Aquaman #27

Writer: Dan Abnett

Artist: Stjepan Sejic

Letterer: Steve Wands

I didn't particularly enjoy the last issue very much, mostly due to the story being a bit weaker than the first issue in the arc. This issue, however, was a ton of fun as Dan Abnett expands the scope of the story in interesting ways, especially if you've been reading his Titans series.

We spend a lot more time with Krush, the character we've been seeing from time to time in the past two issues. Here he's presented as more dynamic and three-dimensional than I previously thought, with a brand new set of motivations that I could understand. He's also a lot smarter than I gave him credit for, and I hope he continues to have such a strong presence in this arc. I don't want to spoil the story and his level of involvement though, as it should be experienced.

The art was, as is expected now, really awesome. Stjepan Sejic's defining features are his details and facial expressions. Characters are extremely expressive and we meet a new character in this issue who's personality just seems visible to me based on how Sejic portrays her. I did have an issue with the art though, as a scene in the middle of the issue between two characters set against a bright skyline made it hard to read the lettering. Steve Wands hadn't been lettering this book prior to Sejic coming on, and he has opted for the borderless word balloons, which means they don't have the black outline that's present in most comics. So with the lack of black bordering and a near-white skyline, I could not tell who was talking and I just ended up confused.

A story beat that really interesting me was the ending. Based on the actions of a certain character these last three issues, I see the implications of the ending actually coming to fruition. It would be another interesting step for this book to take, and I can't wait to see it possibly happen.

This was stronger than the last issue in every way, restoring my faith for this creative team. Aside from a glaring lettering issue, the art was extremely solid and the ending has me fantasising about where the book might go after this arc is done. Pick it up!