Graphic Novel Review - Aquaman: 80 Years of the King of the Seven Seas

Name - Aquaman: 80 Years of the King of the Seven Seas

Writers - Various 

Artists - Various 

Published by - DC comics

Initially, after reading "Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years", I decided against picking this one up as I had read most of the stories on offer here previously. The 2 or 3 issues that I hadn't read previously didn't seem very special. But, as time passed, I forgot some of the stories and changed my mind, thinking it might be fun revisiting various eras of Aquaman's long run.

The stuff presented here seemed somehow a bit more coherent than the aforementioned collection. There was more emphasis on the newer stuff, featured a great many cameos, one of the best issue from Peter David's awesome run and even an issue featuring the short lived character Arthur Joseph Curry. 

The short essays by various creators that contributed to the character were also a lot of fun and informative. I would have loved to hear a bit from Peter David though regarding his unorthodox yet brilliant run.

The varied art was really a feast for the eyes. I really loved the varied works on offer here. The works from Jim Aparo, Ramona Fradon, Ivan Reis and Stjepan Šejić were just plain spectacular to behold, to name a few.

All in all, I found this one much more focused and representing Aquaman better than the 75 years collection, justifying its need. It really intrigued me about jumping into the stuff that I haven't yet read sooner rather than later.

A well-deserved 4 out of 5 stars from me.

Graphic Novel Review - Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years

Name: Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years

Published by: DC comics

Writters: Various

Artists: Various 

When considered as a sampler or entry point for new readers into the world of Aquaman, this collection does a fine job. But when thinking of this as a collectable item for seasoned reader it does fall a bit short as it misses some of the classic or legendary issues.

Readers will mostly get an introductory idea about the characters and setting of the world of Aquaman and some information regarding some of the noteworthy runs featuring Arthur. Some of the art from the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Age  is quite charming and beautiful. And the primers from the modern comics also pique interest regarding these storylines.

I would have loved to read or experience some of the other specific legendary issues, like silver age introduction of Thanatos or some of the other extravagant Peter David issues beside the mid blowing 'Single Wet Female'.

Overall score - 3.5 stars from me, mostly due to some unfortunate omissions.

New Comic Review - Aquaman: Andromeda #2

Name: Aquaman: Andromeda #2

Published by: DC comics

Writter: Ram V

Artist: Christian Ward

Letterer: Aditya Bidikar 

This issue starts from where the last one left off; as we slowly delve into the mystery at Point Nemo, Aquaman and Black Manta both get more page time and the gorgeous art by Christian Ward makes us re-examine each and every panel as we think we might have missed some minute yet exquisite detail. 

This time, Ram V takes us deeper into the past and the psyche of the crew of Andromeda as the overall sense of dread grows. Aquaman has more dialogue and seems even more broody and powerful than before. Manta appears only in a few pages, but steals the show yet again by being dark and ominous. We get more hints regarding the origin and nature of the craft, but much is left for the next issue to explore and explain. 

The art by Christian Ward needs to be seen to be truly appreciated. His unique use of colors adds to the depth of the experience by creating a sense of ominous and foreboding. Each and every page is a delight for the eyes and begs for re-evaluation quite often. 

My only gripe is that the author spends too much time on the crew of Andromeda leaving little room for Aquaman and Manta. Their story is kind of slow at times and seems to distract from the sense of cosmic horror and overall enjoyment. 

This gets, 4 out of 5 stars. 

New Comic Review - Aquaman: Andromeda #1

Name: Aquaman: Andromeda #1

Published by: DC comics

Writter: Ram V

Artist: Christian Ward

Letterer: Aditya Bidikar 

Well, Aquaman doesn't seem to have a lot of Elseworlds tales, but with the new 'Black Label' line from DC, he does get his spot to shine. This one is a moody issue just setting up the story and characters, but the beautiful drawing and intriguing mystery will definitely make anyone reading this charged for issue two.

The crew of the experimental submarine Andromeda, powered by a mysterious black-hole drive, have been chosen to investigate a mysterious object that landed in the 'spaceship greaveyard' known as Point Nemo. But they aren’t the only ones pursuing it. It has also attracted Aquaman and Black Manta.

The prose is crisp and tight with no room for idle banter, the non super powered characters seems interesting so far, Manta is as fiendishly awesome as ever (despite only being in a few pages) and Aquaman has plenty of room for breaking his stereotype as this is out of continuity.

The art is gorgeous and demands your attention due to its unusual use of colours to give readers the sense of being really deep underwater.

All in all, very promising stuff so far, 4 out of 5 stars.