Aquaman #55 is the icing on the cake for Kelly Sue DeConnick’s (KSD) run. While the rest of her run has been excellent, this issue has propelled itself into some of the best that Aquaman: Rebirth (2016-) has to offer. After suffering an explosive defeat in part one of Year of the Villain: Black Manta, Arthur is floating his way back to the surface. The former-King of Atlantis, father of the future King or Queen of Atlantis, must be saved. In this epic finale of the year, the scale is massive, there’s everything to lose and the Queen has had enough!
Before we begin, I’ve chosen to write this being non-spoiler as I truly recommend this issue to readers. Please enjoy this review ☺
It’s every AquaMera fan’s favorite thing to see: Arthur and Mera performing extraordinary feats at moments when it matters most. Throughout the past few years, fans have been begging for more of this, and KSD presents us with truly incredible moments in this issue, albeit a little short. Tides really turn as history could possibly repeat itself, however, Mera has a different plan.
Displaying nothing less than what we would expect from a pregnant Queen of the oceans, Mera takes matters into her own hands, facing off against the one who took it all away once before, Black Manta. KSD also gives us insight into Mera’s Atlantean biology, explaining her capability to manipulate water comes from her Xebellian heritage. Trained by her father from a young age, Mera became the best “water bender” in her Kingdom and was initially sent to Atlantis to assassinate Arthur – but that’s another story.
KSD’s confident writing for our much-loved AquaFam maintains it’s integrity and direction for this unmissable title. With Mera in the Justice League and Arthur bringing his multiverse friends home, KSD has been able to keep her run during Aquaman: Rebirth almost the central point for everything that is going on. Along with the amazing artist Robson Rocha, this creative team has given long-time fans something to really look forward too.
This outstanding cap off for the year offers nothing but phenomenal writing and an epic display of action. Here we see that family means everything. From Amnesty Bay to Atlantis, to Xebel. Whatever it takes, no one gets left behind.
