Exciting, even without any kings actually dying
I'm actually quite glad "Throne of Atlantis" is over because it was such a rollercoaster ride, including the lows. I'm all set for a new Aquaman arc as I feel he has a lot of potential. This new arc starts intriguing enough.
The opening mystery earthquake is quite effective despite being a cliché. Arthur dealing with Murk and Tula is full of interesting character bits, although the good old "humans are flawed and self-destructive" is tiring, especially when no one ever tries to actually answer why that is supposed to be true. (If humans as a race were indeed self-destructive they wouldn't have been around for millions of years. It helps to make a distinction between the human race and the culture of civilization, which indeed is self-destructive. End of culture critic aside). Besides, as far as the Atlanteans' behavior shows, they aren't really a good example of a sustainable race with all their intrigues and aggression.
The scenes with Mera feel really out of place. Her behavior and those of the policemen is annoying and deus-ex-machina-old-friend-of-Arthur only adds to the feeling of contrivance. Using this to show how stupid humans are is quite silly, too. At least the ending is cool.
The art is excellent throughout the issue. The transition from Reis to Pelletier works extremly well. I also like the cover a lot because it sums up Arthur's situation well and thereby differs a lot from the DC-action-moment-covers.
All in all, a solid issue that makes me looking forward for more without being amazing.
