Aquaman #21

Writer: Dan Abnett

Artist: Scot Eaton

Colourist: Gabe Eltaeb

Publisher: DC Comics

The hyper-horror tension from the last issue continues here. This was a fantastic and interesting issue, with a great story that further mystifies the Dead Water creature and provides some conflict between Aquaman's supporters in Atlantis and those who think the King's choices are made in favour of the surface world.

Scot Eaton's art is very expressive, and felt like a step up from last issue's art by Philippe Briones. Eaton's work is more expressive, and this was important due to the lack of action on display. Dan Abnett reinforces the Alien backbone of the story by dropping hints that one of the members of the Aquamarines is in fact a Dead Water. This was creepy, and Abnett did a great job heightening the tension. Arthur and Mera's journey under the sea was also creepy to a certain extent, as Arthur discovers he has a telepathic connection to whatever is down there.

There honestly wasn't much wrong with this issue. Abnett's story keeps building and building, with the writer excellently using the horror elements he presents and crafts a tight, very human-driven story with Aquaman making sporadic appearances here and there. The art was fantastic and the mystery deepens.