Aquaman #25

Writing Geoff Johns Art Paul Pelletier

 

Introduction

 

Aquaman has been a consistently interesting character since Johns started toying with him in Brightest Day. His vision of Arthur Curry has been one of few shining lights left in the New 52 as of late. Unfortunately, his run is coming to an end within this issue. Looking back at the full span of issues has been interesting. The Trench was a really solid addition to the title that ushers in the different continuity that has been added to the character in the latest incarnation. The hero now has a solid foundation that he can lean on, in terms of the different kinds of mythology that he currently built up for him. Unfortunately, Mera has been out of the spotlight for too long, and the female needs some attention that used to provided for her. For such a major part of the supporting cast, she has been absent for far too long. Last issue started to see things coming into place for the different heroes and villains of the story, Johns has but one final issue to wrap everything up. Can he put a shiny bow on everything that he has added to the king of the sea?

 

Writing

 

In a week full of giant crossovers and events, this book may fall under the radar. That would be a shame, because this is the best issue of Aquaman in years. Readers likely were not expecting to get the monster of a story that the last Johns written issue of this book has spun into. At 28 pages of story that come out to $3.99, proving this book also makes sense economically. After the trauma that spun out of the Throne Of Atlantis event, a couple of major plot threads are finally tied up extremely nicely. Most everything that the scribe has thrown at the sea adventurers in the last 25+ installments is touched on nicely in these pages. The Others are not mentioned, but that is a very minor nitpick after so much good will is fostered here. There is a giant fight scene between some of the different Kings in this story, that has a few moments that are likely to make readers fist pump some fists in the air with excitement. Reuniting some star crossed lovers is a gorgeous moment that are handled with grace.

 

Art

 

Paul Pelletier tackles the pencils here in great form. When looking back on the book, I realized that I personally have not appreciated the amount of love that he brought to the title. Fortunately, he seems to be staying for sometime here, and continuing to draw some truly great deep sea drama for the time being. The couple of splash pages drawn here, are some of the most beautiful that have ever populated the title. Considering that this book has previously had Ivan Reis listed as the penciller, this is some serious praise. Line work is rounded, and perfectly integrated into the setting of the comic. The cover may lead some readers astray, as it does not accurately illustrate the high points of the artwork featured within the title.

 

Conclusion

Aquaman #25 is one of the greatest releases this week. Johns has restored the character with some incredible prominence, and also given him a foundation that is ready for other writers. He has also become one of the characters of the New 52 with a permanent love interest.