Legion World Forums LEGION COMPANION Dr. Gym'll's Cultural Rarities Aquaman

Couldn't be that simple could it? I know in real life the least complex solution is the one that works but this is fiction.

I agree with OM. I think Squidbeard is the real Aquaman, and his prophecies are really just messed up memories. You know they can't be prophecies because King Shark fought with Aquaman, and this is One Year Later. My biggest clue for Squidbeard being the real Aquaman, though, is the last panel when you see his magic water hand.

The art, though -- ick, ick, ick. Everyone looks like a zombie. I was quite excited when I saw Butch Guice was drawing it. I enjoyed his work at Crossgen. So when I picked this up, I thought, "Blech, I guess he didn't do the cover." Then I looked inside and thought, "OK, what did they do to Butch Guice?" It's almost as bad as the new "Warlord" art.

Alright, you've sold me. I'll likely pick up a copy at the store tomorrow. Busiek had me intersted, and it sounds like he's delivered. And I've got more faith in him than Jones' WARLORD.

I finally got a copy, and manoman was this good! Busiek has set up a nice little adventure here. I don't think this is a reboot, or the original Aquaman. Squidbeard's last few panels suggested he's Orin and merely projected his past on the new kid.

And next issue, we find out about Atlantis! Talk about pay offs- no dragging things out here.

I like the art a lot. It has that feel of old pulp adventure comics, not the animated look of the superhero books.

Byrned this in the shop. Less bad than most DCs of late, but not enough to get me to but it.

1) Note the last panel of the "prophecy". It ends with narration that Aquaman was "transform[ed] into one akin to a great and terrible enemy of your people - and become the vessel of power strange, ancient and terrible." And look at the art to go with the narration
2) Last panel narration, where he reflects that the events must be true - he sees them as clearly as if he had lived them himself
3) The magic water hand in the last panel, which he tried to heal King Shark with earlier. Plus, he's got Aquaman's trident.
4) KS confirms that Aquaman was around for years until he disappeared, including the flashback to him getting stabbed.

Well this just goes to prove that I don't read things very carefully, do I.

I've gotten so fed up with AQUAMAN on several different occasions... so it's funny that this was the ONLY "new" thing DC is doing right now that i decided to order in advance. I guess it was the creative team that did it. Kurt Busiek really impressed me on IRON MAN and THE AVENGERS (at least at first), and I've been a fan of Butch Guice since MICRONAUTS. (Loved his DR. STRANGE, S.H.I.E.L.D., SUPERMAN and BIRDS OF PREY as well.)

This is interesting... I'm reminded a bit of when James Robinson started his version of STARMAN. You had a brand-new version of an old hero, but there was still the legacy of all that happened before hanging around. I'm interested enough to want to see where this goes now...

The funny thing is, the new costume-- just enough of the original to be instantly recognizable, but different enough to stand on its own-- looks like something out of Howard Chaykin's TALES OF ATLANTIS-- from over 30 YEARS ago!!! (Back when he used to draw like Neal Adams... heh heh) I was just thinking it's a shame they never did more than 5 episodes of that back-up series (and Chaykin only plotted the first 3 before jumping ship!). If this doesn't work out, maybe Busiek & Guice should do a sequel to TOA?

I think this was a great introduction issue and and I'm very interested.

Busiek knows his craft--the writing was spot-on and reminds me of Busiek at his best (I think his health over the last years have prevented that from occassion). Guice's artwork is very loved by this lad.

I also took the hints to mean that maybe Dweller is the *real* Aquaman, but its too early yet to tell. I'm interested though.

I really like the inclusion of King Shark. No one can argue that he's very visually appealing.

On to Mera! I like that no time is being wasted and I want to read more. Prof, your comparison to Robinson's Starman is very appropriate. I feel like continuity and history will be honored, while we get new stories, and mysteries that stand on their own although may be linked to the past.

I'm very pleased Busiek remembers *all* of Aquaman's origin, including Atlan and other details that lesser writers have left out.

Now how come they never seemed to get creative teams this good on SUB-MARINER ?

They lost me at Arthur Curry.

I was hoping for a brand new guy all together. Still an excellent read and I hope it pans out. But I'm not interested.

Rather have Garth or a brand new character as Aquaman. (Actually Tempest is a cooler codename than Aquaman)

Can't remember if this was mentioend elsewhere, but Aquaman #40 went back to the presses! That's MAJOR for Aquaman! I hope it keeps selling out.

(Before anyone says--yes, I know, the retailers probably under-ordered given Aquaman's past sales history, but the internet buzz on comic book websites is strong right now, and this might kick-start it for a bit).

I'm shocked. I'm excited for Aquaman for the first time since PAD.

Here\'s the announcement for Aquaman, as well as JSA 83 and Superman 650, Cobie.

I'll have to see the Churchill cover before I decide whether I want it or not... if it's his regular style, pass. But if it's his homage-to- Swan style...

DC needs this title. For anyone overwhemled by superheroes, here's your book. It's much more fantasy-adventure than cape-and-tights, but still has some connection to the rest of the DCU.

We get some info on Atlantis' situation, and even an appearance by Mera this week. No word yet on Tempest, but Busiek won't let that dangle I'm sure. I'm thinking this Aquaman has been splintered off from Orin- his human history is Arthur Curry, and his Atlantean roots are the Dweller.


I've long thought DC needed more diversity in it's line, and Aquaman brings it.

Isn't the new Aquaman described as the great-nephew of Orin's adoptive dad? And we see the destroyed centre, which implies to me that Busiek is playing it straight.

So, basic question from a non-Aquaman fan:

How exactly is it that all these underwater folk have swords and spears and stuff to fight with?

Obviously the smelt iron ore at large underwater volcanoes. Then they forge them into implements at smaller nearby volcanoes. All off-panel of course.

His explanation of rusting doesn't jive with my understanding of redox chemistry.

So all of their weapons are enamel?

Interesting.

Rust affects iron and iron alloys right? Gold, nikel, and copper are mixed with other metals for corrosion resistance. Animal secretions could also be used to preserve metals.

Relics from the Bronze Age are well preserved. Bone and stone would work well for making weapons. Other undersea minerals would be well suited for raw materials.

titanium

Superboy Prime?

I'm sure an undersea civilization would find ways to work metals just as we have. Just another technological obstacle to overcome. Though I could sea bone, stone and crystalline tools being developed first like here on land.

This series hurts my brain but in that good way where I want to know the outcome but am enjoying the confusing, confusing journey. More please!!

Oh, and the art. Man... niiiice stuff. Nice to see Mera underwater where she belongs too!! Overall-- yayness.

So, #42's out-- no appearances by the "Dweller of the Depths" though he narrates some. Still confused in that good brain-hurty way but...

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">"Many long known to Aquaman and well loved by him died. His son. His foster son."

They mean Tempest, don't they?! >< Maaaan... I don't know if we already knew this but... but... yeah. I'm waaaay bummered. I guess I just hope Cedrian (and Dolphin, I guess) made it. But... yeah. </span></span>