Reviewed by: Mathan “Finally a regular writer” Erhardt
Story Title: Escape
Written by: John Arcudi
Penciled by: Patrick Gleason
Inked by: Christian Alamy & Mick Gray
Colored by: Nathan Eyring
Lettered by: Phil Balsman
Editor: Peter Tomasi
Publisher: DC Comics
The issue opens with an underwater underworld figure holding court. As he receives a package from the surface via a courier the anticipation builds. The package is revealed as containing drugs, much to the delight of those around.
Elsewhere Lorena and Aquaman swim and discuss the need for recreation, particularly after dealing with a tragedy. Then Lorena notices the courier leaving, payment in hand. She mistakes him for a looter from the surface and attacks.
Aquaman pulls her off of him, and points out that because he can’t breathe underwater, communication is impossible. But the courier attempt to explain what he was doing by taking Lorena and Aquaman to a schoolyard full of Sub Diego residents. Lorena recognizes them as local celebrities, but Aquaman realizes they’re under the influence because of the empty vials floating around.
Then we cut to a disturbing scene of homeless men sharpening their teeth and injecting drugs. We then see Aquaman talking to Geist about Sub Diego’s growing drug problem, and Geist explains how underwater drug use works.
Lorena and Aquaman find Gerardo Flores, a former D.A. and current drug addict, to ask about the drug operation. He gives them all they need to know. Inside an abandoned museum Aquaman and Lorena confront Ned Moriarty the man behind the scheme, unfortunately it’s after he’s already received a “payment” Flores’ wife.
Moriarty then sics a legion of homeless addict on the heroic duo. Aquaman and Lorena are outnumbered, but Aquaman realizes how to defeat the swarm. Afterward Lorena tries to get Mr. Flores to reveal where Moriarty can be found, but he won’t. He then laments his current situation in a particularly poignant scene. Aquaman then begins to realize his role in the new underwater society.
Acrudi has picked up right where Will Pfeifer left off, by adding dimension to Sub Diego. He really fleshes the underwater city out. The threat of drugs, and what they bring is a very realistic portrayal. They allow an escape for those who need it, but they also allow crime to take hold. Acrudi also provides some nice subplots as well. I’m looking forward to his run on the title.
Gleason’s art is great as always. But the addition of Gray as an inker was a great touch. Gray brings a darker tone to an issue that’s dark itself. It’s a great effect that works very well. Not only is the story not as bright, neither is the artwork.
