SPOILERS AHEAD!
Initial Thoughts
Emperor Aquaman #19 feels like the stakes have been raised for Mera, Aquaman, and the rest of Atlantis, as not only are his fiercest rivals teaming up against the King of Atlantis, but the Justice League is showing concern over his new powers. His enemies see how thin he is stretched out, and his friends and allies are concerned about his unchecked new powers. Could the stress of the situation cause him to finally crack and become the Emperor Aquaman we saw in the Flashpoint crossover event? To me, it sure is leaning that way. If that were to happen, Emperor Aquaman, #19, could be seen as the issue where the cracks started to show.
Writer Jeremy Adams and artist Paolo Villanelli created one of the more consequential issues of the Emperor Aquaman run thus far, as it seems like the walls are closing in on Arthur and impeding his mission. The tension was felt throughout the book as Arthur was getting it in a very tense meeting with the Justice League, and Mera was fighting for her life against her mother and sister. There was so much storytelling and plot for the future of this series, but the action and excitement were not sacrificed for it. Emperor Aquaman continues to be one of the most exciting and interesting series at your local comic book shops!
Aquaman vs The World
If you want conflict for our hero, Emperor Aquaman #19 had enough for everyone. This issue culminated in what had been building over the last 18 issues, as Arthur’s war expanded to four fronts. First, his ongoing mission to save the universe from his vision. Second, all of his rogues gallery teaming up to take advantage of Arthur’s inattentiveness, or lack of oversight, over Atlantis. Third, the Justice League is now breathing down his neck over his new powers. Lastly, Poseidon has a bone to pick with Aquaman, too. I'd be stressed out too. Give this (fish) man a break.
All of these would be enough to break any superhero, so this will ultimately determine Arthur’s near and forever future. The stress of four different battles will be Arthur’s undoing. I am putting so much weight in this series because I think it will shape Arthur and Aquaman for the rest of the DC Universe. That is why, to me, this issue will go down as one of the more important ones in this run, and might possibly shape the perception of Aquaman for a larger, casual fan or reader.
Aquaman and Batman With an Interaction of the Ages
Perhaps out of all of the fantastic moments that occurred in this book, the one that will stick out to me is Arthur standing 10 toes down (2 fins down?) against the Justice League. The back and forth between Batman and Aquaman was one for the ages. Of course, Batman would be at the forefront of trying to “control” or use to justify his need for control. However, there was pushback from Arthur, as he is fully aware that his new powers separate him from the rest of the Justice League. This portion of his new confrontations is infinitely more interesting to me.
“... I'm sorry for my wariness, but…I like to be prepared.”
“In case I decide to turn Evil?”
“If that happened, Batman…There’s nothing you or anyone could do to prepare.”
Just a CHILLING back and forth from the King of the Ocean and Batman that could be a sign of things to come for all of our heroes. This ultimately begs the question: Do the ends justify the means for Aquaman? Does he have the right to trample over everything and everyone in the pursuit of a safer universe? This next stretch of issues will explore that, and I think we are in for quite a ride.
Not Villanelli’s First Rodeo
In his second issue at the helm, Paolo Villanelli continues to settle right in as the main penciler on Emperor Aquaman. Not a beat was missed between his first venture and his second issue, as his art remains immaculate and a real asset to Adam’s story. Villanelli’s characters look nice, clean, and fantastic in motion. Villanelli has nailed down action set pieces. Look at his work during the Mera vs Rogue’s Gallery and how explosive those scenes look. The rocks are collapsing on everyone, and the fight looks intense, to the point that it looks anxiety-inducing. That is exactly the feeling you want to have while reading a massive battle on the pages of a comic book.
A section complimenting the art in this issue couldn't be complete without mentioning colorist Rex Lokus. I think I've mentioned it before for Lokus, but his shadow work is EXQUISITE in this book. Specifically, when Arthur is face-to-face with the Justice League, the shadowing gives him a sense of mystery, as if he’s only giving half the truth. That is how a colorist can use their art to enhance the story. Just by looking at Arthur’s face, you can tell that not everything is as it seems. Overall, the artworks work really well together and enhance the story.
Final Verdict
Emperor Aquaman #19 will end up being one of the most important issues in not only this series, but perhaps in the history of the character of Aquaman. Arthur Curry, Mera, and the rest of Atlantis. There is legitimate tension between the Justice League—particularly Batman—and Aquaman, and all of his Rogue’s Gallery are teaming up against him, as they know Arthur might be stretched too thin. These high stakes will push Arthur into a place we have never seen before, and that is what will be the meat of the next phase of Aquman’s story.
This next arc in the Emperor Aquman story will test Aquaman’s fortitude and, by extension, his mission, as the biggest hurdles for his vision are in the way. So far, writer Jeremy Adams has built a world that seemed unimaginable for Aquman, and Arthur Curry and the rest of Atlantis have benefited from it.