Lolanna is poised to claim victory and end the surface world.
After unitiing Aquaman’s greatest enemies, she has acquired Zodiac Crystals, which can unlock enough power to do her dirty deed!
Meanwhile, Arthur Curry has been exiled off-world with little chance to get home. He’s gonna need some unlikely help from a pair of sinister sons to get this done!
EMPEROR AQUAMAN #23 by Jeremy Adams, Paolo Villanelli, Rex Lokus, & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics) brings on another chpater of “The Tidal War!”
Let’s take a closer look into the latest.
EMPEROR AQUAMAN #23 by Jeremy Adams, Paolo Villanelli, Rex Lokus, & Dave Sharpe (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Adams puts together an awkward paring to advance one story while making a huge swing with another. The inclusion of Lor-Zod and Sinson makes for a different dynamic as Aquaman arrives on Korugar. Their conversation is more lighter than expected. It provides a means to get Aquaman on the path home. That said, it’s an unlikely heroic act that steals the thunder here.
Readers watch as Black Manta takes the issue into uncharted territory as he breaks away from Lolanna’s wicked ways. Her decree of victory is cold as it promises certain doom. Manta’s stealth moves shifts gears until the perfect time to strike. The writing stages this aspect well as it builds up the moment to a fever pitch. Once it connects, pacing speeds events into explosive territory. The final act caps off events on a more heroic note, leading into the grand finale as readers should expect with this event. Brace for its’ impact.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Villanelli & Lokus bring out the most of the Sinister Sons/Aquaman pairing with the art. A solid full page welcomes Curry and the audience to Krougar. This compliments the crafty close-ups where the snark can be sensed. It is a far cry of what is unfolding in Atlantis. Lolanna’s ascension of power gets some shine before Manta steals the moment away.
The half panel unveil of events sets the tone for this section. A full page spotlights Manta’s covert moves while Lolanna has her victory glow. Readers witness the plan coming to fruition until Manta makes his intentions known via full page. This unlocks more secrets as reinforcements develop. Nero’s full page breakdown of Manta’s intentions leads into a more chaotic scene. There’s solid action scenes thrown into play along with a superb full shot of Manta’s back-up arriving. The closing pages tie up Aquaman’s portion as a fantastic full image ends events on a hopeful note. A great lead into what lies ahead.
FINAL GRADE: 8.4
Lolanna’s victory is halted as an Aquaman rogue goes into the hero business in this latest “Tidal War” chapter. Adams puts the spotlight on another player to push the game into overtime. Villanelli, Lokus & Sharpe craft energetic scenes to move one element into new heights. Get ready for some action as the last page indicates a long overdue reunion that readers have been waiting on! Brace for it!
Let me know your thoughts on EMPEROR AQUAMAN #23 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
