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ferrisscottr's review against another edition
4.0
So we've got Black Manta tracking down, killing and stealing the artifacts of Atlantis from The Others (team that Aquaman was in before the Justice League) and we have The Others trying to stop him.
The story unfolds at a nice pace and a nice mix between flashbacks and current action.
Great art, good story, good characters and at the end of the day I enjoyed it, better than average and I'll round up to 4 stars.
The story unfolds at a nice pace and a nice mix between flashbacks and current action.
Great art, good story, good characters and at the end of the day I enjoyed it, better than average and I'll round up to 4 stars.
iffer's review against another edition
3.0
Hmm. So, Aquaman still hasn't won me over. It was an entertaining read, and worth it because I could read through it quickly, but I feel like it could have been titled "Aquaman learns (kind of) that he can't do everything on his own." Aquaman/Arthur's petulance still annoys me in this arc. Shrug.
rcgeek_13's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
book_whispers's review against another edition
3.0
Aquaman is bad ass. Deal with it! Johns not only makes Arthur bad ass, but tortured! With his secret past and sins, holy cow! Mera is equally as awesome. Sure her past is only hinted at and mildly revealed, but it's still awesome.
The only reason I can't give this volume that one extra star . . . is I didn't like the time line jumping. It didn't flow well for me, and there were certain aspects I would have liked developed.
Overall it's ironic that of all the New 52s, Aquaman is shaping up to be one of my favorites. Judging from the buzz I'm not the only one. The fact that all the stick and jokes that make Aquaman the butt of the DC verse is what makes him epic here. And it's proof that in the capable hands any hero can be made epic!
The only reason I can't give this volume that one extra star . . . is I didn't like the time line jumping. It didn't flow well for me, and there were certain aspects I would have liked developed.
Overall it's ironic that of all the New 52s, Aquaman is shaping up to be one of my favorites. Judging from the buzz I'm not the only one. The fact that all the stick and jokes that make Aquaman the butt of the DC verse is what makes him epic here. And it's proof that in the capable hands any hero can be made epic!
rhganci's review against another edition
4.0
(4.5 stars) Geoff Johns can do no wrong. The man'said ability to plot a tight, interesting story with character development and suspense is second to none, and as the rise of Aquaman continues as a key part of the New 52 (and certainly ita biggest surprise), Johns and Reis show that they truly are a premiere pairing of comics storytellers.
The plot here picks up right after the ominous final statement of volume one, showing again that arcs, if carefully plotted and planned, can play and play well both the long and short game. Each issue here is measured with this kind of prospect in mind, and between the flashbacks, the multiple character groupings, and the back story rich conflict, Johns extends the mystery of Atlantis into the smaller arc of Aquaman v. the Black Manta. The manner in which Johns weaves the story of the sinking of Atlantis into Aquaman's past, his relationship with Mera, and his distinction as the Heir of Atlantis, while all the while revealing key information about Arthur's past is so subtle as to be hidden---but in the manner of great fantasy stories, it answers as it asks, and the full degree of elements laid out here will surely make the their appearances in the JUSTICE LEAGUE/AQUAMAN CROSSOVER that follows this volume. And what fun that will be.
Ivan Reis' art is objectively awesome, of course, so I'll comment on a few of my favorite pieces: the flashback of the scene in the throne room, the multiple uses of the A shape throughout, the super-duper closeups of Arthur in various states of rage and vengeful wrath, Mera'a hydrokinetic powers, and the terrific scenery that jumped all over the world. Reis seems particularly good at conveying the intensity and scope of the ocean, and moreover, Arthur and Mera's ability to navigate it. There is just so much going on in this second volume, visually and plotwise, that while it by rights should be too much to handle, Johns again shows his quality as a plotter and storyteller by allowing the arc to be impressively more than the sum of its many parts. I look forward to the first major crossover of the New 52, gladder than ever I took the time to check out Aquaman's back story in these terrific volumes.
The plot here picks up right after the ominous final statement of volume one, showing again that arcs, if carefully plotted and planned, can play and play well both the long and short game. Each issue here is measured with this kind of prospect in mind, and between the flashbacks, the multiple character groupings, and the back story rich conflict, Johns extends the mystery of Atlantis into the smaller arc of Aquaman v. the Black Manta. The manner in which Johns weaves the story of the sinking of Atlantis into Aquaman's past, his relationship with Mera, and his distinction as the Heir of Atlantis, while all the while revealing key information about Arthur's past is so subtle as to be hidden---but in the manner of great fantasy stories, it answers as it asks, and the full degree of elements laid out here will surely make the their appearances in the JUSTICE LEAGUE/AQUAMAN CROSSOVER that follows this volume. And what fun that will be.
Ivan Reis' art is objectively awesome, of course, so I'll comment on a few of my favorite pieces: the flashback of the scene in the throne room, the multiple uses of the A shape throughout, the super-duper closeups of Arthur in various states of rage and vengeful wrath, Mera'a hydrokinetic powers, and the terrific scenery that jumped all over the world. Reis seems particularly good at conveying the intensity and scope of the ocean, and moreover, Arthur and Mera's ability to navigate it. There is just so much going on in this second volume, visually and plotwise, that while it by rights should be too much to handle, Johns again shows his quality as a plotter and storyteller by allowing the arc to be impressively more than the sum of its many parts. I look forward to the first major crossover of the New 52, gladder than ever I took the time to check out Aquaman's back story in these terrific volumes.
daybreak's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars
Much much better than the previous volume.
An engaging story. I liked the adventure/epic feel that this storyline had.
Gave us much more details about the character's background.
Only thing : the storytelling would have been way smoother if they told the story linearly in terms of chronology. I do understand what they are doing with the past-present scenes but I found it a tad confusing at first since I had so much questions (btw they didn't say how the others all met. For a next volume I guess?)
All in all I really enjoyed this one!
Much much better than the previous volume.
An engaging story. I liked the adventure/epic feel that this storyline had.
Gave us much more details about the character's background.
Only thing : the storytelling would have been way smoother if they told the story linearly in terms of chronology. I do understand what they are doing with the past-present scenes but I found it a tad confusing at first since I had so much questions (btw they didn't say how the others all met. For a next volume I guess?)
All in all I really enjoyed this one!
apageinthestacks's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5.
Another great addition to the Aquaman story.
Another great addition to the Aquaman story.
elturko64's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. Aquaman and black manta were awesome but everyting else felt filler
tyrshand's review against another edition
4.0
I really wanted to know more about the Others. Some seemed quite fascinating... Otherwise, it's a good story and I really enjoy the dynamic between Aquaman and Mera.