Aquaman #27 Review

Written by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Paul Pelletier and Netho Diaz
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: January 29, 2014

Release the Karaqan...Then Stab It's Brain

Arthur continues to fight the Karaqan, an old protector of Atlantis straight from Godzilla central casting.  The Atlantians are mad at Arthur, but the surface dwellers like him which makes the Atlantians hate him...A shadowy organization with ties to Aquaman's past are causing problems and one of them is about to be dinner.  Oh yea, the Atlantians are mad at Arthur.

Jeff Parker is no dummy.  He took over Aquaman and instead of making a big "look at me" splash, he is slowly building his story from the framework of Geoff Johns' run.  We get all the mystery and intrigue Johns set up, with some added humor and action.  Aquaman #27 brings the action and then some.

The issue continues Arthur's battle with the Karaqan, but instead of just fighting it, he mind melds with the beast and gets a little history lesson.  The Karaqan is an ancient protector of Atlantis that answers to the underwater King.  So, Arthur commands him to stop fighting and...the beast doesn't listen.  So Aquaman shoves his trident into the creatures brain.

The book has been so good showing the conflict of Arthur's Atlantian heritage versus his surface dwelling upbringing.  He just wants to help everyone, but that offends the Atlantians and the Surface Dwellers are wary of him.  He can't win.  When he helps one side the other gets mad.  This issue ends with the Atlantians mad.

The book ends with a nice reveal as to who may be Arthur's new villain(s) going forward.  There are ties to his past and enough mystery and intrigue to make it very interesting.

The art of Paul Pelletier is great.  His action scenes are impressive and the sense of scope he brings to the book is awesome.  Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Netho Diaz.  His backup work is OK, but his faces are really bad.  It just pulls you right out of the book.

Bits and Pieces:

Aquaman #27 is a really good issue that shows Jeff Parker gets Aquaman and what has made him a hit in the New 52.  He isn't going for a big splash, but instead is slowly setting up his own stellar story.  The art is inconsistent, but it doesn't sink the ship.

8.0/10