Spoilers Ahead
Initial Thoughts on Emperor Aquaman #18
Emperor Aquaman #18 finally raises the question nobody has wanted to ask out loud: Are Aquaman’s new powers necessarily a good thing? Fellow Justice League member Green Lantern Hal Jordan is the perfect choice to raise it in this crossover issue, which sees Aquaman and Green Lantern trying to escape capture by the OOEC and the Vice Vice President of Omni Omega+ Bill (yes, the same OOEC from Lobo) as they are “hired” for their new intergalactic television show. But that setup mainly serves to question Aquaman's ultimate intent and his connection to the Blue.
Emperor Aquaman #18 was a wonderful issue that continues to expand the Aquaman universe and his powers. As expansive as this “new” universe is, it's good to know that it still connects with the broader universe at large—Green Lantern and Lobo. Between having a new artist at the helm and this new set of concerns, Emperor Aquaman has now planted seeds for a potential major crossover event in the DC Universe where an unchecked, yet justified, Aquaman might be a problem for the rest of the Justice League. That makes me really excited. For now, this was a fantastic issue that makes its main takeaway clear: Aquaman’s growing power may become a problem, even as it feels justified.
Emperor Aquaman is the next DC Crossover Event?
Do you remember what Aquaman’s name was during the Flashpoint event? Emperor Aquaman. Maybe this has been the start of something bigger for the DC Universe. Is the next big DC crossover event starting to take form? I sure hope so, because the Justice League trying to take down an overpowered Emperor Aquaman is something I would eat up. For the last decade, there has been a shift in perception — in a good way — with the movies and a more modern version of Arthur in the comic books. However, it can still be a common misconception for pop culture at large. Even in this book, Aquaman’s history -- no matter how inaccurate-- of being somewhat of a “joke” hero was mentioned.
“I’ve changed, Hal. It’s not just talking to FISH anymore.” I don't think this line was thrown in just for comedic relief. Emperor Aquaman #18 might be the start of an official shift in the at-large perception of Aquaman in popular culture. Ball knowers, like you and me, already know how much of a badass Arthur Curry is. Included with all of that, Emperor Aquaman #18 has officially transitioned the story into something that feels self-aware of the dangers of Aquaman’s powers. I’m excited to see whether the creative team takes this series any further in that direction.
This Version of Aquaman has Been The Best in Recent Memory
The Main DC Universe has been all over the place in recent months, from The Deadman to Emperor Aquaman to whatever is happening with Lobo. The All-In initiative was supposed to be a “soft relaunch” of the DC universe for people to jump back in, and it is still nice to see the universe written as if it is lived in and has a history. Green Lantern and elements of Lobo showing up (OOEC and the Vice Vice President of Omni Omega+, Bill) make this universe feel like it has relationships that draw the reader to delve deeper. That, I think, is the goal of the entire thing.
Writer Jeremy Adams continues to find creative ways to build up Aquaman and his newly found powerset. I mean, Aquman can control the weather (kind of) now? In this issue, Arthur controlled the water in the hired guns' bodies to slow their heart rates. Hal seeing this new Arthur with his own eyes adds an element of urgency and worry that was not there before. I love how Adams has slowly, but perfectly, been building the tension between Arthur’s powers and the urgency of his mission. It will eventually boil over and get to where I think this is going.
Ultimately, my favorite part of Emperor Aquman #18 was Hal Jordan's appearance. He helped Arthur escape, and he is no doubt the harbinger of things to come. Jordan was there to serve as a cautionary tale about what new, unlimited powers can do, and that is a fantastic story to tell. I might be fantasy booking myself into a corner; however, I think this would be a great and correct route to take.
Not Much To Complain. Maybe Pacing?
Emperor Aquman #18 has been one of the most consistent and strongest ongoing series in the industry. Not every issue has to be 23 pages of non-stop action and dynamic splash pages, as this issue proves. Emperor Aquman #18 does a fantastic job of adding layers to this story with exposition and deep conversation, while it never feels like the pace came to a screeching halt. The pace of this issue wasn't as fast as it has been during the previous couple of issues; however, I think that is a good thing. It lets issues like this sit and marinate on the point it is trying to make.
What I really liked about it, though, is that even though it is considered a “slow-paced” book, it was still well-paced, with a lot of action compared to other books. I might be a pushover as a critic — I don't know yet, I'm figuring it out — but I really enjoyed this book and honestly can't find a major flaw. I think between Emperor Aquman and Absolute Batman, these have been the two most consistent titles for DC at the moment. I know the world has been reading Absolute Batman, but I am here to tell you that Emperor Aquaman needs to be added to your monthly reading list, if it hasn't already been on it.
The Art Is As Good As The Story
There is a new full-time artist on the book, as Paolo Villanelli has taken over penciling for Emperor Aquaman after a soft launch in the last issue. There was no sense of a disjointed look to the book, and there was no whiplash. While the art style is different, the change wasn't abrupt enough to make everyone wonder what had happened. It was a smooth transition between the two artists, which continues a great look for Aquman and Atlantis.
The character faces drawn by Villanelli are amazing and give off a ’90s sitcom star vibe, which is meant as a compliment. The boyish good looks of the characters make them feel very different from the rest of what is going on at DC. Most books have sharp edges on their faces and well-defined structure. Villanelli gives his characters a smoother, rounder look, making them feel more welcoming. In contrast, the foreshadowing of a darker Aquman makes this art perfect for the situation.
The coloring from Rex Lokus is strong once again. The blonde color used on Arthur’s hair is immaculate, and I don't think there exists a better color that could be used. Along with his use of color, Lokus’ shading is fantastic. Almost every panel has some sort of shading or shadow effect that adds to the direness of Hal and Arthur’s situation and builds tension and character. The perfect example of this is the splash page at the end of the book with Aquaman and the lightning. From the character shape to the coloring and shading, this is the new Aquman, and I'm all here for it.
Final Verdict
Emperor Aquaman #18 is a strong continuation of one of the most important modern stories in Aquaman’s lore, a path that may change the modern perception of the King of Atlantis. Perhaps that path is the next big DC crossover event, where the Justice League must reckon with Emperor Aquman, his new life mission, and new powerset. There is something very satisfying in seeing Aquman in a position of power after years of being a laughingstock to so many.
The storytelling by Jeremy Adams and the art by Paolo Villanelli and Rex Lokus bring to life a vibrant, expansive universe that makes us yearn to read and learn more about these characters. The weight of the world is going to start falling on Arthur because of his sense of responsibility, and that will be a great storytelling tool for the rest of Emperor Aquaman. If you aren't reading this yet, you should be!