Aquaman #28

Writer: Dan Abnett

Artist: Stjepan Sejic

Letterer: Steve Wands

This was not an eventful issue in the slightest. In fact, I'd go so far to say that it's almost entirely filler. All it does is slightly set up some stuff for the rest of the arc. Aquaman is barely given anything to do, while Mera and Tempest show up in two scenes. Surprisingly, Vulko is given the absolute best parts of the issue. His subplot was genuinely fun, and got somewhat tense towards the end.

Dan Abnett felt the need to dedicate the bulk of Aquaman's scenes to simple recap, as he recalls what happened to him to Dolphin, who hasn't been entirely up to date on what Aquaman is even doing in the Ninth Tride. I can understand the notion, but I didn't even realise Dolphin wasn't fully aware as I just assumed he told her sometime between issues or panels. Not only that, but Abnett is pushing a sort of love triangle between Aquaman, Mera, and Dolphin, which I think is entirely unnecessary and somewhat contrived, as the story is juggling enough plotlines as it is. Krush wants protection from King Rath, Aquaman is trying to stop King Rath, Vulko is trying to destroy the Crown of Thornes, Mera is trying to destroy the Crown of Thornes with Tempest. This seems like more than enough story to me.

Despite my severe criticism of the story, the art is still gorgeous. This issue makes full use of Stjepan Sejic's capabilities. I've always said he's great with expressions, and the scenes between Aquaman and Dolphin are very well done, since Aquaman is basically talking to someone who can't talk back. Her expressions always very simply state her reaction to what he's saying. I think Sejic needs more practise with action scenes, however. It's always good to have wordless action scenes when a great artist is on board, but basic panel-to-panel actions seem like they could look more interesting under Sejic's hand.

This is a disappointing issue, and I wholeheartedly recommend you skip it. It's just a catch-up issue, and what little happens here will definitely be explained in the next issue. Save your $4.