It is Tuesday again and that means it is time to wrap up the long saga that is Aquaman Volume 2: Black Manta Rising. The full volume contains issues #7-15, I decided to break my recap down into three parts. Part one covers issues #7-10, part two covers issues #11-12, and part 3 is going to cover #13-15. If you need to read parts one or part two, feel free to click on the links at the bottom of this post! Last we left Aquaman, all of the Justice League was about to get up in his grill, better go see what happens.
The Deluge: Act Two: This time Aquaman assumes the league is there to help him. Superman points out it isn't that simple, this a war now. Aquaman tries to explain about N.E.M.O. Superman is a little skeptical about a super secret and crazy influential organization at the scale capable of this level of deception. Batman asks for evidence, not because he doesn't trust Aquaman, but to make sure the evidence is good. They all agree that Superman is going to be the one to be the negotiator once he sees the evidence.
The N.E.M.O sub that is pretending to be a U.S. sub crosses the line into Atlantean territory. Mistress of the fleet wants to engage them, but Tula tells her to continue to stand by. The sub shoots the heck out of Mistress Carcharodor's ship and they become unresponsive.
Elsewhere, Mera is freaking out that this is the end that the Widowhood prophesied. She decides to chat with the reverend mother about it. Of course the reverend mother is still vague and mostly unhelpful, just more doom and gloom.
Back in the command center, Simon is impressed with the size of Atlantis. Aquaman points out that he will not be able to stop people from defending themselves. Jessica tries to reassure him that he will be able to overcome this. Batman confirms that the evidence Aquaman has is compelling and even tells Elder Rowa that she did good detective work (the greatest compliment Batman can give). It does not however show who N.E.M.O. is of where it is. That part is still a work in progress. Tula interrupts to report the attack on their ship. Aquaman tells Superman to go while he goes and protects his city. Wonder Woman wants to help, but Aquaman tells her no, that the Justice League needs to remain neutral in this fight. Superman and Tula head out to negotiate.
The N.E.M.O. ship reaches Atlantis and starts attacking. Aquaman and Murk arrive and destroy the drones the ship had deployed. Murk points out that these are not U.S. issued weaponry. Aquaman is pissed, so he breaks the N.E.M.O ship wide open. He is going to get some info from these guys. In D.C. Superman is trying to convince Gantry to tell the President to stand down until there is more information. Gantry continues to be a jerk. Aquaman can tell right away that this ship is not American (guess he is a boat enthusiast) and is trying to get information from the captain. The captain is a smug jerk who says that it has the right transponder codes, so it will look like Atlantis just took out a U.S. sub.
Black Jack reports to Manta that the ship did a good amount of damage, but that the operatives have been compromised. Manta pushes a button and all the crew's heads just blow up (gross and brutal). Aquaman reports this to Tula, who reports it to the league. Gantry continues to be a jerk and leaves to go chat with the admiral. They have a dumb conversation about how maybe the league is being controlled by mermaid magic (wft?). So they have no option but to send in the Aquamarines to kill Arthur.
The Deluge: Act Three: The Aquamarine team is fully transformed and swimming towards Atlantis. In what looks like an Atlantean morgue, we are reminded (I didn't realize) that the captain whose head was blown up was Joanna's father. Elder Rowa (who is apparently a master of all things) tells them that some fast growing coral was implanted in their heads and was activated remotely. Aquaman hopes Rowa can get more information that will lead them to the big boss of N.E.M.O. On his way out Aquaman asks Murk to look after Jo, he is not feeling that and everyone wonders where Mera is. She is lurking just outside listening in.
The Aquamarines are getting closer and in a hallway Aquaman sees Mistress Carcharodor. She is still alive and wants revenge, but Aquaman tells her to go to medical and he'll need her later. In his command center, the other Atlanteans are doubting the existence of N.E.M.O. and are doubting their Kind too. Before that conversation can continue, the Aquamarines drop in and start shooting up everyone. The beastmaster gets in a good punch, giving Aquaman a chance to get away. He doesn't make it far before he is grabbed by the Aquamarines, but before they make the kill shot, Mera intervenes. They are able to take all the Aquamarines as POWs.
