Aquaman Vol 1: The Drowning Review - Restoring An Icon

Fans of Aquaman typically end up on the defensive. Whether it's his power set, the "only good in water" argument, or why he deserves to be in the Justice League, it seems you always have to justify why he's relevant.

Now instead of arguing with them, you can just hand them a copy of The Drowning and sip your coffee in peace.

Dan Abnett and Phil Briones current run on Aquaman is one of the best examples of a creative team understanding what makes a character work. They build off of his true public perception in the comics community and analyze why that reputation follows him wherever he goes.

It's a wonderful example of using perceived weaknesses to show a hero's strengths, and during the process of building up Arthur, the team also manages to build up Mera, Black Manta, and the numerous supporting players that make up the Atlantis royal court.

By the way, this is essentially underwater West Wing, and it's glorious. Sometimes fans need a reminder of just how powerful Aquaman is. Not just in physical strength, though that is also examined at length here, but also in status, mental prowess, and leadership. He doesn't just boast strength as an individual, but an entire nation's army is at his command, and the political and social navigation between the surface and Atlantis is one of the highlights of the book.

Art wise the book is also strong, and Briones excels at rendering a stellar Aquaman and Mera. The battles between Black Manta and Arthur are delightfully vicious, and the animosity comes through on the page.

In short, this series is one of the best books DC is putting out and does an amazing job of restoring the luster to a DC icon.

Rating 5 out of 5 Stars.

Written By: Dan Abnett

Art By: Phil Briones

Aquaman, the King of Atlantis, has never found a true home in either of the worlds that he was born of. In these tales from AQUAMAN: REBIRTH #1 and issues #1-7 of the new series, the King of Atlantis attempts to broker a peace between Atlantis and the surface, but this noble quest might force Aquaman to choose whether to live his life above the waves, or below them. Plus, Black Manta makes his bloody return and seeks to destroy everything and everyone Aquaman loves!

Aquaman Vol. 1: The Drowning is in stores now.

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