar roles—king, husband, father, Justice League member, and superhero. Even better, he gets a major power upgrade: hydrokinesis! The artwork by John Timm, with colors by Rex Lokus, is equally impressive, featuring bold lines, vibrant hues, and plenty of classic superhero action.
The story opens by reintroducing us to Arthur Curry, Aquaman. We’re reminded of his childhood, his rise as a hero, his love for his wife, and his return as King of Atlantis, all while getting a glimpse of a monstrous eldritch sea creature lurking on the horizon. We then cut to a dramatic airplane crash with Aquaman using his newfound hydrokinesis powers (and the help of Mera) to enclose the plane with water, gently guiding it to a safe landing. Jackson Hyde’s arrival also brings a curious “Strange Pearl” (a mystery we’ll revisit). Almost immediately, a distress call from Daytona Beach pulls Arthur away to confront a monstrous sea creature (made of water!). But as Aquaman battles the beast, he realizes it’s a distraction. Returning to Atlantis, he discovers his kingdom and its people have vanished, leaving only the enigmatic pearl behind.
Credits: DC Comics
Jeremy Adams delivers a compelling portrayal of Arthur Curry, acknowledging his established identity while hinting at a fresh direction for the character. This intriguing approach promises to elevate the aquatic hero to new heights. I appreciate the brisk pacing; we’re immediately immersed in the action. For instance, instead of dwelling on Aquaman’s recent dethronement, Adams simply reinstates him as king. While explanations for such status quo shifts can be clever, sometimes the best answer is simply, “It’s comics!”. The Coast Guard Captain’s knowing reaction to Aquaman’s presence—”That’s our superhero”—was also a perfect touch.
Adams’s use of previously established continuity, like the “magical pearl” (seen in Flashpoint Beyond #1, The Flash #785, and Batman: Brave and the Bold #18), adds to the rich tapestry of the DC Universe and enhances the interconnectedness of these stories. And finally, Aquaman wielding actual water powers? It’s about time! John Timms’s dynamic art brings the story to life. The scene of water carrying the airplane to safety is truly epic, and the underwater sequences are vibrant and colorful, perfectly capturing the majesty of Atlantis (thanks in large part to Rex Lokus’s excellent coloring). Dave Sharpe’s lettering adds to the kinetic energy, with bold fonts and clever placement. And we at KPB Comics always appreciate a good “Fwoooosh!” and “Wwwooom!”.
Aquaman returns in a new series by Jeremy Adams and John Timm. He faces colossal water kaiju and the disappearance of Atlantis while juggling his roles as hero, king, husband, and father. This fresh start for the character sees Aquaman wielding new hydrokinetic powers, gifted by Mera. The series reaffirms its status quo while hinting at exciting new directions. Dynamic art and a fast-paced story make Aquaman #1 a promising relaunch for the aquatic hero.
Credits: DC Comics
Aquaman returns in a new series by Jeremy Adams and John Timm. He faces colossal water kaiju and the disappearance of Atlantis while juggling his roles as hero, king, husband, and father. This fresh start for the character sees Aquaman wielding new hydrokinetic powers, gifted by Mera. The series reaffirms its status quo while hinting at exciting new directions. Dynamic art and a fast-paced story make Aquaman #1 a promising relaunch for the aquatic hero.
‘Aquaman’ #1 Review: New Powers, Epic Adventure!
Aquaman returns in a new series by Jeremy Adams and John Timm. He faces colossal water kaiju and the disappearance of Atlantis while juggling his roles as hero, king, husband, and father. This fresh start for the character sees Aquaman wielding new hydrokinetic powers gifted by Mera. The series reaffirms its status quo while hinting at exciting new directions. Dynamic art and a fast-paced story make Aquaman #1 a promising relaunch for the aquatic hero.