In the throne room we learn that three Atlanteans were killed by the Aquamarines. Murk and Byss (the beastmaster) are clearly upset by this assassination attempt of their king. Aquaman admits this escalation is not good but, but is exactly what N.E.M.O. wants. Thanks to Byss, Aquaman figures out how that N.E.M.O. is using a weak artificial version of his own powers and that is how they killed Jo's father. That being the case, Aquaman figures he can trace the pulse used to its source. Elder Rowa goes to fetch the data while Aquaman goes to talk to his people.
We see him giving a speech to all of Atlantis. Mostly it amounts to, he knows how upset everyone is. He also knows of the myth story about The Deluge (an end war). As king, he has no intention of letting that myth become a reality. He tells his people that he is going to try one more time to find the path to peace with the surface. If he fails again, he will step down from his throne.
Once he is done, Mera confronts him. He tells her he is and asks her why she has been so absent in this fight. She explains about the Widowhood prophecies and before they discuss it more Rowa returns with the information Aquaman needs to find N.E.M.O. He tells Mera he loves her and then swims off looking very determined.
A boat parked just off the coast of Ponta Da Alta is the temporary N.E.M.O base of operations. Black Jack is reporting to Manta about how well their plan is still going. Manta figures six more hours and Atlantis will be wiped out. Then they move onto attacking other countries. Aquaman has other thoughts on the matter.
The Deluge: Final: Aquaman is pissed, Mantra tries for some banter, but not this time. Aquaman just goes hard and takes down everyone. While Manta and Aquaman are fighting, Aquaman is recapping all the things we already know. He was surprised that Manta is running N.E.M.O and also not surprised at the same time. Manta gives Aquaman credit for his new found ambition, he was just expanding his horizons.
Aquaman points out that it is the same old Manta BS, blaming everyone else and not taking responsibility for his own actions. Before Aquaman can finish the fight, Manta pulls out a detonator (I think he hopes to kill them both). Aquaman makes it out unscathed.
Later in the Oval Office, Aquaman is presenting the president with all the evidence of N.E.M.O and Manta. He boldly declares that the war between Atlantis and the U.S. is over. We zoom out to see Superman is also there and everyone is pointing guns at Aquaman. Gantry tries to interrupt but Aquaman shuts him down pretty hard. He points out that if he wanted to kill the president he could have already and it would be justified since they tried to assassinate him. Aquaman would never do that and Atlantis would never behave that way. As a way to end the war here and now, Aquaman declares Atlantis the loser and drops his trident, further declaring they surrender. He promises that if the fighting stops, he will return the Aquamaries.
Outside Clark and Arthur share a fun moment of friendship where Superman gives Aquaman a new Justice League card. We find out that the war is officially over and that Aquaman and the President will be making a joint press statement soon. The two countries will work together to rebuild Atlantis and the U.S. cities that were damaged during this conflict. Superman tells Aquaman that the president is going to announce his support of Atlantis joining the United Nations. He knows this because he can hear Gantry talking to his aides about it.
We cut to the press conference declaring the end of the war. Mera is watching the news with relief. The reverend mother is there to still be a bummer. Disaster might be averted for now, but the prophecy is still a thing. Mera is bummed. In the last panel we see that Black Jack survived the ship explosion and doesn't look happy.
Thoughts: Oh man, Aquaman has a tough job, even Superman admits he didn't think he could do it as well as Arthur does. I admit before starting this run I had no interest in Aquaman. I have found that I am really enjoying reading all about this overworked, peace loving hero. Plus I really like Mera too. I do not love this whole, she might be the end of Atlantis business. I just want her and Arthur to be happy. Glad this war is over and excited to see where these couples go.
My favorite line from this volume goes back to issue 8 and comes from Murk. It is repeated by Aquaman himself in issue 9. Just made me laugh both times.
There was some great art and some great covers in volume. Brad Walker did all the main covers and Joshua Middleton did the art for all the B covers. Feel free to click their names to visit their Twitter pages. I don't think it will come as a surprise that Mera features on my favorite cover.
