Does Arthur Want To Be King?

Aquaman #7

Writer: Dan Abnett
Penciler: Scot Eaton
Inker: Wayne Faucher
Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Published by DC Comics, 2016

Uneasy Lies The Head That Wears The Crown

Arthur Curry needs a break. Ever since the Rebirth era started, he’s been fighting some of his own people, trying to stop Atlantis from being framed for attacking the surface, and trying to deal with a vindictive Black Manta. Finally, when he gets a chance to chat he his breath, he’s bombarded by functionaries who need him to make kingly decisions.

I’m pretty sure he’d much prefer to have things just go back to the way they were before he assumed the kingship.

Meta tries to help, but they need a plan, and this issue seems to be a bit about setting that plan in motion. First, they deal with a few of the immediate petitions, and then they start to gather evidence in order to get to the bottom of who framed Atlantis for the destruction of the American Navy vessel, the Pontchartrain. They even go seeking answers to a known terrorist who hates Aquaman. But they learn little.

Those who were responsible are thousands of miles away in Venice, where they take over the board of the N.E.M.O. Organization. Black Manta is determined to start a war between the surface and Atlantis, and this criminal enterprise is just another of his steps towards that end.

With both sides moving the chess pieces around the board, something was inevitably gonna happen, and in the end, it seems some kind of behemoth has been unleashed, and he’s headed towards Atlantis.

The underwater scenes are well-drawn, and the beauty of Atlantis is well highlighted throughout this tale, but I’m kinda put off by Aquaman’s seeming malaise. He needs to get his butt in gear if he’s gonna stop a war, and it takes Mara to kick him into action. Perhaps she should be the leader of the undersea kingdom?

Verdict

In the end, though, I enjoyed this issue though I would like to see is pick up the pace. I rate this issue a Read and look forward to seeing where the story develops.

This comic can be found on Comixology, on DC Universe, or at your local comic book shop.

Comic Corner | Reading Recommendation of Aquaman #7