“Year of the Villain” is having widespread effects around the DC universe, and no comic is safe. But does that mean everything has to be put on hold? Of course not – there’s still plenty to do even as a giant ominous symbol of doom floats in the air! In this case, Aquaman has his plate full in “Aquaman Annual” #2, as we see the effects recent comics have had on his home of Amnesty Bay.
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick & Vita Ayala
Illustrated by Victor Ibanez
Colored by Jay David Ramos
Lettered by Clayton CowlesA “Year of the Villain” tie-in issue! When an assassination attempt on Aquaman tears through Amnesty Bay’s Founders Day festival, tensions between Aquaman and the people of his city reach an all-time high. Worse, Aquaman’s dog Salty has gone missing! Can Aquaman save the festival and find his dog before Amnesty Bay tears itself apart?
Let me start this review off my saying two things:
1. Sea Daddy is a top-tier Aquaman villain and I pray one day we’ll get to see him team up with the Condiment King.
2. Like Aquaman, I too would absolutely prioritize my dog over all other superheroic incidents, including wrathful sea deities. (You were the best dog, Nikki, I miss you every day.)
However, those two plot points are really just devices to keep the story moving around its main focus: the people of Amnesty Bay, the effects of “Year of the Villain,” and how the ancient sea gods that recently began dwelling there are adapting.
In those regards, the story blends the multiple elements together nicely. We see the people of Amnesty Bay as Lex’s giant symbol of doom causes anger and tensions to rise, and see how Aquaman aims to help them. The fact that he knows so many of them by name illustrates how connected he is to the community, and his main drive in this issue (aside from making sure Salty the dog is safe) is helping them rebuild the Founder’s Day festivities.
Then we see how the people there get along with the old gods, who in recent issues of “Aquaman” have taken to living in or near Amnesty Bay. It’s a bit of a “fish out of water” story (if you’ll pardon the pun), where the ancient sea gods do as they do without regard for the modern day (or, if we’re being real, good communication skills). It also helps cement them into this part of the “Aquaman” story.
Along with them, we get to see more out of Jackson, the latest Aqualad. Even though he’s been around since his introduction in “Brightest Day,” he’s been going in and out of focus (and even continuity) as the comics try to find a place for him. Fortunately, he’s fitting in nicely in the current “Aquaman” comics. He gets some good dialogue and nice banter with Arthur, indicating that they’re growing closer as a team and helping build Jackson’s character.
Overall, this story is character-driven. Arthur, Jackson, even the side characters in Amnesty Bay, they’re the ones who get the focus, the ones who we’re invested in. Of course, that includes Salty (who is a very good dog). Maybe not so much the newly-introduced villain Sea Daddy, but hopefully this isn’t the last we’ve seen of him. Kelly Sue DeConnick and Vita Ayala do a great job keeping the story moving and the characters engaging, so it’s a fun, self-contained comic to read.
That covers the story beats, now what about the art? Victor Ibanez’s illustrations feature strong designs, inked with particularly thick lines. The characters are all drawn with distinct features and clear designs, including the new antagonist, Sea Daddy. (I don’t have to keep bringing his name up, I just find the way the characters react to it hilarious.)
Of particular note is the way the ancient sea gods transform. We get great visual cues from Atabey and Loc as they shift between forms, like shadows creeping across their eyes and how even the panels they’re in grow in time with their physical forms. It adds to the imposing sense of power, especially given the nice use of shadows when they arise.
Continued belowBut since “Aquaman Annual” focuses primarily on Amnesty Bay, it’s just as important to bring the town to life. The artwork does that well, with lively streets filled with personality. Jay David Ramos provides the color work, and manages to hit a nice balance between vibrant colors and subdued shade that gives the city an aged but alive look.
Even little details in the city, like the different shapes and colors of the houses in the background, help make Amnesty Bay feel alive. As the last page has the town’s name glow from the sea, contrasting brightly against the sickly green light from Lex Luthor’s beacon of doom, and Aquaman’s face lights up looking out at the town, we feel like a part of that world.
Does “Aquaman Annual” #2 carry the story? Not really, but that’s good. It sets us in Amnesty Bay and shows us around town, lets us get to know characters more and provides a good grounding for the series. It’s a self-contained story that nonetheless connects to the ongoing “Aquaman” tales and the overarching “Year of the Villain” storyline, making the comic a good read for anyone who’s been following it.
Final Verdict: 8.1 – A good, character-driven story that helps connect readers to Aquaman’s world and life in Amnesty Bay, backed up by great art and color work.
