Aquaman #15
DC Comics
Writer: Will Pfeifer
Pencils: Patrick Gleason
Inks: Christian Alamy
Price: $2.50

Rating: 3 stars

My head is spinning after reading the first issue of the current Aquaman series by a new creative team. From mystical to mystery in the span of just one issue (number 15 to be exact), the transformation is incredible. After spending a little over a year setting a new foundation and chasing The Thirst, our favorite water-bearer is back in the orange and green, unfettered by a lifestyle or supporting characters.

Part of San Diego is now underwater and a devastated Aquaman seeks answers. From his discovery of grisly, really dead corpses, to the sadness all over his face, this is a whole new Arthur Curry. There isn?t any joking around or lightness of heart to be found in anywhere.

Will Pfeifer, who also writes that cult favorite series HERO, is kicking out the jams to redefine and reinvigorate the Aquaman title. With a new Vertigo flare, and a Bendis feel, the book has a distinctly new flavor. Witness the first page, where the first thing a reader sees is a polar bear floating lifelessly in the water without a trace of irony. From the devastation of over 400,000 lives lost to the mysterious young boy who wanders out of the ocean a month later, it?s clear that Pfeifer plans to make Aquaman be taken seriously. This isn?t your Super Friends character anymore.

Patrick Gleason gives the underwater scenes of horror a starkness that can?t be taken back. He also portrays Aquaman as grim and painfully shaken in a way not viewed since Batman lost his sense of humor. I was especially impressed by the easy pacing of the title, and the solid inking of Christian Alamy. It looks like Aquaman has a great new art team on board.

Those readers who disliked the mystical tone of the book should give it another try. Gone for now are the hot ladies of the lake and Atlantis. In its place is a solo Arthur, solving a mysterious occurrence. For a lover of suspense, this book may be a pleasant surprise. I know after reading this issue, I have got to keep reading along to find out the consequences of this new set-up.

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