Last Week: Aquaman Volume 2: Black Manta Rising, Part 1
Aquaman Volume 2: Black Manta Rising, Part 2
Next Week: Action Comics Volume 2: Welcome to the Planet, Part 1
The Deluge: Act Two: This time Aquaman assumes the league is there to help him. Superman points out it isn't that simple, this a war now. Aquaman tries to explain about N.E.M.O. Superman is a little skeptical about a super secret and crazy influential organization at the scale capable of this level of deception. Batman asks for evidence, not because he doesn't trust Aquaman, but to make sure the evidence is good. They all agree that Superman is going to be the one to be the negotiator once he sees the evidence.
The N.E.M.O sub that is pretending to be a U.S. sub crosses the line into Atlantean territory. Mistress of the fleet wants to engage them, but Tula tells her to continue to stand by. The sub shoots the heck out of Mistress Carcharodor's ship and they become unresponsive.
Elsewhere, Mera is freaking out that this is the end that the Widowhood prophesied. She decides to chat with the reverend mother about it. Of course the reverend mother is still vague and mostly unhelpful, just more doom and gloom.
Back in the command center, Simon is impressed with the size of Atlantis. Aquaman points out that he will not be able to stop people from defending themselves. Jessica tries to reassure him that he will be able to overcome this. Batman confirms that the evidence Aquaman has is compelling and even tells Elder Rowa that she did good detective work (the greatest compliment Batman can give). It does not however show who N.E.M.O. is of where it is. That part is still a work in progress. Tula interrupts to report the attack on their ship. Aquaman tells Superman to go while he goes and protects his city. Wonder Woman wants to help, but Aquaman tells her no, that the Justice League needs to remain neutral in this fight. Superman and Tula head out to negotiate.
The N.E.M.O. ship reaches Atlantis and starts attacking. Aquaman and Murk arrive and destroy the drones the ship had deployed. Murk points out that these are not U.S. issued weaponry. Aquaman is pissed, so he breaks the N.E.M.O ship wide open. He is going to get some info from these guys. In D.C. Superman is trying to convince Gantry to tell the President to stand down until there is more information. Gantry continues to be a jerk. Aquaman can tell right away that this ship is not American (guess he is a boat enthusiast) and is trying to get information from the captain. The captain is a smug jerk who says that it has the right transponder codes, so it will look like Atlantis just took out a U.S. sub.
Black Jack reports to Manta that the ship did a good amount of damage, but that the operatives have been compromised. Manta pushes a button and all the crew's heads just blow up (gross and brutal). Aquaman reports this to Tula, who reports it to the league. Gantry continues to be a jerk and leaves to go chat with the admiral. They have a dumb conversation about how maybe the league is being controlled by mermaid magic (wft?). So they have no option but to send in the Aquamarines to kill Arthur.
The Deluge: Act Three: The Aquamarine team is fully transformed and swimming towards Atlantis. In what looks like an Atlantean morgue, we are reminded (I didn't realize) that the captain whose head was blown up was Joanna's father. Elder Rowa (who is apparently a master of all things) tells them that some fast growing coral was implanted in their heads and was activated remotely. Aquaman hopes Rowa can get more information that will lead them to the big boss of N.E.M.O. On his way out Aquaman asks Murk to look after Jo, he is not feeling that and everyone wonders where Mera is. She is lurking just outside listening in.
The Aquamarines are getting closer and in a hallway Aquaman sees Mistress Carcharodor. She is still alive and wants revenge, but Aquaman tells her to go to medical and he'll need her later. In his command center, the other Atlanteans are doubting the existence of N.E.M.O. and are doubting their Kind too. Before that conversation can continue, the Aquamarines drop in and start shooting up everyone. The beastmaster gets in a good punch, giving Aquaman a chance to get away. He doesn't make it far before he is grabbed by the Aquamarines, but before they make the kill shot, Mera intervenes. They are able to take all the Aquamarines as POWs.
In the throne room we learn that three Atlanteans were killed by the Aquamarines. Murk and Byss (the beastmaster) are clearly upset by this assassination attempt of their king. Aquaman admits this escalation is not good but, but is exactly what N.E.M.O. wants. Thanks to Byss, Aquaman figures out how that N.E.M.O. is using a weak artificial version of his own powers and that is how they killed Jo's father. That being the case, Aquaman figures he can trace the pulse used to its source. Elder Rowa goes to fetch the data while Aquaman goes to talk to his people.
