Review - Aquaman Volume 4: Underworld Part 1

Aquaman is dead and the throne of Atlantis has been usurped by the terrorist Corum Rath. After imposing an isolationist and extremist regime on Atlantis, Corum has targeted the poorest and most vulnerable Atlanteans in order to further homogenize the kingdom. With his dictatorial reign in full effect, small contingents of rebels have formed to oppose him. Former royal advisor Vulko, the disgraced Mera, and a mute Atlantean named Dolphin each work towards ending Corum’s regime.

Aquaman Volume 4: Underworld Part 1 collects Aquaman #25-30, written by Dan Abnett and with art by Stjepan Sejic.

After a stellar introductory arc on his Rebirth run on Aquaman, Abnett and his creative team stumbled with a collection of mediocre stories that culminated in the Crown of Atlantis trade. While the series started out with a political tinge by tackling the subject of diplomacy, Abnett and co fell back on a more traditional approach to superhero storytelling for a handful of issues. Underworld brings readers back into the world of political intrigue. Abnett and artist Stjepan Sejic immerses readers in an Atlantis that is in the midst of a dictatorial reign as a result of a coup by the terrorist Corum Rath and his followers. It feels very topical, especially considering how classism and racial discrimination become central themes in this story arc. Abnett and Sejic re-introduce classic Aquaman supporting character Dolphin as a mutated Atlantean who lives in the poorest section of the kingdom. It is through her narrative that we see the danger that the Atlanteans live in under Corum’s regime. Those who live in the Ninth Tirade, like Dolphin, are mutated and live in severe poverty, thus becoming scapegoats for those in power. Dolphin must not only survive the crime in the Ninth Tirade, but she must also deal with the persecution she faces from Corum’s followers. It contrasts starkly with characters like Mera and Tula, whose adjacency to the throne afforded them certain privileges that Dolphin does not have.

This arc is filtered through the perspectives of four primary characters – Corum Rath, Mera, Vulko, and Dolphin (and her very familiar companion SPOILER ALERT - it's Aquaman). Corum is desperately trying to hold onto his power, barking orders at whoever will listen. Meanwhile, Vulko strikes an alliance with an unlikely benefactor and sets out to undermine Corum’s rule. Mera returns to Atlantis with the aid of Aquaman’s one-time sidekick Tempest to destroy the magical barrier that surrounds the kingdom. Finally, Dolphin convinces a vigilante operating in the Ninth Tirade to oppose Corum. The plot is structured in such a way that each character’s narrative never gets lost in the shuffle, though Corum does seem to be the most inessential character to be following (despite his important role in the events). The pacing works quite well as Abnett and Sejic perfectly manage to balance action sequences with character building exchanges. One of my favourite moments blends both of these together. While Mera and Tempest attempt to destroy the barrier around Atlantis, Tempest confides in Mera by telling her the reason why he gave up using magic. It’s a poignant moment that adds to the impact and high stakes of the action occurring around them.

One of the most impressive elements of Underworld is its art by Sejic. There’s a storybook-like quality to his work that elevates the material outside of the traditional superhero aesthetic. The painted style truly suits the underwater setting and gives readers some of the most beautiful backgrounds possible. I’m also incredibly impressed by the appearance of the female characters. Mera and Dolphin are especially striking. Both Mera and Dolphin are rendered in a very elegant way. Additionally, the mutation on Dolphin’s legs and arms has a certain level of realism that provides a kind of tangibility to her appearance. With that said, the quality does tend to vary from panel to panel. The colours are applied imprecisely in some spots and Sejic seems to be less consistent with men than women when it comes to proportions.

Aquaman Volume 4: Underworld Part 1 is a satisfying return to form for the Rebirth Aquaman series. Abnett’s refocusing on the intrigue of Atlantean politics gives this trade a unique quality in comparison to other superhero books. There’s a ton of action, but there’s some substance there as well. Abnett and Sejic give us plenty of touching moments between the characters, for instance, while also adhering to a set of topical themes that feel relevant to what’s currently going on in the world. Though I’ve never considered myself an Aquaman fan (like others might), Abnett’s run has impressed me and this collection in particular is worth a read.

