By Harrison Stewart - You read that right. Despite every search engine’s attempts to correct you, the freshest ongoing entry in the Atlantean saga is indeed called Aquamen (and it starts today with Aquamen #1), a lovingly crafted book by writers Chuck Brown and Brandon Thomas with magnificent art by Sami Basri. And with twice the Aquamen, comes twice the action and intrigue. 

Following the events of Aquaman: the Becoming and Black Manta, Atlantis is poised to take its place on the world stage as a newly christened member of the United Nations. But, this being an Aquaman story and all, a giant sea creature appears from nowhere and wreaks havoc on an unsuspecting New York. Orm shows up as he is wont to do, and the fight between Aquamen and Aquavillains is on. 

But in the background of the more familiar proceedings, a sinister plot unfolds. All over the world, sleeper agents of Atlantean origin activate and attack any surface dweller on sight. When Black Manta investigates and seeks to forge an unlikely alliance, Arthur reveals he may know more about this mystery than he initially let on. While an Aquaman title may not seem the obvious choice for a political thriller, Brown and Brandon make a strong argument for why it should be. 

Of particular note in this issue are the fantastic visuals, compliments of Basri and colorist Adriano Lucas. The sea creatures are wild and immense, making wonderful use of double page spreads wherever possible. Every aspect of design is brimming with imagination, melding old and new for refreshing looks. And the action is expertly crafted, that kinetic kind of art that really packs a punch. For a title oft defined by its visuals, Basri and Lucas still manage to set their Atlantean vision apart.

Overall: Aquamen #1 kicks off with promise, providing a smooth continuation for old readers and a solid jumping-on point for new. 8/10.

REVIEW: Aquamen #1

Aquamen #1
Writers: Chuck Brown and Brandon Thomas
Artist: Sami Basri
Colorist: Adriano Lucas
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Publisher: DC Comics
Dive deeper following the thrilling conclusions of Aquaman: The Becoming and Black Manta!
When a terrorist in Middle America is revealed as an Atlantean sleeper agent seemingly gone rogue, the Aquamen—Arthur Curry and Jackson Hyde—are on the case. But it soon becomes clear that the tragedy was not just a single bad actor, but the beginnings of a much larger and more dangerous chain reaction…and the heart of an explosive Atlantean conspiracy! If Arthur’s not careful, the secrets he’s keeping—from Mera, Tula, Tempest, Atlantis, the surface, and even Jackson—could cause a rift from which the Aquamen might never recover!
Price: $3.99
Buy It Here: Aquamen #1

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Harrison manages a comic shop by day and writes comics by night. You can find more of his writing at @stewart_bros