We see him giving a speech to all of Atlantis. Mostly it amounts to, he knows how upset everyone is. He also knows of the myth story about The Deluge (an end war). As king, he has no intention of letting that myth become a reality. He tells his people that he is going to try one more time to find the path to peace with the surface. If he fails again, he will step down from his throne.
Once he is done, Mera confronts him. He tells her he is and asks her why she has been so absent in this fight. She explains about the Widowhood prophecies and before they discuss it more Rowa returns with the information Aquaman needs to find N.E.M.O. He tells Mera he loves her and then swims off looking very determined.
A boat parked just off the coast of Ponta Da Alta is the temporary N.E.M.O base of operations. Black Jack is reporting to Manta about how well their plan is still going. Manta figures six more hours and Atlantis will be wiped out. Then they move onto attacking other countries. Aquaman has other thoughts on the matter.
The Deluge: Final: Aquaman is pissed, Mantra tries for some banter, but not this time. Aquaman just goes hard and takes down everyone. While Manta and Aquaman are fighting, Aquaman is recapping all the things we already know. He was surprised that Manta is running N.E.M.O and also not surprised at the same time. Manta gives Aquaman credit for his new found ambition, he was just expanding his horizons.
Aquaman points out that it is the same old Manta BS, blaming everyone else and not taking responsibility for his own actions. Before Aquaman can finish the fight, Manta pulls out a detonator (I think he hopes to kill them both). Aquaman makes it out unscathed.
Later in the Oval Office, Aquaman is presenting the president with all the evidence of N.E.M.O and Manta. He boldly declares that the war between Atlantis and the U.S. is over. We zoom out to see Superman is also there and everyone is pointing guns at Aquaman. Gantry tries to interrupt but Aquaman shuts him down pretty hard. He points out that if he wanted to kill the president he could have already and it would be justified since they tried to assassinate him. Aquaman would never do that and Atlantis would never behave that way. As a way to end the war here and now, Aquaman declares Atlantis the loser and drops his trident, further declaring they surrender. He promises that if the fighting stops, he will return the Aquamaries.
Outside Clark and Arthur share a fun moment of friendship where Superman gives Aquaman a new Justice League card. We find out that the war is officially over and that Aquaman and the President will be making a joint press statement soon. The two countries will work together to rebuild Atlantis and the U.S. cities that were damaged during this conflict. Superman tells Aquaman that the president is going to announce his support of Atlantis joining the United Nations. He knows this because he can hear Gantry talking to his aides about it.
We cut to the press conference declaring the end of the war. Mera is watching the news with relief. The reverend mother is there to still be a bummer. Disaster might be averted for now, but the prophecy is still a thing. Mera is bummed. In the last panel we see that Black Jack survived the ship explosion and doesn't look happy.
Thoughts: Oh man, Aquaman has a tough job, even Superman admits he didn't think he could do it as well as Arthur does. I admit before starting this run I had no interest in Aquaman. I have found that I am really enjoying reading all about this overworked, peace loving hero. Plus I really like Mera too. I do not love this whole, she might be the end of Atlantis business. I just want her and Arthur to be happy. Glad this war is over and excited to see where these couples go.
My favorite line from this volume goes back to issue 8 and comes from Murk. It is repeated by Aquaman himself in issue 9. Just made me laugh both times.
There was some great art and some great covers in volume. Brad Walker did all the main covers and Joshua Middleton did the art for all the B covers. Feel free to click their names to visit their Twitter pages. I don't think it will come as a surprise that Mera features on my favorite cover.
Last Week: Aquaman Volume 2: Black Manta Rising, Part 1
Aquaman Volume 2: Black Manta Rising, Part 2
Next Week: Action Comics Volume 2: Welcome to the Planet, Part 1
Action Comics Volume 2: Welcome to the Planet, Part 2
Note: All images belong to DC™
Note: All images belong to DC™
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