The Good
This issue really establishes Jeff Parker's run on AQUAMAN, thus far. Sure, he's out in the ocean, fighting giant monsters and discovering what Triton is, but most of this issue revolves around Aquaman's life before he became a hero. What was he like as a kid and how did he affect the people around him?
We really get a fantastic glimpse at the early days of Arthur Curry here. We get to see him come into his own and use his powers for the very first time. In this two page scene, Arthur finds a beached whale and telepathically links with it. Small moments like this really give the reader a better insight into what makes a hero a hero.
Most of the issue revolves around Arthur and Mera at Arthur's high school reunion. Yes, it sounds like an incredibly weird issue, but it's done so well. Pun intended, Arthur really seems like a fish out of water in this situation, while Mera spends time trying to learn more about what Arthur was like as a child. One again, Parker is doing a great job at fully defining who this character is, and even better than that, this issue is simply a ton of fun. We get to see how Arthur affected the lives of those around him. They love him as a hero and celebrity, but they truly respect him for everything he's done for them and the rest of the world. This is a high school reunion I'd actually want to go to.
There's a bit more about Triton and Aquaman finds Dr Shin there. This is going to build to something large and very epic. I can't wait to see what happens with Coombs in future issues, since something big happens to the character here.
Solid work from the art team, as always. Paul Pelletier has become the artist I want to see draw Arthur. He's given him a specific look, and does a stellar job throughout the issue. Pelletier's art just feels right.
Not only do we get a really cool reveal page, but this is actually a pretty solid place for new readers to jump on. Sure, there may be a little confusion in the opening of the issue, but this is a great place for anyone interested in this book to hop on.
The Bad
No problems with the issue. I really has a blast reading it.
The Verdict
This issue was a ton of fun. We take a break from Aquaman punching sea creatures and bad dudes in the face to remember that at one point, Aquaman was actually Arthur Curry, an average guy with huge potential. Jeff Parker did the impossible here. He made a high school reunion interesting and fun. Joking aside (not really a joke), Parker and Pelletier have a hit with this issue and really get deeper into what makes Arthur Curry. Overall, I highly recommend this issue.
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