RATING: B+

Review - Aquaman Volume 3: Crown of Atlantis

With the war between Atlantis and the United States over, Aquaman finds new and old threats on the horizon. First, he must contend with the cyborg Warhead. Then, he forms an unlikely alliance with the Aquamarines in order to investigate the re-appearance of the lethal Dead Water.

Aquaman Volume 3: Crown of Atlantis collects Aquaman #16-24, written by Dan Abnett and illustrated by Scot Eaton, Philippe Briones, and Brad Walker.

In comparison to the two trades that preceded it, Crown of Atlantis is a dull collection of stories that ultimately fail to meet the excitement and action of its predecessors. Where The Drowning and Black Manta Rising focused on the saga of the shadowy organization N.E.M.O. orchestrating a war between Atlantis and the United States, this trade reads as a disappointing denouement that treads water in an attempt to tie up loose ends. It opens with a three-part arc where Aquaman faces off against Warhead, a cyborg with telepathic abilities who is leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. It’s a forgettable storyline with an incredibly unremarkable villain. It’s followed up by another three-parter, this time featuring Aquaman and Mera joining forces with the Aquamarines to stop the monstrous Dead Water. It’s a marked improvement over the first arc and gives us some really great moments between Atlantis’ iconic power couple. For instance, we see Aquaman and Mera at odds over the correct course of action to dealing with the threat. Interestingly, there’s a role reversal in that Mera seeks a diplomatic solution while Aquaman reaches for the aggressive one. Nevertheless, the arc fails to impress. Though Abnett was likely aiming for something along the lines of Alien or The Thing, the narrative isn’t given enough room to breathe. This results in haphazard action sequences and an abrupt ending that doesn’t effectively interrogate the very real tension that should have been between Aquaman and Mera due to their conflicting attitudes.

Where Crown of Atlantis shines is in the arc that this collection was named after. It’s a paltry two issues, but in this storyline a coup is led by Atlantean rebels and Aquaman is swiftly deposed from the throne. He, Mera, and Tula must escape before they can be imprisoned (or worse). In these issues, Abnett returns to writing stories that have some political intrigue to them and tangible themes that are likely to feel relevant to today’s climate of isolationism amongst many of the world’s nations. The juxtaposition of Aquaman’s liberal views contrasted with Atlantis’ traditional ones feels topical, as does the antagonism towards our titular hero for being an outsider. Still, these two issues feel more like a prelude than a fully formed arc. They even end on a cliffhanger. As such, they feel tacked on to an otherwise mediocre collection.

Art-wise, the trinity of artists working with Abnett remain fairly consistent. Eaton, Briones, and Walker are true assets as their work elevates the otherwise unremarkable stories being churned out with this trade. Disappointingly, Walker does take a step back and only provides interiors for one issue (along with the covers). Briones remains a favourite for me. I really enjoy his aesthetic. It’s also worth mentioning that Eaton’s work improved with this issues and adds some consistency overall. With that said, there’s a rather surprising (and glaring) error in issue 24. Towards the end, Aquaman is meeting with the Atlantean rebels and both Mera and Tula are drawn with him. The problem is that both characters aren’t actually in Atlantis at the time, so the colourist (bless Gabe Eltaeb) had to get creative by re-colouring both to try to make them look like different characters. For example, the Mera character is given a pink outfit, silver crown, and blonde hair.

I was surprised by how disappointed I was by Aquaman Volume 3: Crown of Atlantis. After enjoying the previous trades due to their complexity and creative action sequences, this one felt like a major step down. With a lack of memorable villains, precious little done with the women, and an overall lack of direction during the first two arcs, Crown of Atlantis is a bit of a mess and certainly makes me question the direction the creative team is going in.

RATING: C+

Review - Aquaman Volume 2: Black Manta Rising

When a war between America and Atlantis is ignited by the actions of the nefarious N.E.M.O., Aquaman must fend off the invading forces and prove his nation’s innocence in the conflict. With the Justice League remaining neutral and Mera absent while preparing for their pending nuptials, the King of Atlantis seeks out the aid of a British naval officer and the Atlantean Elder of Science to expose N.E.M.O. to the world.

