In the recent rebirth of the DC comic universe you may have overlooked Aquaman. Arthur Curry, part of the original Justice League since its inception in 1960 has always been maligned in some way. He talks to fish, how is that a superpower? But when Batman tells you that it would be a mistake to underestimate the king of Atlantis, pay attention. In the prologue to Aquaman’s annual entitled ‘Crownspire’ king Arthur is making plans. Controlling over two-thirds of the planet, he’s determined to make himself known to being a major player in world events. With Mera by his side, in full agreement, they barely notice that the fish who accompanied them to an empty part of the ocean have fled. Fast forward into the future and the Currys are received by a more mature Justice League sans Batman.
Max Fiumara et al’s artwork, with its sharp edges and clean lines give a subtext to this narrative, outside of present day events. The audience sees a retired Aquaman, well established in his rule under the sea. It seems that he has not only succeeded in his objectives, he’s happy. Still, something is off.
The shades of this story have their foundations in the ‘Atlantis Chronicles,’ a miniseries that explored Aquaman’s family history and explained why throughout his existence Arthur has been referred to as an abomination and not the rightful heir to the throne. Now, when you see his son Tom you get an idealized sense of what Arthur’s life would have been if he was raised to be a king. You also see the underlying resentment and anger when Arthur is referred to as one with an unknown lineage. The cautious hope is broken with an escapee from the sub-prison of their new city, a substantial Camelot-like structure. All golden and vibrant erupts with gunfire. Of course the most important thing is to keep Tom safe, but that may be their downfall.
Ironically in his advice to his son, Arthur reveals several truths. One is the obvious, or red herring however, the other is about Arthur himself. Aquaman is not a traditional superhero in the way of Superman. Instead, his first loyalty is to his people. Thus, he must think as a strategist, as well as a tactical warrior. In many cases Aquaman is the danger you need to be aware of. In the end the biggest threat becomes heartbreakingly apparent. And by the end Arthur and Mera must deal with the choices they made.
Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s take on Aquaman does its job in being an annual. By taking familiar characters out of a linear story, it gives new readers a chance to jump on board. You not only want to continue the journey with this man who lives in the sea, you want to know what happened to his world in the new DC Rebirth.
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