Exclusive DC Comics Preview: Aquaman #3

DC has provided ComicBook.com with an exclusive first look at Aquaman #3, due in stores on Wednesday from writer Dan Abnett and artist Philippe Briones.

Featuring a cover by Brad Walker and Andrew Hennessey, the issue picks up where the previous installments of the sold-out Rebirth relaunch left off: Black Manta has found himself some new playmates, but his disappearance doesn't mean that the problems he caused at the Atlantean embassy have faded. Aquaman will have to deal with Atlantean terrorists who blame the surface world for the carnage.

So far in the book's opening arc, we've seen a lot of talk about Aquaman's vaunted powers, and we've seen a lot of him trying to act as a leader -- both as a Justice Leaguer who must serve as a shining example to humanity and as Atlantean royalty, hoping to nudge his people toward a greater peace and understanding with the surface world.

Could it be time, now, to see Aquaman spring into action? So far, most of the combat has been defensive, close-quarters combat against Black Manta. A throwdown with a group of faceless bad guys he can toss around might be a good opportunity to see how the new creative team handles Arthur in his element.

You can check out the preview pages in the attached gallery, and the solicitation text below.

"THE DROWNING," Chapter Three: In issue #3, Aquaman's mission of peace is dealt a devastating blow when Atlantean terrorists attack the surface world in retribution for Black Manta's deadly assault on their embassy.