Jamie Revell
This short collection takes Aquaman and puts him in a story of cosmic and psychological horror, rather than one of superheroics. It's an interesting change of pace, and one that works, using the inhospitable and lightless depths of the deep sea as a backdrop. It's told primarily from the point of view of the crew of an experimental submarine sent to recover what appears to be an alien artefact from the most remote part of the Pacific Ocean; that they view Arthur as as much of a mystery as the entity they are investigating suggests that this is intended as an alternate reality story.
Ram V's often introspective style works well here, using flashbacks to illuminate the fears and insecurities of the crew - and, to a lesser extent, of Aquaman - as they begin to crack under the strain and a dark secret is revealed. There is some action in here but it's far from a typical superhero story, with the art playing up the spooky atmosphere. It's not perfect, and Black Manta, for example, seems to be included only because somebody thought he should be, not because he really does all that much... but as a horror story that happens to feature Aquaman, it's making good use of the author's strengths.
This short collection takes Aquaman and puts him in a story of cosmic and psychological horror, rather than one of superheroics. It's an interesting change of pace, and one that works, using the inhospitable and lightless depths of the deep sea as a backdrop. It's told primarily from the point of view of the crew of an experimental submarine sent to recover what appears to be an alien artefact from the most remote part of the Pacific Ocean; that they view Arthur as as much of a mystery as the entity they are investigating suggests that this is intended as an alternate reality story.
Ram V's often introspective style works well here, using flashbacks to illuminate the fears and insecurities of the crew - and, to a lesser extent, of Aquaman - as they begin to crack under the strain and a dark secret is revealed. There is some action in here but it's far from a typical superhero story, with the art playing up the spooky atmosphere. It's not perfect, and Black Manta, for example, seems to be included only because somebody thought he should be, not because he really does all that much... but as a horror story that happens to feature Aquaman, it's making good use of the author's strengths.