This was one of those books on my shelf that I kind of can't believe I've never done a recap of yet. I mentioned its upcoming release at the time, but somehow forgot to follow through. This can not stand!
Okay, at this point in the series, Mark Waid had been taking on a journey through various time periods in the DCU, and we got to meet all sorts of characters and watch them team-up, like Batman, Green Lantern, Supergirl, Power Girl, The Metal Men, and more.
This issue features two sets of team-ups--the first, with Superman and The Silent Knight. The second is of course why we're here: we go back in time to see the moment when the not-yet-officially formed Teen Titans attend the wedding of Aquaman and Mera!
Aquaman and the young heroes chase after the embarrassed Aqualad, but he is snatched by a vortex of hard water, which drags him into a nearby cave. Aqualad sees the man behind it is the baddie named Oceanus, who is under the control of the supervillain Megistus (Waid weaving his storyline in between previously established events).
Meanwhile, Aquaman and the rest are closing in:
Meanwhile, Aquaman and the rest are closing in:
Megistis--via Oceanus--begins to use Aqualad as a window to the world of "lost magicks", trying to harness that power in anticipation of a great change in the cosmos.
Luckily, Aquaman arrives in time to rescue his protege:
Luckily, Aquaman arrives in time to rescue his protege:
Wonder Girl ties up Oceanus with her magic lasso, and Aquaman demands to know who was controlling him. He's so mad he slams Oceanus up against a rock wall, gibbering in fear. He mutters something about "Red Earth" and then collapses, dead.
Moments later, Aquaman buries Oceanus wondering who this "Megistus" guy is:
Moments later, Aquaman buries Oceanus wondering who this "Megistus" guy is:
At this point the story follows another thread involving The Challengers of the Unknown, and that's it for Aquaman.
While brief, I found this to be a phenomenal sequence. There's humor, action, some warm characterization, and Aquaman gets to kick a little ass. Not only that, but he ends up being the catalyst for the official formation of the Teen Titans! Dig it!
As good as the writing is, its of course equally great to see Classic Aquaman drawn by George Perez, who can make any superhero look like the Coolest Superhero Ever. Can you imagine how awesome a Waid/Perez Aquaman book would be?
While brief, I found this to be a phenomenal sequence. There's humor, action, some warm characterization, and Aquaman gets to kick a little ass. Not only that, but he ends up being the catalyst for the official formation of the Teen Titans! Dig it!
As good as the writing is, its of course equally great to see Classic Aquaman drawn by George Perez, who can make any superhero look like the Coolest Superhero Ever. Can you imagine how awesome a Waid/Perez Aquaman book would be?
5 comments:
This has become one of my favorite Aquaman/Aqualad stories of recent years and proves what can be done with a little space and a lot of belief in these wonderful characters. Our heroes are decidedly in the "now" even though we are viewing their pasts. The Titans aren't entirely the nice, sweet kids they were in the 1960s and Mera is depicted as far more mature in behavior than the giddy girl we knew back then. Most importantly, the story hints at Garth's future abilities and importance in the DCU, elements he likely should have been evidencing at this age. Maybe best of all, Arthur is SO NICE! We haven't seen that guy in a dogfish's age. I miss him!
Never read this one, so I appreciate the recap. Aquaman was vital to both the Justice League formation and the Teen Titans formation? Awesome. :)
Thanks rob! You are right-- Waid/Perez on Aquaman are a dream team. They should have been given the full issue!
I wanted to re-read this story in light of current revelations regarding Mera's deception of Aquaman during their early years...I wonder if/how Johns will handle weaving his revelations into previously established events, as Waid does in this issue...?
Also nice to see the Mera/Diana interaction which supports their established friendship that was heavily referenced in Blackest Night, but has rarely been shown on panel.
@Joe--When I brought up how Aquaman's re-revised brightest day origin caused major problems for the continuity of PAD's run and the previous volume, it was suggested I take it easy and not worry about the details so much haha... might be the same for this Mera revelation.
@DJC - Couldn't agree more. Nods to continuity speak to the cohesiveness of the DCU and writers talents in drawing upon the past, but if it is not addressed I don't let it ruin my enjoyment of current reading.
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