EMPEROR AQUAMAN #18 (DC COMICS)
Arthur Curry’s ambitious plans are reaching beyond the seven seas.
The avatar of the Blue is establishing lighthouses throughout the universe. What the main purpose is hasn’t been fully explained. It hasn’t stopped Aquaman from ruffling some alien feathers (if they have them).
His latest destination has found some resistance waiting for him. Waking up in an alien jail, Curry could never guess who he runs into.
EMPEROR AQUAMAN #18 by Jeremy Adams, Paolo Villanelli, Rex Lokus, & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics)sees a shot of emerald excitement hit the seven seas.
Let’s take a deeper dive into what unfolds now.
EMPEROR AQUAMAN #18 by Jeremy Adams, Paolo Villanelli, Rex Lokus, & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Adams teases more to Curry’s newfound abilities than anyone realizes. After a flashback nightmare start, Curry’s exposed to be a prisoner to an unknown force. The writing jumps back to a brief moment before where the Curry’s discuss recent events. The tone is more direct as Mera is prying for info. Curry stays close to the vest until an alien message hits the Lighthouse. The warnign of revoking the King’s new portal doesn’t sit well with Curry. The results starts a very entertaining voyage.
Curry’s visit to investigate Prataxia Prime sees him in direct conflict with OOEC. The group has been making rounds in other series currently. They also have their eyes on one Hal Jordan. His banter with “Bill” exposes the hilarious notions of OOEC and their ”C.O.R.P.” Their banter turns comical very quickly. It leads to Jordan outsmarting his captor. Readers watch as both paths cross to pair the heroes up by chance. This moves to a frantic and exciting escape. Adams knows both characters so well, he brings out each’s strengths in conversation. Curry does play a few more cards which shock all involved. This moves to a very strong finish and a genuine question for readers to ponder. Solid script overall.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Villanelli & Lokus begin with a horrific thought of the Curry’s demise. This leads into a full shot of Aquaman captured. Once events dial back to a previous talk, Mera’s wonder takes hold of panels. The full shot of “Bill” kickstarts Aquaman to take action. A full page shows his jumping into the fray. Hal Jordan’s introduction is more low-key. There is something very “Han Solo” about his scenes with “Bill”. Panels carry a lighter feel as he sorts through the true game being played. It leads to a half shot of him in full Green Lantern costume.
Readers watch as the pair heads into their escape attempt. Jordan’s free wheeling posture keeps panels from sinking in drama. This gives more room for action to take place. The escape cycles moment is good but once Aquaman takes control, the fight goes up some levels. An incredible full page shows Aquaman jumping with lightning striking. It becomes a pace setter for what unfolds next. The pages witness the fight resolution. This lets the last page tie up ends while teasing more uncertainty en route.
FINAL GRADE: 8.7
A visit from Hal Jordan delivers on thrills and challenges Arthur Curry’s new stat quo in this latest chapter. Adams gives an excellent team-up to readers with his script. The art team goes for broke in the iconic Aquaman shots. This is definitely not the same ol’ Aquaman you think you know.
Let me know your thoughts on EMPEROR AQUAMAN #18 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
