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Thursday, May 14, 2015

Aquaman #41 Sneak Preview


You can check out ten pages of Aquaman #41 by Cullen Bunn and Trevor McCarthy, available over on DCComics.com now. I can't speak to the story just yet, because this is just a sample. But on the art front, I feel I can safely say that Aquaman once again is the recipient of some truly superb comic book artistry. From Ivan Reis & Prado to Paul Pelletier & Sean Parsons to Trevor McCarthy, this New 52 Aquaman is really on a roll!


17 comments:

Gareth said...

The art was good (still prefer the previous costume & artistic teams though) but from the ten page preview I'm far from sold on the direction of the characters, especially Mera. Will give it a shot, but Johns/Parker set the bar very high and got the characters so well. This preview doesn't fill me with much hope that Bunn understands the character dynamics in the Aquaverse. And was anyone (other than possibly Dan DiDio) really wanting to see Arthur vs Mera or Arrhur vs Atlantis again?

Gareth said...

Arthur* where's autocorrect when you need it?

Earth 2 Chris said...

"Fabulous secrets were revealed to me the day I held aloft my magic trident and said 'By the Power of Vulko'!"

Chris

Anonymous said...

The art is solid but I have to agree the Aquaman vs Everybody is played out for me. I like the new costume except the Hulkamania belt and the opening of the "A" on the belt making a huge codpiece are the only things I disagree with

Anonymous said...

I'm beyond excited to see that the mainstream Aquaman is getting his trident powers back!!!

Apart from that the costume is better than I expected, but maybe one less color would be preferred (either make the vest green/gold or the pants black/green or black/gold).

On the bright side he still has two hands, the A logo is prominent and part of his costume and he seems more powerful than ever.

As for the story, I'm kinda sure (or hopeful) this is not what it seems and Mera and Arthur are together in this, some sort of plan.

Joe Slab said...

Yes this story has been done before. At first glance it feels like a mash-up of Sword of Atlantis, Throne of Atlantis & Futures Ends story-lines but I can't deny that I am intrigued, perhaps more than I want to be...

Cullen Bunn is doing work-for-hire for DC while he supports his numerous creative-owned & Kickstarter based projects. This is becoming standard operating procedure for comic writers, each hoping to make it big by optioning their IPs while the big 2 support their daily bread & butter. I doubt he'll be on Aquaman for more than 2 volumes of trade or about 10 -12 issues.

That new costume is a bit too ornate for my taste as well and having the breastplate be metallic will make it hard for colorists to work with and it will end up looking purple or grey instead.

Laurie S. Sutton said...

Um, am I the only one who sees (or willing to mention) the erect male member on that cover? (Blush)

Lucien Desar said...

The art looks great and as far as the writing from the sample, it has a lot of moving action which is a positive sign. (I hate talkie talk comic issues) It looks to be very entertaining and kudos for the writer to make the protagonist suffer, that makes good drama. Also, the costume change is a positive because you have to change a major character to keep it relevant and current. I think DC is diving all in with the Aquaman series so that is a good sign! :)

Anonymous said...

I agree with Laurie S. Sutton, can't believe the art work made it that far without anyone at DC seeing it.

Joe Slab said...

BTW, the pages that debuted yesterday are not pages from AQUAMAN #41 -- they are original and wont be reprinted until AQUAMAN Vol. 7 comes out in HC. #41 will continue with all new material :)

KJ Sampson said...

Meh. It feels more like Veitch's Waterbearer arc than anything, which is NOT a good thing.

I'm all in because I'm an Aquafan, but I'm not excited.

Jake said...

There is term in the Navy that described a relaxed uniform called 'Half-mast'. Basically you wore everything but your top blouse.

I get this feel with his uniform, he seems rather incomplete. Is it meant to symbolize he exodus from the throne? who knows. I love the new character design, except the top gold breastplate.

Now to story, Future's End was awful. It seemed to me a filler like Convergence during the "change of the guard" in regards to creative teams. I'm not If I could take more than 2 issues of another Future's End.

Bunn described some elements of being dark (Dark Knight Returns) and exploring Atlantean mythology. Those 2 topics have intrigued me, I'm looking forward to it.

JB said...

This design feels like a step backward, given all the character-building from Johns & co since Brightest Day. Not a fan of the big belt. Keeping an open mind though. I think the best modern take on Aquaman costume design was in Young Justice. Iconic, recognizable, regal, simple. He didn't have boots -- after all, why would someone who swims and has tough as hell skin need boots?

Anonymous said...

Well...I'm hoping this is some kind of 'possible future' nonsense and will be quickly put aside, because if this is the new direction, I want none of it. It would break my heart to drop Aquaman, but I don't think I want to buy a book that's going to have him and Mera split up again, much less the 'everyone against Aquaman' angle...again. Parker had put Arthur in a great place. The way onward from there is upward, not downward.

There's too little here to tell anything definitive...but I'm not terribly excited.

On a minor note, that new costume is fairly hideous. Stick to what works.

Darrin said...

I'm not thrilled with the new costume. I guess they are trying to suggest the BvS costume while retaining some of the classic costume, but I've really loved Aquaman's look over the past four years and hate to lose it. I'm still a fan though and will be following the new series with an open mind.

Darrin said...

I'm not thrilled with the new costume. I guess they are trying to suggest the BvS costume while retaining some of the classic costume, but I've really loved Aquaman's look over the past four years and hate to lose it. I'm still a fan though and will be following the new series with an open mind.

Anonymous said...

It's pretty obvious that there trying to make him look like the movie version that's coming out soon. I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up with tan skin and a long beard with highlights... New 52 is all about change my ass!

I guess there learning from Marvel that it's the movie adaptations that influences the character and stories... and not the other way around...

Comic book writers love using Soap Opera love triangles and break ups that happen over trivial reasons.

"You won't ever lose me, Arthur. True love always comes home."

Yeah... will see...