Aquaman/Justice League: Drowned #1
Robert Struble
Recap
[with as few spoilers as possible]
The League is overwhelmed, their numbers down to almost none. Aquaman and Wonder Woman are able to join Superman, Flash (or what’s left of him), and Mera just in time to head for Atlantis for a final confrontation with Black Manta, the Sea Gods, and the Death Kraken.
Through it all, Aquaman continues to try to talk to the Sea Gods but poisoned they are by Black Manta’s words, they fail to listen. It’s only once Mera is able to talk to them to the Sea Gods pay attention, but by then Black Manta has made his move.
And with Black Manta controlling the Death Kraken, all hope may be lost. It’s only through the sacrifice of one of the Justice League can the uncontrollable Kraken finally be defeated. And with the Sea Gods relenting and the Kraken dead, the waters finally recede. Earth is no longer drowned and it all passes like some sort of bad dream.
Review
I feel like this entire story is about redemption for the unredeemable. Do you forgive those who have done terrible evil? Can you understand what might drive someone to conquest and at the same time, are they truly lost to their own machinations?
And for me, personally, can a story I couldn’t really stand at the beginning, end on a strong note leaving me with a good feeling as it ends?
The answer to all of these are “yes”.
Aquaman’s empathy is possibly his greatest strength in this story. The Sea Gods were wronged. He knows it. They have no desire to listen and yet through this entire issue, his intent is to get them to listen. To ultimately forge a friendship with them and right a terrible wrong that was inflicted upon them eons ago. They are not beyond redemption here, because Aquaman understands that had Poseidon not betrayed them so long ago, they might have been great allies of both Atlantis and the Earth. Poseidon’s own pride is what brought this war to the planet. And Aquaman has managed to end it. He may not be monarchy, but he sure acts like a king.
Snyder once again wraps up an epic just as it should be: epically. The battles are intense, the dialogue witty, and yet the interpersonal moments are moving and heartfelt. Justice League #12 changed my feelings about this story and Aquaman/Justice League Drowned just followed on that path.
The moments between Aquaman and Mera were great to read, Black Manta was excitingly evil, and Lex Luthor actually made me laugh (in such a way that was totally in character).
Unfortunately, I’m simply not a fan of much of the art in this issue. Not all of it. Some is exciting sure, but other parts are just lacking depth. With three artists on this issue it also suffers from the same problem any issue has when the art changes…it seems to be such a jarring change that you get taken out of the story trying to adjust to a new style. But regardless of my feelings for the art, the pacing is good and the scenes are action packed, creating the intense feeling we need with the writing.
The colors are decent, but I think after the last chapter, I’m ruined when it comes to the colors. It just feels too bright and not murky enough. But that’s just a personal preference. Overall, the colors are good, just not for me.
Still, kudos to Snyder, Tynion IV, and all the talent on this arc. Finishing up, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would starting out.
Final Thoughts
Snyder once again wraps up an epic just as it should be: epically. The battles are intense, the dialogue witty, and yet the interpersonal moments are moving and heartfelt. I’ve never been as much a fan of Aquaman and Mera as I am after reading this book.
Aquaman/Justice League: Drowned #1: Redemption for Everybody
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 8/108/10
- Art - 8/108/10
- Color - 7.2/107.2/10
- Cover Art - 7/107/10
