CC2K’s Comic of the Week: Aquaman #13

Written by: Laura Hong-Tuason, CC2K Comics Editor

Do you love DC Comics? I know I do. But can you remember where each title left off before the #0 issues in September? I sure as hell can’t! That’s why when I opened the pages of “Aquaman #13”, my first thought was, “Oh yeah, that’s what Aquaman was doing before good o’ Geoff Johns made me wait for two grueling months.” If you had that same forgetful moment I had, have no fear. Let me jog your memory and give you a snippet of this month’s “Aquaman #13”.

Aquaman #13

Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Ivan Reis

This issue of “Aquaman” concludes the story of The Others. It picks up from Black Manta finding the ancient and powerful relic of the first great king of Atlantis (which sunk Atlantis) and using it to trigger a massive earthquake. Trapped, Aquaman, Mera, and the Others must find a way to stop Black Manta from escaping with the relic and save themselves.

While not the best and most exciting issue of Aquaman, as it ended quite abruptly and wasn’t as dramatic as I expected it to be, it does leave behind one feel good message: Don’t let the past haunt and define you. This was a recurring theme throughout the issue. The story may have been mediocre, but this theme is why Ivan Reis shines in the art department.

Explaining how Aquaman feels—angry, sad, regretful, and vengeful to name a few—with words is not enough. It’s all in the eyes. Oh how I love how Reis displays emotion through the eyes! In the first few pages, we’re confronted by a melancholy Aquaman, who feels he has failed another friend once more because of his mistakes. This quickly shifts to rage, and man does Aquaman look awesome when he’s pumped up, outspoken, and ready for a showdown with Black Manta. Lately we’ve been seeing a quiet and solemn Aquaman, which I like too, but this is a great change of pace. Reis does a superb job showing Aquaman’s various layers. Like all heroes, he’s fallible. He’s human. I can bore you with more emotions, but lets just say Reis makes you really relate and feel for the guy by the end of the arc. Go Aquaman!

Despite all this talk about feelings, I assure you there are panels full of fight scenes, but nothing compares to Aquaman‘s expressions during these scenes. It wouldn’t be such a loss if you happen to have missed this issue (but why would you?), considering I only found the last four pages to be the most interesting. It reiterates the theme of putting the past behind you and moving forward. And I’m a sucker for corny messages. In addition, Johns steps it up a notch and makes way for a new story arc that’s sure to put us on the edge of our seats. Who is Black Manta really working for, why does this man need the relic, and what will happen to the Others?

Next stop for Aquaman? Atlantis! See you there.