Aquaman Volume 2: Black Manta Rising collects Aquaman issues 7-15, written by Dan Abnett and illustrated by Scot Eaton, Brad Walker and Philippe Briones.

Black Manta Rising continues the saga of Black Manta’s campaign to destroy Atlantis and discredit Aquaman through the machinations of N.E.M.O. First, he unleashes the unstoppable Shaggy Man to demolish Aquaman’s hometown of Amnesty Bay. Then, after successfully baiting America into a war with Atlantis, Black Manta enjoys the fruits of his labour as a group of assassins are sent to infiltrate the undersea kingdom in order to kill his Atlantean nemesis. It’s an intricate arc that ultimately leads to an epic brawl between Aquaman and Black Manta. Before that, we’re treated to plenty of action and a fair bit of political intrigue. The effectiveness of diplomacy becomes a central theme throughout and Abnett appears eager to critique war itself. He also explores the necessary qualities it takes to be a leader. The combination of these narrative elements creates a layered story that goes beyond good guy beating up bad guy.

Abnett also spends quite a bit of time developing the mythos surrounding Aquaman. He introduces a handful of Atlanteans whose roles help give us a glimpse into the varying factions of this undersea nation. Two of the standouts include Carcharodor, Mistress of the Fleet, and Jurok Byss, Keeper of the Monsters. Both are striking and imposing figures who serve important functions during wartime. Abnett also fleshes out Rowa, Elder of Science, who made a couple of appearances during Jeff Parker and Paul Pelletier’s run. Another unique element to the building of Atlantis’ mythos is the inclusion of the Widowhood, who is tasked with assessing Mera’s worthiness to be Queen of Atlantis. They are a cabal of nun-like women whose judgment is explicitly trusted by the Atlantean people. Aside from their incredible designs, their inclusion provides a matriarchal dimension to this society. With that said, the subplot that they’re brought in for essentially removes Mera from much of the action for this arc. It’s disappointing since she’s a character who comes to life in fight scenes and is instead has her narrative reduced to her relationship (whereas her husband’s gets to be about being a leader).

Eaton, Walker, and Briones continue to do a spectacular job on the art. Walker’s cover and interiors for issue 10 are especially exquisite. His renditions of the Widowhood and Mera are stunningly detailed, which further adds to the appeal and mystique of these characters. His covers for issues 13 and 15 are similarly quite memorable. My fondness for Briones’ work remains strong throughout as well. His work doesn’t have the same kind of intricacy to it that Walker’s does, but it’s dynamic and streamlined. Eaton is sadly still the weakest of the three if for no other reason than it being the most generic in comparison.

Abnett’s Rebirth run on Aquaman is a fun ride. I appreciate that he’s writing his stories to be about something by focusing on Aquaman’s unique status as the ruler of a nation. As one of the few monarchs who are also heroes in the DC Universe, this helps to distinguish the character and his stories from his contemporaries on the Justice League. While there wasn’t enough Mera in this arc for me and found parts of her portrayal to be irksome, Abnett did give other female characters plenty to do. I actually find myself drawn to many of the supporting characters that are used throughout and would love to see more done with them moving forward (especially Tula, Rowa, and Carcharodor). Overall, Black Manta Rising is an exciting conclusion to the Abnett's opening saga for Aquaman's Rebirth era.

RATING: B+

Review - Aquaman Volume 1: The Drowning

Following an attack on the Atlantean embassy and the sinking of an American vessel at sea, tensions between Atlantis and the United States are reaching a peak. Though Aquaman submits himself into custody of the United States, but his diplomatic approach seems ineffective in diffusing the conflict. Meanwhile, Black Manta is recruited into the shadowy organization known as N.E.M.O.

Aquaman Volume 1: The Drowning collects Aquaman: Rebirth #1 and Aquaman #1-6, written by Dan Abnett and with art by Scot Eaton, Brad Walker, and Philippe Briones.

