Mera's Time to Kick Butt!
Last month's issue of Aquaman saw Arthur taking on Swamp Thing, questioning him about the algae blooms that are killing sea life in the oceans while back at the Triton Base, Dr. Orson was just putting on his finishing touches of his "masterpiece" the Creature King (Chimera in the New 52) a creature created by multiple kinds of sea life and the remains of Coombs, the diver from Issue 28. We also saw Mera travelling to a new area of Atlantis, unknown to most known as the Underrealm where she and Tula are attacked by those who believe she and Arthur will destroy Atlantis...
So we start off this month's issue of Aquaman with Orson showing off his creation while the other scientists (including Dr. Shin) who ask what he has done and before he can show off anymore, Orson is dragged into the tank by his own creature and deconstructed by his acidic touch. All mayhem ensues as Chimera escapes his tank and goes about killing the Triton Base security in the most gruesome ways. He gets a hold of Shin, but releases him and goes after "The King"
Back in Atlantis, Mera and Tula prepare for the assault from the Orm loyalists and this is the heart of the issue. Mera kicks all kinds of aquatic ass here, showcasing her incredible powers as she takes out the soldiers. Tula is also there to lend a hand, and seems to have a knack for crab-driving (joke obviously). They interrogate the leader of the attack by offering him up to Topo but he agrees to tell Mera who else is in the organization that wants her dead.
Finally, the issue ends with Arthur unable to command the sea creatures around him, getting tangled up in jellyfish and getting bulldozed by a Sperm Whale before he sets his sights on The Chimera...
What. An. Issue. It was absolutely fantastic. All the build up that Parker has been doing from his first issue is here and the big fight is happening next month. Pelletier's design of the Chimera is truly magnificent, making him terrifying, and yet it has a sense of a 1950's (ish) horror monster to it. One of the highlights of this issue. PAUL PELLETIER! I cannot tell you enough how much I love his art, and the fact that he was the only artist this month. It's nice to see him doing all the art this time and hopefully it'll be like that for the future. I believe he had some personal issues to attend to but hopefully it's all taken care of and he can get back to focusing solely on Aquaman.
Really, to me at least, there was NOTHING wrong with this issue, it kept me glued to the pages from the first page to the last. The writing, the pencils, the colors, everything was just fantastic. Also, it has a nice little preview of GRAYSON for anyone interested in reading that series. Seriously, go out and get this issue, you will NOT be disappointed. 5/5