Aquaman #32 Review

Written by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Paul Pelletier
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: June 27, 2014

It Swims

Jeff Parker's Aquaman has been more than good, it's been fun.  To me, that is the ultimate goal and Parker has been scoring over and over again.  Since taking over the book, he's been setting up the pieces of his underwater puzzle and to mix metaphors, this issue they are coming home to roost.  Guess what?  It's great fun.  Go figure.

Triton Base may be a fun place to visit, but...actually it's a horrible place to do much of anything nowadays.  The blame goes to Dr. Orson and his "project".  Can you really blame a scientist who splices multiple undersea monsters to the body of a shark attacked diver?  I mean, what could go wrong?  If you really need to know the answer to that, read this issue.  It is right out of an old drive-in horror movie of the 50's which means it's totally awesome.

Meanwhile in the Underrealm, Mera comes face-to-face with the conservative Atlantians that seem to hate everything that isn't them. They hate Xebel, they hate Arthur and they really hate Mera.  They've also been talking trash on the Queen and quickly learn the truth. Jeff Parker has done so much since he started writing this book, but my favorite is his focus on Mera.  Strong may be too weak a word (if that is actually possible).  She also means business when it comes to keeping the peace in Atlantis while Aquaman is away doing Aquamanny things.

Speaking of which, the book ends with Aquaman meeting his new villain.  Yes, evil has a name and that name is Chimera.  Dr. Orson just may have been building himself a patchwork Aquaman and he may have done too good a job.  This beast is impervious to bullets, has a more direct line to sea creatures and glows in the dark.  Looks like Aquaman will have his hands full for the next bunch of issues. I'm in and can't wait for next month.

Guess who's back in town?  Paul Pelletier, that's who.  I've been down on his work the last few issues and may have even suggested he walk away from this book.  I look like a real asshole now because he's back.  This book looks great again and he did it all by his lonesome.  No fill in needed.  Welcome back Paul, it's so glad to see you again.

Bits and Pieces:

Aquaman #32 is another great issue from Jeff Parker and I loved it.  Mera kicking ass and an honest to goodness sea monster make this the go to book for fun, unless you're Aquaman, himself.  Arthur is up to his eyeballs in trouble and I can't wait to see how he gets out of it.  Also, Paul Pelletier returns to form and makes this book look like it should, which is beautiful.  Highly Recommended.

9.2/10