DCU Comic Book Reviews

AQUAMAN:  SWORD OF ATLANTIS #54

Waiting For The Son

September 2007

Written by Tad Williams

Layouts by Shawn McManus

Finishes by Shawn McManus

Cover by Terry and Rachel Dodson

Synopsis

After defeating Black Manta and driving him away from Sub Diego, Topo hacks into his computer and learns that he was working for Progene Tech, the same company that was behind the sinking of the city in the first place.  They also learn that Progene is a subsidiary of Tri-Dent industries.  Arthur Joseph and Lorena decide to investigate.  In another part of the lab complex, Sub Diego police are looking for Manta’s scientist.  When they find him, he stumbles over a tank of Joker Toxin, which infects him.  Meanwhile, Arthur and Lorena enter Tri-Dent, but are stopped by the Human Flying Fish, a metahuman hired to capture them, which he does.  In the Mid-Atlantic, Jimmy Lockhart and Elsa Magnusson of the Windward Home and Dane Dorrance of the Sea Devils are led to Neos, who are waiting for King Orin of Atlantis to save the world.  Dorrance regretfully tells them that Orin is dead.  At Tri-Dent Industries, Arthur is held captive.  There, Krusivax, son of Kordax, tells Arthur he is needed.  Arthur is then re-introduced to his father.  However, his father claims his son his dead.  Meanwhile, Garth visits Leah, who lives deep under the ocean and may have some knowledge of the Thorny Crown.  At Tri-Dent, Lrusivax telsl Arthur he will learn why he is needed, but not until the arrival of his partner:  Vandal Savage.

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

It took Williams a little bit of time, but I am thoroughly engrossed in the direction of this book and the story that he is telling.  What helps, I think, is that there are a lot of bits and pieces of story information and plot devices that have been floating (sorry the bad pun) around for some that Williams is slowly putting together.  This includes not only pieces from Busiek’s run that introduced Arthur Joesph, but also from the beginning of the entire Sub Diego process.  Basically, the ones behind the sinking of San Diego way back in issue #15 are finally revealed nearly three years later.  Whether Vandal Savage was the original intent (if there was one) or not doesn’t really matter.  What I like is the fact that Williams is attempting to put all the pieces together in some sort of cohesive manner.  In this case, Williams background as a novelist is paying dividends as he is able to flesh out the growing supporting cast without losing sight of the main plot.  On top of the convoluted plot, Williams maintains the humor and the action (I liked the battle with the Flying Fish).  Overall, this is turning into a nifty title. 

Is it my imagination or on the cover is the eyebrow for the blond mermaid actually placed over her hair?  As for the cover itself, I love the drawing done by the Dodsons, but the caption above the title has got to go.  Really, really lame joke (assuming you remember the Seinfeld episode).

Also, I always thought it was Marley, but in this issue it is Malrey.  Twice.  Is that a typo or am I just reading a common name over an uncommon spelling?

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