COMIC REVIEW: FTN reviews Aquaman #23.2, Ocean Master

Writers: Geoff Johns and Tony Bedard

Pencils: Geraldo Borges

Inks: Ruy Jose

Publisher: DC Comics

Not all the villains in the DC Universe are inherently evil. Not all are so cold and callous that mere chaos and destruction is their sole means of entertainment and drive. Some have other motives that push them forward, some feel they have been done wrong or feel they had been besmirched. That is the tale we are brought in the Ocean Master one-shot this week.

Following the “Throne of Atlantis” arc that ran in Aquaman and Justice League earlier this year, Orm has been in Belle Reeve awaiting trial. With the Crime Syndicate breaking open all the prisons he is now free to return to the ocean and reclaim what he feels is his rightful place, the Throne. However we are treated to a look at the character that is rather interesting when you see that there is more to him than what we originally know. While his hatred for the surface world is still very much intact, we see that there are certain things that have him question his own feelings.

We see a man who, while the only thing on his mind is to get back to the ocean, actually knows right from wrong. Knows how to lead justly and is willing to fight for what he believes to be right. This is not the traditional tale we have seen from most of the villains books, the ones that are out for personal gain and chaos, we actually see him as a man. A man who while on a very specific mission, see’s the world around him after the mass prison breakout and realizes that somethings are not to be left alone. We see him struggle with himself, simple silent panels of his face show us that he knows what is happening around him is wrong, but what should he do? Should he help or should he continue on his mission to take back the throne of Atlantis? The ending to this story shows us that decision and it is one that will have lead to major change in Orm.

Geoff Johns and Tony Bedard have written once again one of the best stories of the Villains month promotion. Allowing us to see that this is not just a villain but a man, a man who has emotions, needs and wants and a man who has to come to the conclusion of what is right and what is wrong. It seems Johns truly understands the characters he is writing and while he will be leaving the Aquaman title in the near future, he has allowed his successor to truly come in and continue on this fantastic work.

Once again this one-shot proves why the Aquaman title is one of the best currently going in the New 52 and why all the jokes we have all made about Arthur and his world over the years should be stopped because at this moment he has never been better.

5 out of 5 nerds