King of the Seven Seas?
Before we go further into this epilogue to the Throne of Atlantis, really wanted to touch up on what has happened thus far leading up to this time in Aquaman's legacy. We've seen Ocean Master and the Atlantean army declare war on the surface world, tidal wave flooding caused by Orm in all major coastline cities (specifically Boston), the initial battle between the Justice League and the Atlantean army, all leading to King Orm yielding his position as ruler of Atlantis to Aquaman. With all that has occurred and the thousands of lives that were lost, Aquaman's loyal advisor to the throne of Atlantis, Vulko was behind the whole cataclysmic plan to get Arthur to take his position as the rightful King of Atlantis, which apparently worked. Ocean Master and Vulko are held trail for their crimes on the surface world; Orm being sent to Belle Reve Prison on the surface world and Vulko awaiting trial in Atlantis. This event elevates the perception of Atlantis to everyone on the surface and puts fear into them as to what the Atlanteans are fully capable of doing. Now, it's up to Aquaman to show them that Atlantis has the ability and desire to help the surface, with the assistance of the Atlanteans alone.
The Good
As we go into Aquaman #17, the epilogue to the Throne of Atlantis, writer Geoff Johns takes us back into the underwater adventures of Aquaman, being somewhat disconnected with the rest of the world once again. Aquaman is now trying to reconnect with the sea life as we'll as with the people of Atlantis, vowing to the sea life that he'll never fail them again. He's once again the King of the Seven Seas, trying to protect the aquatic life from any threat to the ocean and serve as a greater purpose for the Atlanteans; but will they accept his leadership? Geoff Johns is also re-introducing various characters such as the Sea Devils and Scavenger back into the stories of Aquaman as well as bringing about new supporting characters to expand on Aquaman's mythos. The first few pages we see first appearances of the Sea Devils in the New 52 as they're seen trying to stop criminalized whalers from hunting and killing the lives of the scared singers of the ocean. However, not until we see Aquaman and his Atlantean guards come leaping out of the ocean bringing forth a whirlpool of waves crashing down onto the ships of the cold-blooded killers; which by the way is presented with the most phenomenal splash-page I've every laid my eyes on in a long time. We are also introduced to Murk, leader of the Men-Of-War, the frontline army of the nation of Atlantis. He's depicted to be a very strong brute, loyal to the king of Atlantis and have saved King Orm's life multiple times in battle. Murk doesn't really go by precautions nor the rules of conduct, but rather acts by what is right. Aquaman is now trying to set grounds between the surface world and people of Atlantis believing the only way to do so is by showing that Atlantis has the desire to help them and be of an alliance. We also get to see the first appearance of the Scavenger in the New 52, as he's depicted to be searching for Atlantean weaponry and artifacts beneath the ocean floors, which will evidently only lead to trouble. The final page of this issue, a strange shadow exiting a cave in Antarctica appears saying, "King of the Seven Seas? How wrong you are" which only makes you brainstorm as to who this figure in the shadows might be; which will most likely be the tee to kick off the next story arc.
The art done in this issue is incredible; with the collaboration of Paul Pelletier (penciler), Sean Parsons (inker), & Rod Reis (colorist) polishing up the pages, I believe these are the most talented set of artists to work together on a title and think the panels are displayed in the most exceptional way possible. This issue consists of the most intriguing artwork in any form known to comics with every panel being complimented with the most brilliant colors. Not to give him most of the credit, I believe Paul Pelletier did an outstanding job with his sketches this time around, focusing on all the panels besides just detailing the essential ones, and when those bigger panels did come up, he excelled. Like I said before really feel comfortable with him filling in the shoes of talented Ivan Reis and think he'll be a great asset onto the Aquaman art team. Another piece that was very appealing to me which Pelletier phenomenally sketched is the two page spread of Aquaman pledging to all the sea life that he'll never fail again, and think that they detailed every creature spot on; with absolute complimentary from the colors of Rod Reis. Really enjoyed every aspect of the art and hope to see more of these masterpieces in the following Aquaman issues.
The Bad
This issue felt somewhat short, having consisted of only 20 pages and I thought they should have extended the story being the epilogue of the Throne of Atlantis. Although, this issue also leads into the underwater adventures of Aquaman and him being the King of Atlantis.
Okay?! Why do we need a preview of Constantine #1 in an Aquaman crossover? Jus wondering.
The Verdict
Well, this is it Aquatic fans! The moment we've all been waiting for since the events that occurred during Throne of Atlantis. He's finally back in the water full-time as King of Atlantis and ruler of the Seven Seas. This definitely will separate him from the rest of the DC Universe, but I can also guarantee that we'll see more great stories tol expand on his mythos for sure. Really anxious to seeing how Johns and the team behind Aquaman take him down the path of his underwater excursions, as well as perceiving the events that'll occur in the time while he's king of Atlantis.
Introduction of Aquaman (UFC Version)
Anyway, without further ado (Bruce Buffer Voice)...Coming out of the blue corner!...This man is a brute superhuman, water-breathing powerhouse, coming from Amnesty Bay, California...Sizing up to be 6 foot, 3 in and weighing in at about 325 lbs...fighting out of the lost city of Atlantis!...He's back!...The rightful ruler and heir to the throne of Atlantis!...The one and only, King of the Seven Seas!...AQUAMANNN!