The Drowning serves as a continuation of Dan Abnett’s work on Aquaman prior to DC Comics’ Rebirth initiative. Aquaman and his fiancée Mera are working towards improving relations between Atlantis and the surface world. To do so, they’ve opened an embassy in the United States and Mera has been posted as its ambassador. Their diplomatic work begins unraveling rapidly after Black Manta attacks the embassy. This narrative proves to be quite engaging as it remains relevant to today’s political climate due to its interest in exploring the treatment of the “other” and the often ineffectual nature of bureaucracy. Aquaman, referred to in-text, as a progressive leader is dedicated to peaceful solutions and pursues international unity. Naturally, he’s met with distrust from those within and without his nation. Some extremist Atlanteans disapprove of Aquaman’s departure from tradition and Americans are suspicious of his motives due to the fact that he is part Atlantean. Within this scheme, Abnett presents the surface dwellers as the most impetuous and this seems apt given the way in which humans are quick to distrust and scapegoat outsiders.

One of the most impressive aspects of The Drowning is its impeccable character work. Each character is distinctive in their voice and actions within the story. Aquaman is the idealistic king, Mera is the feisty warrior princess, Tula is the clear-headed leader of Atlantis, Murk is the gruff soldier, and Black Manta is the unrelenting villain. Abnett’s take on Aquaman is atypical, but is refreshing in this regard. He’s more good-humoured and diplomatic than sullen and impulsive, which makes him more like Wonder Woman. That said, he’s far from being the standout character of this trade. That honour goes to Mera. Rather than being portrayed as a one-note warrior woman or as a generic love interest, Mera is Aquaman’s equal and is given many layers to her character. On the surface level, she provides comic relief through her snarky comments and is an impressive combatant. Beyond that, she is smartly positioned in opposition to Aquaman. Where he is partly of the surface world, she is wholly an inhabitant of the seas. This affects their views of humans and influences their approach to conflicts with land dwellers. It’s genuinely just as exciting to see them agree as it is to see them disagree. They read like a real life couple in that respect.

Brad Walker and Phil Briones provide the majority of the art for this collection, though Scot Eaton and Oscar Jimenez also provide pencils. Walker and Briones’ styles are quite different, yet work beautifully together to create a nice consistency throughout this trade. Walker’s style is highly detailed and has a slight whimsical quality to it. The way he renders the costuming for the characters is really engrossing and there’s a very cinematic quality to how he sets his scenes. His work on the panels for the Superman vs. Aquaman and Mera fight is especially memorable. It’s also worth mentioning that Walker did all the covers as well, all of which would look gorgeous as posters (especially the first issue’s cover). Briones’ work is simpler and more streamlined. His work has a softness to it that I find really appealing. His depiction of Mera is worthy of praise. I love the way he draws her hair and captures the expressiveness of her character. His Tula is also quite noteworthy and he always draws Aquaman looking like a snack. Briones also gets to hang his hat on one of the coolest action sequences I’ve seen in a long time – Mera and Aquaman teaming up to tear through a literal army (tanks and all!).

I was sufficiently impressed with Aquaman Volume 1: The Drowning as it has everything I need to enjoy a superhero comic. It’s got complex character work, a narrative with depth, memorable action scenes, gorgeous art, and a lead heroine who is multi-dimensional (and also kicks all kinds of ass). While it’s not the most accessible book on the shelves (readers will have to be mildly familiar with the New 52 Aquaman material), it is genuinely entertaining and helps to return the Aquaman series to a higher quality after the middling stories published following Geoff Johns’ exit from the New 52 title.

RATING: A-

Review: DC Comics Bombshells Volume 2 - Allies

As the otherworldly Tenebrae descends upon England, the Bombshells are dispatched to eliminate the evil force once and for all. With the combined might of Baroness von Gunther, Edward Nygma, and Nereus on its side, it becomes quite clear that lives will be lost and sacrifices must be made in order to defeat the Tenebrae.

DC Comics Bombshells Volume 2: Allies collects DC Comics: Bombshells #7-12, written by Marguerite Bennett and illustrated by Laura Braga, Mirka Andolfo, M.L. Sanapo, and Marguerite Sauvage.

