AQUAMAN #12 (DC COMICS)
The fate of the DCU will be in one person’s hands. It will not be given. The title will be earned through combat.
Darkseid is coming. After creating the Absolute Universe, the former lord of Apokolips wants more. It was revealed an Absolute Champion must be crowned to face off against the upcoming evil. This is no easy task. Heroes and villains have now been put into a deadly tournament. As it progresses, the challenges do not get easier. The latest round isn’t going to hold back.
On one side is the King of Atlantis whos more powerful than ever. Opposing him is a winged warrior known for his short fuse and ferocious style of combat . Something has to give here.
AQUAMAN #12 by Jeremy Adams, John Timms, Rex Lokus, & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics) continues with this “All Fight Month” crossover.
Let’s get ready to rumble in this high stakes showdown.
AQUAMAN #12 by Jeremy Adams, John Timms, Rex Lokus, & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Adams wastes little time into getting events rolling in combat. The only time of “peace” is 24hrs before the tournament. Dialogue between Aquaman and his crew is hesitant but knowing of danger at hand. There’s a true sense of uncertainty that Curry is walking into. It doesn’t defer the King Of Atlantis. Readers know his faith in his fellow Justice Leaguers. If they say there’s trouble, then there’s trouble. Sometimes it doesn’t paly to be right.
The rest of the chapter is non-stop action. It displays all of Curry’s new found abilities. Forget any pre-conceived notions. Aquaman’s new control over the Blue is on full display here. It easily moves events into the next round. As with all the 2nd rounds, the persona switch continues to be the most creative in each round. Readers watch as Hawkman goes for a desperate move to secure victory. It’s met with the drastic measures Aquaman takes for victory. Adams gifts Curry with a confident persona, unafraid to go into deep places. It results in an exclamation point ending to move onward in the tourney. The writing kept things very direct and delivered on what was needed.
Timms and Lokus start off with a quick stare down before ramping up the pace. A superb full page shot kicks off the combat in style. The art sneaks in a quick flashback to explain Arthur’s involvement in the tourney. This is a more grounded approach to what is evolving. The conversation with the crew keeps up the emotional hits before returning to the fight. Once this concludes, it’s non stop action panels from here on out.
Readers watch as both warriors swing wildly. Hawkman’s expressions to Aquaman’s power-up indicates he’s in over his head. This leads into a strong full panel shot of the final blow of round one. Hawkman’s breakdown in round two leads to a surprise visit. This causes a huge power surge to compete. The near full page shot gives the impression they are both on the same playing field. Readers see how this gives way to another display of powers. The descending panels build up the parting shot perfectly. Events conclude with a bold full page finish. Rest assured, this one didn’t go to the judges for a decision. The art team brought the pain with the panels.
FINAL GRADE: 8.5
Aquaman crashes the K.O. tourney with an opponent pushing him to his limits. Adams’ writing steers events into a knock down, drag out brawl for the ages. Timms, Lokus and Sharpe give fans a heavyweight bout to remember with phenomenal action panels. This chapter is going to hit NCBD with a 1-2 combo you don’t want to miss
Let me know your thoughts on AQUAMAN #12 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
