Aquaman #39 Review

Written by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Paul Pelletier
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: February 25, 2015

Mommy Issues

I'm sure most of you know by now, but Jeff Parker's run on Aquaman is coming to an end next month.  While I'm sad to see him go, he is ending with a bang...this Maelstrom story.  When Parker jumped on the book after Geoff Johns' departure, it was his sense of humor that first grabbed my attention.  Seeing Aquaman going to his High School reunion was great fun, but in the end, Parker's run will be defined by this story.  Aquaman looking for his Mother has been good from the start and it keeps getting better with each issue.  Does this penultimate issue follow suit?  Let's see, shall we?

Last issue ended with Aquaman finally finding his mother, Atlanna.  While I was hoping for a joyful family reunion, that just wasn't in the cards.  Atlanna goes into full attack mode and a pet peeve of mine bubbled it's way to the surface. Why the Hell doesn't Aquaman just tell Atlanna that she is his Mother?!?  I mean right away.  After searching for her all these issues, he finally finds her and then skirts the issue completely.  After yelling a bit and then fighting a behemoth, he finally gets around to it...and she doesn't believe him.  Oh snap!  To add injury to insult, Atlanna knocks Arthur and Mera out cold.

The humor and drama have been key to this story, but Jeff Parker has also worked overtime in expanding the Aquaman mythos.  This issue we get two nice additions to the growing list.  The Pacifica archipelago is nice, but Karaku, the Volcano God, is awesome.  Aquaman and Mera barely escape becoming it's latest meal, but Arthur just wants his mommy.  Seriously Aquaman, she doesn't want you.  Get over it, buddy.

Things go from bad to worse when Atlanna channels her inner Tarzan and the forces of Atlantis come through the portal.  Aquaman is stuck in the middle and before you know it, the issue ends with Karaku joining the party.  It's a crazy ending to the issue and really makes me wonder how Parker is going to end the story in just one more issue.

Paul Pelletier is back on his game, big time.  This issue looks great.  This story has allowed him to draw more than just under the sea stuff and it's really giving the book a fresh feel.  I can't wait to see what he's got in store for next month's finale because this issue will be hard to beat.

Bits and Pieces:

This penultimate issue of Maelstrom is just as good as the rest and it sets up an action packed finale.  Jeff Parker has really been nailing it and Paul Pelletier is back in great form.  This is not an issue to just jump into, but if you've been reading the Maelstrom story from the beginning, I know you will enjoy it.

8.5/10