Allies is the thrilling conclusion to the first year of DC Comics: Bombshells and finally sees the title’s heroines assembling together to fight the Tenebrae. Writer Marguerite Bennett builds towards this final confrontation through a series of interconnected vignettes that develop the protagonists’ arcs and establish the villains. For instance, Stargirl learns the truth about her parentage while Supergirl and Mera team-up to do battle against the Tenebrae beneath the waters surrounding London. Meanwhile, Catwoman and Huntress free Batwoman from the clutches of Brother Night and Wonder Woman does battle against Baroness von Gunther. Each of these narratives are brimming with action and punchy dialogue, particularly the segments featuring Batwoman. Bennett is to be commended for being able to give these characters distinctive voices and for reinventing them for the time period this book is set in.

I am continually impressed by and engrossed in the character work that Bennett does in Bombshells. Mera and Stargirl prove to be the runaway stars of this particular collection, as both are given important arcs and contribute greatly to the final fight against the Tenebrae. We learn that Mera has effectively misrepresented her past, which comes back to haunt her and it threatens to harm the people she cares most for. With Stargirl, she vacillates between her unshakeable desire to be a hero and her deepening insecurities over being a human in a world of superhumans. For both characters, they demonstrate heroism in through selflessness and determination. It’s both endearing and poignant, particularly during the climax (which left me rather teary-eyed). Beyond the inspirational aspects to these characters, Bennett also injects a lot of fun into them as well. Mera’s dialogue is very playful and she even reveals herself to be Wonder Woman’s first kiss. She’s also written to speak in song, which is a really unique quirk.

Mirka Andolfo provides a highly stylized aesthetic that is vibrant and whimsical. It has a vague shoujo-like quality to it, which pairs really well with the tone of Bennett’s dialogue. Marguerite Sauvage’s art is comparable to this as well. It’s very cute and feminine, but she really nails the toughness of these characters (especially Batwoman). Laura Braga’s art is more traditional for the superhero genre, but is certainly amongst some of the best in contemporary comics. I absolutely adore the way she illustrates Wonder Woman and admire just how beautiful all of her characters are. Her action sequences are particularly memorable as well. Lastly, Sanapo captures the pin-up origins of Bombshells quite well with her style. It manages to be both playful and sexy.

DC Comics Bombshells Volume 2: Allies is great fun. It’s fresh, hip, and irreverent, but also retro in all of the right ways. Bennett’s dialogue is dynamic, her character work is nothing short of brilliant, and the action is blockbuster-sized. There’s a lot of depth in Allies as well and it has its fair share of moments that tug on your heartstrings (provided you’re as sensitive a reader as I am). This series also showcases female talent at its finest. The art is polished and electric, while the story itself is cohesive and epic in scale. In an ideal world, Warner Brothers would greenlight a Bombshells movie ASAP and hire Bennett as the screenwriter. Yes, this series is that good.

RATING: A

Top 5: Most Underrated DC Comics Characters

When it comes to fierce and fabulous superheroines, DC Comics is home to some of the biggest names around. From Wonder Woman to Batgirl, the publishing giant has had tremendous success with its leading ladies. Even still, there are many heroines who go unnoticed by general audiences. Whether it's due to their lack of appearances in adaptations or development in the comics, these women could use a major boost from the powers-that-be.

Below are the top five most underrated heroines at DC Comics. These fives ladies deserve their own books - stat!

05. Mera

As Aquaman's better half, Mera is a water-wielding warrior whose impetuous nature and loyalty make her a fearsome opponent. She is the exiled Princess of Xebel who abandoned her kingdom after falling for the handsome King of Atlantis.

For years, this red-headed siren was treated as little more than a supporting character for Aquaman. With her unique set of gifts and her unpredictable temperament, she is a compelling individual whose lack of promotion is rather surprising. Thankfully, events such as Brightest Day and the companywide initiative known as the New 52 have renewed interest in Mera. With DC Comics' current investment in the Aquaman franchise, things are looking up for the emerald-clad heroine. 

04. Big Barda

As her name might suggest, Big Barda is a tough and aggressive fighter who abandoned her homeworld of Apokolips to live in suburban bliss with her husband on Earth. Nevertheless, trouble seemed to follow the couple wherever they went and they were occasionally pulled back into the fray as superheroes.

