Comic Review: Aquamen #2

Publisher: DC Comics

Writers: Chuck Brown & Brandon Thomas

Artists: Sami Basri & Adriano Lucas

Letterer: Andworld Design

Following an excellent debut issue, Aquamen #2 is here to give readers some exposition and set up the story for some big moments.

Following Jackson’s discovery of Black Manta dissecting a body, things get a little heated between the two Aquamen. They get separated, and writers Chuck Brown and Brandon Thomas take this opportunity to give readers tons of information. Jackson works with other Atlanteans in an effort to understand what is happening on the surface (And why Arthur would work with his father) while Arthur and Black Manta follow their own leads. While both parties are essentially doing their own investigations, the two groups each feel rather different while the spotlight is on them. Arthur’s panels are more action filled, while Jackson’s embraces the mystery a bit more.

The split party leads to some great moments of dialogue, as Jackson begins to doubt everything that surrounds him. He is joined by Mera and few other supportive Atlanteans, who try to rationalize everything that is going on. Meanwhile, the other two characters have some nice verbal shots on each other as they talk through the conspiracy. It all makes for a fairly quiet yet entertaining issue thanks to the strong script by Brown and Thomas.

As great as the narrative is, it’s the art that really makes Aquamen special. Sami Basri and Adriano Lucas both do an excellent job of showcasing their talents when drawing underwater sequences, which there are a lot of. Basri’s style lends itself well to gorgeous views, making him a great pairing with Lucas. Most of Basri’s expressions look great throughout the issue, which is ideal for how much dialogue and reacting there is throughout the pages. The final few pages are particularly uncomfortable thanks to excellent art during a torture scene, which will surely make readers cringe.

Andworld Design has some great lettering throughout the issue as expected, especially when the characters show negative emotion. You can practically hear the tension in everyone’s, especially Jacksons, voice.

While this issue isn’t as strong as the first, Aquamen #2 is still just as important. It sufficiently sets up the rest of the story well, while also giving the readers some entertaining banter to read. For those who are already on board, this is a comic worth staying on.