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| Suspended Animation, 8/7/2004 |
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Aquaman
pp. 32
$2.50
Published by DC Comics
I believe it's saying something when a creative team can get you to take a long look at a character who has never intrigued you. As of issue 15, DC's Aquaman has that distinction with me. A devastating earthquake causes part of San Diego to break off into the ocean. Obviously, many are dead and injured...but, there's something else. Many survivors remain, not only on land, but in the sea, as well. People suddenly able to live and breathe under water? What's up with that? A conundrum, to be sure, but one which DC's resident King of Atlantis sets out to solve, straight away.
What is entertaining about this series, begins with the daring disaster, itself. Pages two and three of issue 15 are pure shock value that I won't give away to potential readers; let's just say it gets things off to an interesting start. Not to mention that it takes nerve to instigate such a major change on our national map, even in comics. Second, said issue sets up a great mystery with the new water breathers, toward it's end. It's done in a very clever, entertaining fashion.
My hat is off to writer Will Pfeifer, not just for the concept, but for Aquaman's "dark-for-a-reason" character. No longer a product of the '90's "antihero" craze, the lead character is understandably morose, in the face of real horror. A tearful "Oh, the humanity!" seems more than appropriate.
Artist Patrick Gleason's strength seems to be in expression. With a story that has such potential to elicit strong emotion. He has a fine grasp of the wide-eyed horror, grim-faced determination, pure shock, etc., that the tale needs. Any artist who can make the reader feel what the character feels is good for the story. Aquaman's Patrick Gleason is good.
Aquaman is suggested for all but the youngest readers, and for those who like drama, disaster stories, and just a little super hero-type action tossed in.
Review by Mark Allen
Shudder at Vance's Light's End horror short stories narrated by actor William Windom at www.plan9.org.
Questions? Comment? E-Mail Suspended Animation at vance@digitalwebbing.com
Any statements made, expressed or implied are solely those of columnists or persons interviewed and do not represent the editorial position of the administration, who does not accept responsibility of such statements. All characters and artwork shown are trademark and © of their respective owners.
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