Writer Dan Abnett continues his short run on the most recent volume of Atlantis’ king with “Aquaman” #51. Although it’s not an action-packed issue, Abnett retains our interest with an intriguing mystery and playful dialogue.
Written by Dan Abnett
Illustrated by Vicente CifuentesIn order to solve the mystery of the rage-monster Dead Water, Aquaman must turn to the only person with any answers: the notorious Scavenger!
“Aquaman” #51 may be the penultimate issue of this title’s run, but writer Dan Abnett is spinning a relatively intimate tale before he continues writing the relaunch of the book in June. “Rebirth” is on its way, yet Abnett has already begun to set up Arthur Curry’s world in both this issue and the previous one. There is now an Atlantean embassy on the surface world so both civilizations can interact and learn to understand and work with one another. Mera, Arthur’s wife, is given a much larger role in the Atlantean day-to-day business and the very little we see of Garth in this issue only inspires hope for our ears to hear the words “Aqualad” or “Tempest”. There is much in this issue to inspire hope in not only devout Aquaman fans (which are legion, despite what you may have heard) but in those new to the character as well. Arthur is obviously in the hands of someone who loves the character and his world.
The mystery of the new “villain” Dead Water is partially unveiled in “Aquaman” #51. Arthur, Mera, and company attempt to deduce why an apparently innocent man is transformed into this deadly villain who has immense abilities. Is he connected to the classic aqua-villain Scavenger? Is Dead Water a man in control of his own life? These questions and more are explored in a way that holds our interest because Abnett is skilled at giving characters distinct voices that are void of any stilted quality. It almost seems effortless. He holds our attention despite a scene only involving Arthur interrogating a potential villain. Abnett does this by demonstrating the heroic qualities of Arthur. This is a superhero and king who is humane and confident without resorting to cockiness or bravado. Here is a man who can rule over land and sea and instead strives to bridge understanding and build an alliance between two vastly different physical worlds. Abnett is building character.
With “Aquaman” #51, Abnett begins to set the foundation of characterization and lets us in on the lives of these people by giving them distinct voices. Mera speaks with a formal cadence while allowing herself to crack for moments of humor both purposeful and accidental. She exudes an aura that reflects an endearing and complex voice from Abnett’s pen. Arthur is less formal and a fun contrast to Mera. He is compassionate with his words and diligent in his search for the truth. These qualities in the characters are only hinted at, yet are promising hints of things to come from Abnett.
Artist Vicente Cifuentes and inker Juan Castro are solid artists, yet are inconsistent throughout “Aquaman” #51. Whether they were chosen at the last minute or not, it appears as if they were constrained by time. Facial expressions have depth on one page and then appear stiff on another. It’s a testament to Abnett’s writing that despite the art not matching the quality of the words, the art still does not diminish the enjoyment of the issue. Two panels that were surely not meant in jest come off as comical when we see Arthur’s hair blown out like a 1980s hair model. Clearly rushed, these instances are not examples of past solid work by Cifuentes. Mera’s interrogation of Dead Water, however, is a strong example of Cifuentes’ simple yet effective storytelling skills.
Castro’s inks are usually crisp in “Aquaman” #51. The hologram image of Dead Water in one scene pops off the page in a muted and technologically believable way against the rest of the scene. The splash page involving Aquaman and a certain villain is also impressive, dynamic, and clear in its conveyance of underwater mayhem. Castro imbues the page with a sense of detail that is impressively simple yet powerful.
Continued belowGuy Major’s color palette for “Aquaman” #52 is fairly muted and lacking in radiance. However, the (appropriately) heavy use of green, orange, and blue is beautifully layered upon Cifuentes’ pencils. There is a glow to even the more mundane of scenes and Major’s presence is subtle but, like Cifuentes’ pencils at times, could use more zest and a distinct style that elevates the art to the story’s level.
With only one issue remaining, “Aquaman” #51 appears to be laying the groundwork for more than can be addressed in just one more issue. Hopefully Abnett is slowly building to what, according to the images and descriptions that have been released about the upcoming “Aquaman” title, will be a fun and inspiring run.
Final Verdict: 7.0 – With sometimes lackluster art, “Aquaman” #51 is still worth the purchase for Dan Abnett’s mysterious yarn.
