DCU Comic Book Reviews

AQUAMAN #32

The Shade Of Things To Come

September 2005

Written by John Arcudi

Pencils by Patrick Gleason

Inks by Christian Alamy and Mick Gray

Cover by Patrick Gleason & Christian Alamy

Synopsis

In Sub Diego, a company by the name of Arbiston is using a source of natural energy from under the water by building a pipeline to the land, with the help of the water-breathers.  Meanwhile, Aquaman visits with Esther Maris to learn more about ProGene Tech, the company with the patent on Aquaman’s DNA.  It turns out that ProGene Tech is owned by Arbiston, who also happen to own a former company owned by Anton Geist.  Elsewhere, Mr. J of ProGene Tech invites Black Manta to his office to suggest that someone needs to become the leader of Sub Diego.  In Atlantis, Aquaman’s son Koryak requests citizenship for Lorena.  When he is denied by Vulko and Tempest, Koryak asks Lorena to take him to Sub Diego.  Later, Aquaman visits Esther and the two exchange a passionate kiss.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

This would be a very good set up for a number of different storylines if it weren’t for the underlying racial tone to the entire thing (even from the title, in shade refers to skin color).  From Mr. J’s speech Black Manta about taking leadership of Sub Diego to Koryak’s plea for and about Lorena, it looks as if the battle of Sub Diego will hinge on the color of skin.  While I realize that issues surrounding race still exists, I am less than thrilled that it would creep up in a book like this.  In fact, I would think the better angle would be to examine hatred and racism via the differences between water-breathers and air-breathers, especially in terms of granting the rights to membership on the city council, to vote, etc.  I could even see an analogy made based on the differences between Atlanteans and Sub Diegans (is that right?) which is where I thought Tempest was heading with his denial for Lorena’s citizenship, but Koryak’s mention of Lorena’s skin color changed that (it would also help for Koryak and Tempest to have different skin color; they both have a dark shade to them).  So, then, we’ll get to see more of the racial tensions, which seems to run counter against Aquaman’s attempt to find the culprit who stole his DNA. 

On the plus side, it was a thrill to finally see the return of Atlantis, as well as the return of Tempest.  And next issues promises to see the return of Mera (and after Aquaman sleeps with the reporter!).  As much as I like the idea of Sub Diego and think it was a smart move for the book to head in that direction, I must admit it was great to see Aquaman’s supporting cast come back into the fold. 

It will be curious to see what Arcudi decides to do with Black Manta’s recent appearance which defined the villain’s actions being related to autism.  Will he ignore or find a way to tackle it without it overwhelming the story he wants to tell.

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