Aquaman has never really gotten the respect he deserves from the masses, and part of that is due to his appearances on the 70s cartoon Super-Friends. Aquaman was portrayed as a pretty worthless character who rode a giant seahorse and could talk to "fishies." Although he's had some incredibly solid comic book runs, throughout the years, that stigma still sticks with the character.
With the relaunch of DC comics comes a brand new Aquaman on-going series, one that hopes to break idea that Aquaman is worthless. The book takes place in Boston, where Aquaman may be taking up residence. Written by Geoff Johns and penciled by Ivan Reis, there's a lot of hype behind the book. and with hype, comes changes. There are a few here and there, but what are the biggest changes with Aquaman and the world he lives in that readers got to see in issue #1?
Since we're getting a bit more in depth into the first issue, you may see some spoilers below so be warned. Aquaman is always a character who goes through some changes. At one point, he lost his hand and became a shirtless pirate, and another time he had a hand made of water, granted to him by the Land of the Lake. Aquaman is a character who deals with not only real and super-hero life, but he's delved into the mystical aspect as well.
== TEASER ==Location
Aquaman may still technically be king of Atlantis, but in his own mind, he's done with it. It seems as though Aquaman will be spending most of his days guarding coastal cities, rather than fighting villains in the deep. No more "Sub Diego" or "King of Atlantis." Aquaman wants to focus using his abilities to help humans.
Makes sense though. Aquaman is half-human, so you can understand why he wants to spend some time with his people, humans. This will only make the book better. Many people are turned off by a man swimming underwater fighting giant fish. Well, at least that's what they think the book used to be about. Aquaman spends 100% of his time in this book on land, and it seems like the majority of this series will be the same way, or at least Aquaman will try to live on land... until something pulls him back in.
He's Not in it for the Glory
Most super-heroes enjoy the praise they receive from the people they save. Some even have a hidden agenda, whether it be avenging the death of a loved one or catching the eye of someone they secretly admire. Aquaman does what's right because it's what's right.
In a few scenes, within the issue, readers get to see moments where he interacts with the common folk. In the past, Aquaman was friendly, polite, and wouldn't mind talking to the humans around him. In this series, he isn't exactly responsive.
Aquaman, in short, is, well short with people. He does is duty and gets out quick. Even in situations where he wants to get a bite to eat, Aquaman doesn't seem to be the biggest fan of people chatting it up with him while he's trying to eat some old fashion fish and chips. He doesn't want praise for a job well-done, he wants to get on his way to more important matters, like lunch.
Well Defined Super-powers
Hey Aquafans! How many times have you gotten in a debate with someone about who's stronger, Aquaman or some other mid-level strong-guy, only to have the person, who knows nothing about Aquaman, think you're insane because "Aquaman can only talk to fish." Well, the first issue of this new series does a great job of defining Aquaman's powers. There's no more mystery to the character.
Throughout the issue, the readers are treated to moments of Aquaman's awesomeness. Not only can the man take AK-47 shots to the body and head, but he can also lift an entire armored truck off the ground with ease. Later on, his whole "talking to fish" power is also explained, where he technically doesn't talk to fish. He "telepathically pushes them [sea creatures] to help [Aquaman] out." With a well defined power set, it will be easier for new readers to enjoy and understand the character, but one question still remains: Is there a water hand under that glove?
He's the Punchline to all the Jokes
In the real world, Aquaman has been the butt of super-hero jokes since, well, Super-Friends. This never really got reflected in any of Aquaman's books, until now. There's a good amount of evidence that it's not just the comic book fans that don't take Aquaman seriously, it's everyone in the world, especially Boston.
Criminals laugh when they see him. Cops don't take him seriously (above). Even a local blogger gives Aquaman the 3rd degree. This is one tough obstacle to overcome for the former King of Atlantis.
More so than anything else though, the BIGGEST change with Aquaman, this time around, is that it is a well written book with great art. Geoff Johns has turned around Justice Society of America and Green Lantern in the past few years, and now he has his sites on Aquaman, and frankly, he and the art team, have the talent to take this book and character to the next level.
Are there any other changes you guys see with this book and character compared to his previous series? What did you guys think of the first issue?