Much like Mera, Big Barda has long lived in the shadow of her husband. As Mister Miracle, Scott Free received top-billing while Barda played second-fiddle. Despite stints on the Justice League and her involvement with the Birds of Prey, the spotlight still seems to elude this warrior. DC Comics would do well to give Barda her own book. She could traverse the galaxies atoning for her past sins with her quirky husband, sort of like an intergalactic version of Xena: Warrior Princess.

03. Vixen

Mari McCabe is a former supermodel turned superhero whose exploits have led to a membership with the Justice League. As Vixen, she has the ability to channel the ability of any animal imaginable, making her one of the most versatile superheroes around.

Vixen was one of DC Comics very first Black superheroes and continues to be one of their most enduring. Unfortunately, she's spent much of her publication history on the D-list, but appearances in Justice League: Unlimited and Batman: The Brave and the Bold have increased her visibility. While she may be more recognizable these days, Vixen still has a long way to go before she reaches the same level of acclaim as Storm or Black Panther. What say we make her a permanent fixture on the Justice League, hm? A solo series would be nice too.

02. Fire and Ice

One is a princess, the other a super spy. Beatriz da Costa and Tora Olaffsdotter, otherwise known as Fire and Ice, wield their abilities as members of the Justice League. The pair have one of the most widely recognized friendships in comics and are known for their opposites-attract sisterhood.

Fire and Ice have seemingly existed on the fringes of the DC Universe forever. Their appearances in offbeat and less mainstream material have earned them cult followings, so naturally they're still unknown to larger  audiences. Even adaptations have relegated them to background characters with limited dialogue. Not only would it be great if they were given greater prominence in the Justice League, but the pair would be excellent candidates for a humour-filled series following their exploits. It could be like Thelma & Louise. You know, if they had superpowers.

01. Donna Troy

Once known as Wonder Woman's teen sidekick Wonder Girl, Donna Troy grew up to be the galaxy-saving heroine Troia. Compassionate and full of heart, Donna was the glue that held the Teen Titans together and played the role of den mother flawlessly.

When it comes to getting the short end of the stick, Donna Troy is a poster child. While the modern Wonder Girl (Cassandra Sandsmark -- hiss!) has been adapted to television and has adventures in the New 52, Donna Troy has been relegated to publication limbo. Despite her integral role in the iconic New Teen Titans era and a tenure on the Justice League, Donna is regularly passed over for her successor and had the misfortune of being tied up in legal red tape when the Teen Titans cartoon was airing. It's sad to think that such an incredible character goes unnoticed by general audiences. Truthfully, she deserves a big push from DC Comics and has the potential to become a heroine in her own right much like Dick Grayson or Barbara Gordon. With that hair and chic costume, she's too stylish to stay D-list!

Review: Justice League Volume 3, Throne of Atlantis

For his second year on DC Comics’ flagship comic Justice League, Geoff Johns had big plans in store for the World’s Greatest Heroes. He would re-introduce one of Wonder Woman’s most dangerous foes and pen an epic crossover with Aquaman’s book. These stories were collected in Justice League Volume 3: Throne of Atlantis. In it, he explores the personal lives of the League and has them face off in one of their toughest battles yet.

When last we left the League, Green Lantern had quit and Superman shared a kiss with Wonder Woman. Johns leaves little room for the characters to adjust to these changes in the team dynamic as he immediately propels them into battle with the Cheetah. In this two-part story re-introducing the villainess to the New 52 continuity, Johns portrays the character as a viable threat to the League. He also manages to pay homage to the history of the character and enhances her importance to Wonder Woman’s narrative by weaving their origins together. This new Barbara Minerva is perhaps more deceitful and more cunning than ever before. With the powers of a goddess at her disposal, she’s also infinitely more powerful. Hats off to Johns for utilizing the character in such a prominent book and for showing her the respect she deserves. It proves that Cheetah is more than just some throwaway baddie.

