DCU Comic Book Reviews

AQUAMAN #22

With The Fishes, Part 2

November 2004

Written by Will Pfeifer

Pencils by Patrick Gleason

Inks by Christian Alamy

Cover by Alan Davis & Mark Farmer

Synopsis

On the new coast of California, Aquaman meets with Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) regarding Mort Coolidge (aka The Eel).  Batman gives Aquaman a helmet that will dampen the Eels telepathic abilities.  Later, Aquaman and some fishy friends break up a meeting the Eel and his colleagues and Aquaman is able to take the Eel into custody.  Meanwhile, Geist continues to work on a formula to help save new born babies who are unable to breathe water.  On shore, the Eel escapes from the San Diego police, but Aquaman is able to defeat him once more.  Aquaman tells the Eel that Sub Diego is under his protection.  As Aquaman takes the Eel away, an unknown man watches and decides it is time to let Aquaman know who really is in charge.   

Review

I liked this issue and since you’re reading this I assume you’ll want to know why, so let me tell you.  I liked it because of the give and take with the ongoing battle with the eel.  When Aquaman first defeated the eel, it seemed a little too easy, but then I figured that was the end of it and the rest of the issue was going to concentrate on either Geist’s search for a baby or Lorena’s friends.  Then when the Eel got away, I thought the issue would end with Aquaman beaten to a bloody pulp, especially when he starts to boil Aquaman’s body water, and the conclusion would come next issue.  Yet, Aquaman saves the day.  And I liked that.  The issue played with my expectations, not necessarily that Aquaman might or might not win (since we all know that the hero always wins the battle), but how and when that victory would come.  Moreover, the fight was well done from the punches thrown on the boat to the Eel’s attempt to block out any attempt of Aquaman to call for help from his “finny” friends.  This was a great knockdown, dragout fight and you just gotta love it.  Hopefully there will be a rematch somewhere down the road...

I also liked the bit with the Eel where they are talking about what to get for those addicted.  Since smoking and other drugs don’t work underwater, and I would assume taking pills underwater would be difficult., there is a great need to find something else.  I like these little touches as it shows there are more problems to living underwater than simply dealing with a telepathic man in wet suit with a lousy name of the Eel.  -- MRB 

ïPREVIOUS	Main		Page	NEXTð

Home ●  Blog ● Who Are We? ● Site News
Alive and Well since April 16, 2006

 DC Universe Reviews.  All Rights Reserved
  Characters, trademarks, brands are property of DC Comics

For problems or questions regarding this website, please contact our kindly webmaster.
Last updated: 08/06/11.