Review – Aquaman #41 (DC Comics)

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Dan Abnett
Artwork: Lan Medina (pencils), Vicente Cifuentes (inks)
Colours: Gabe Eltaeb
Lettering: Steve Wands
Release Date: 17th October 2018

I really don’t like talking negatively about comic books.

I can only imagine how difficult it must be for writers and artist to live up to such a legacy with the characters they tell stories for. But unfortunately… I really, really dislike Scott Snyder’s post-Batman work. I don’t know what it is, but he’s gone from easily one of my favourite DC writers to one of my least favourites. But the problem with having one of the most successful Batman runs of all time behind you is that you get to do whatever you want, and what Scott Snyder has done is messed with the status quo of all my favourite books. From Titans and no to Aquaman, we’re left to deal with the fallout, so let’s see what damage has been done now.

The world is under attack! The triumvirate of Sea Gods have invaded Earth, infecting the world with water that threatens to drown its population and turn everyone into hideous monsters. Only Mera remains in Atlantis to hold the tide back while Aquaman is trapped in The Blood Reef and is in more danger than ever.

I’m sad to hear that this is Dan Abnett’s final arc as the journey has been truly worth the cost. His grasp on the characters continues to be second to none as Aquaman still tries desperately for peace with these new Gods while Mera shows just how much of a key and powerful character she has been under Abnett. What’s here is really good, but it feels trapped under the weight of the larger arc.

While the writing certainly feels trapped, the art and colours here by Lan Medina, Vicente Cifuentes and Gave Eltaeb is really good. The creature design here is lovingly monstrous as the twisted version of the characters we have come to love are revealed. This, combined with the vibrant shadows and strong colours, make this issue quite visually striking.

In the end, it’s sadly hard to recommend this one as it’s a tie-in to an event I already hate. I wish Scott Snyder would just leave talented writers in peace to tell their own stories instead of taking all the toys for himself. There’s a good Aquaman story here, it’s just sadly buried underneath a disappointing Justice League one.

Rating 2.5/5

[PREVIEW ARTWORK]