The main attraction of this collection, however, is the crossover with Aquaman titled “Throne of Atlantis.” In it, the Justice League must face off against the threat of an invasion from the forces of Atlantis.  The assembling of the issues here leaves much to be desired. There are two versions commercially available – one that focuses on Aquaman’s title and the other on the League’s. The latter leaves out crucial issues that explain the main antagonist’s origins. That aside, “Throne of Atlantis” is arguably the best League story told in the New 52 continuity up until that point. The armies of Atlantis are extremely dangerous and they pose a very real threat to the League. As such, the League calls in some reserves and we get to see a few friendly faces offer their help (namely Black Canary, Black Lightning, Element Woman, Vixen, Hawkman, Firestorm, and Zatanna). Mera is also placed front and centre. She shines bright as the storyline’s breakaway character. She commands each panel she’s in, so much so that it seems ridiculous that she’s not officially part of the Justice League (seriously DC, make this happen!). Similarly, Johns does a lot of great character work here. Cyborg feels more human than ever and there’s a rather touching scene between he and the Flash. The budding relationship between Wonder Woman and Superman is also written quite well.

Fans of the Justice League should not pass up the chance to read Justice League Volume 3: Throne of Atlantis. This collection of stories is thrilling and features some excellent character development. The action is fantastic, the art is gorgeous, and the villains are truly something else. Johns finds his groove in this trade paperback. He continues to give Wonder Woman prominence in the League, portrays Mera as the true badass that she is, and even teases fans with the appearances of fan-favourites like Black Canary and Zatanna.

Rating: A-

Review: Brightest Day

            After the universe altering events of the Green Lantern-centric Blackest Night, numerous heroes from the DC Universe were resurrected and tasked with missions by a mysterious white light in order to 'earn' their existence. This follow-up was known as Brightest Day.

            Brightest Day was an ambitious series that spanned the course of 24 issues and focused on several characters in vaguely interrelated narratives. At its core, it was an anthology run that retold and rewrote the origins of its protagonists. Blackest Night’s runaway star Mera received the most notable overhaul. The revelations made about her past as a sleeper agent in the Atlantean ranks is unique and her decision to abandon her mission for the man she loves is especially touching. As one would expect, her past comes back to haunt her and is largely responsible for the conflict within Aquaman’s narrative. Though she may only play a supporting role in Brightest Day, Mera is presented as tremendously powerful and she steals every single scene she’s in. Aquaman himself is written spectacularly and the introduction of the new Aqualad is nothing short of genius. As such, Aquaman’s story within the anthology becomes the most captivating of the bunch. Hawkman and Hawkgirl’s narrative also stands out. Their plot revolves around the curse that the villainous Hath-Set placed on them eons ago and deals with the notions of everlasting love as well as with tireless ambition. Hawkgirl comes across as a true warrior with a spit-fire temper but there’s also a remarkable softness about her that endears her to the reader. Deadman, meanwhile, operates as the link between each character involved in Brightest Day. He is the emotional centre of the series and becomes someone the reader invests in. His blossoming relationship to Dove feels organic while his sympathy for others is inspiring.

            Unfortunately, not all the narratives in Brightest Day are created equal. Firestorm and Martian Manhunter’s stories are tedious and dry. Firestorm’s requires the reader to have a basic understanding of the character's history in order to attach emotionally to him while Martian Manhunter’s fails to really be as captivating as the others. The issues focused largely on these two often leave the reader with the following question – when is Aquaman going to show up again? Another point of contention is a scene in which Batman is declared the greatest and most intelligent hero by Deadman. He may be iconic and have a mindless horde of fans but to decide he’s the best is a bit absurd especially coming from writer Geoff Johns who spent his entire run on Green Lantern trying to convince readers that Hal Jordan is the greatest hero of all-time. Being the 'greatest' is a fairly subjective notion especially with fictional characters but upon reading Brightest Day it's hard to imagine any male being the 'greatest' when it is the female characters who come across as the most interesting and exciting.

            With 24 issues to its series and a handful of characters to deal with, it’s hard to expect Brightest Day to be perfect. Given the anthology nature of the stories, some are inevitably more interesting than others. Nevertheless, there is some solid work done within the narratives and is worth the read if only to get to the parts with Aquaman and, of course, Mera.

Grade: B-