Comic Review: Aquaman #44

Aquaman #44

DC Comics

Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick

Artist: Robson Rocha & Sunny Gho

We’re two issues into Kelly Sue Deconnick’s Aquaman run and I’m still not sure what to think about it. Considering I’m a huge fan of Dan Abnett’s previous run, my hopes for this run weren’t as high. DC mentioned that they were trying to make Aquaman closer to the movie version of the character (something I absolutely loathe). On top of that, they announced that this first story arc would be an amnesia arc (easily one of my least favorite types of stories in comics). So there’s a lot stopping me from enjoying this book, but after these two issues, I’m not sure if I like it or not.

The main appeal to this book for me is Deconnick’s writing. She is clearly a very talented writer with great descriptions and decent dialogue. One moment I really liked was when Deconnick described each of the ocean gods. Her opening with Mera at the beginning was also very well written. So if there’s one saving grace from this book it’s that Deconnick is a great writer.

But on the other hand, why are we going through this amnesia arc? It feels like the only point of this arc is for it to be over. I still don’t know if I like Deconnick’s Aquaman because we haven’t seen Deconnick’s Aquaman yet. These first two issues don’t feel like Aquaman at all. And I don’t think that this is just because “Andy” is our main character instead of Aquaman. The scene with Mera in Atlantis felt a little too “regal” for my liking. I mean I know Mera just became the Queen of Atlantis, but she still feels a little out of character.

I’m also torn about Robson Rocha on the art as well. I still don’t know if I like his style. He has a few highlights in this issue. My favorite piece of art was the scene where the fire projected visions of Gods in front of their human forms. Sometimes though, the art just feels passable. Similar to Kelly Sue and Abnett, it’s hard for any artist to follow up Stjepan Sejic and Riccardo Federici.

Overall, I’m about as confused about this issue as Aquaman is in this story. Deconnick is clearly a great writer, but I’ve yet to see if she’s great at writing Aquaman. We’ve seen so little of Atlantis that it’s hard to see if she has a solid direction for these characters. I’m just patiently waiting for Andy to be over with (at least it’s not as bad as Ric). I’d usually say that a new run is a great place for new readers to start, but since this book doesn’t feel like Aquaman, I would wait a couple of issues before diving in.