AQUAMAN #14 (DC COMICS)

All is not right with the first family of Atlantis.

Aquaman is dealing with the DC K.O. Tourney. Queen Mera is brought back to her hometown of Xebel. Princess Andrina is not herself. Literally.

There has been a rage fueling the young warrior. Other kingdoms have noticed. During a meeting, she does the unthinkable. Mera discovers a reason behind these actions and it is nothing good. Her mysterious mother, Lolanna is back! All hail the Crimson Queen? Not if Mera has anything to say about it!

AQUAMAN #14 by Jeremy Adams, Daniel Bayliss, Rex Lokus, & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics) concludes its’ DC K.O. Tie-in event.

Let’s take a deeper dive into what is transpiring now.

AQUAMAN #14 by Jeremy Adams, Daniel Bayliss, Rex Lokus, & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Adams opens with the full reveal of the Crimson Queen. It makes a loud announcement as she proclaims her moves. Mera’s discovery of her mother’s return is met with a vision of question. Readers see the backstory unfold with Lolanna forced to grow up fast. This anger never settled and led into a new direction. Adams ties this back to a previous story plot in this run. Detailing the moment helps to give it a shot of adrenaline into the story at this stage.

Readers watch as Mera suffers a terrible loss in her battle. The writing gives this sequence a noteworthy spotlight before unleashing Lolanna. One major drawback is the “tie-in” portion. It is a very small factor to this overall picture. The event allows Lolanna to set her trap before launching it. This particular meeting throws a few different looks at the audience. It results in a wild finish that no one will see coming. Bank on many readers having a few questions in post. Adams is definitely leave them wanting more.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!

Bayliss kicks off the chapter with a full shot of the Crimson Queen in her glory. The reaction in the room tells of the fear she’s invoked. Readers can sense this feeling as the spotlight moves to Mera. The deep dive into her mother’s past unlocks the path of her rage. Lolanna’s reactions can’t be ignored. The tie-in’s to present DC timeline work to solidify her immediate impact.

A two page splash hits readers with her grand scheming. It follows an impressive image of her calling out her target. Once in the final stages, the confrontation pulls off a solid ruse. Watching her target walk right into the trap hits the mark. The move sets up a shocking small panel of her victory. Another character gets a full page image, but is too late in this battle. The epilogue delivers a unique final panel. Overall, a solid display to lead into that huge finishing panel.

FINAL GRADE: 8.5

A ghost from the past is seeing red with the Kingdom of Atlantis in her sights.. Adams’ writing welcomes the devious threat into play. Bayliss and Lokus set the stage for a very rocky showdown via the art. Brace for that epilogue final panel. It will have everyone talking this week.

Let me know your thoughts on AQUAMAN #14 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!