Aquaman #34 Review

Written by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Carlos Rodriguez
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: August 27, 2014

They Swim

The New 52 has been great for Aquaman fans.  Geoff Johns' Game of Underwater Thrones approach revitalized the series and made Aquaman more than just the butt of jokes.  Jeff Parker took that groundwork and upped the fun factor to make a book that has been consistently good.  This issue seems to end the Chimera arc and unfortunately, it's probably the weakest issue since Parker took over.



This issue is one big fight.  Seriously, I thought the fight scene in "They Live" went on forever, but it has nothing on this issue.  Aquaman and Chimera fight from hospital room to ocean to harbor to town to inside their minds.  Yes, they battle inside their minds!  It wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't already burned out by Chimera as a villain.  Sure, he looks cool, but he is way overpowered and I'm not fully sure why he should be so upset with Aquaman.  I wish it had to do with wearing sunglasses.

Most of the books this month had to wrap things up to get ready for the September Futures End event and this one was one of the most obvious.  After all this buildup, the Chimera arc ends with an explosion and an "is it really over?" ending.  I can't say we will see Chimera again, but if we do, it will be too soon for me.  Like I said earlier, I'm not a huge fan.

I'm also not a fan of guest artist, Carlos Rodriguez.  I have been down on Paul Pelletier lately, but his art is head and shoulders above what we get here.  Rodriguez's art seems unfinished at points and is just too inconsistent throughout.

I wish there was more to say.  We get a fight scene that has it's fun moments, but is still only a fight scene.  The arc is over and it's now evident that the book has been treading water for months.  Hopefully, October will bring back the greatness.

Bits and Pieces:

Aquaman #34 ends the Chimera arc just in time for the big September event.  It's one big fight scene that is mildly entertaining and way too convenient.  There isn't much to the script to push the book ahead and Carlos Rodriguez's art is just not that good.  If you've been following the Chimera story, go ahead and pick it up to get somewhat of a resolution.  If your looking to jump in, check back with us in October.  We'll be here for you.  That's what we do.

5.5/10