Aquaman #28 Review

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Reviewed by: Mathan “Eh” Erhardt
Story Title: To Serve & Protect

Written by: John Acrudi
Penciled by: Patrick Gleason
Inked by: Christian Alamy
Colored by: Nathan Eyring
Lettered by: Jared K. Fletcher
Editor: Peter Tomasi

The first time we see Aquaman this issue is when Lorena is showing off her new outfit. It’s the same one she’s sported the last two issues, but this time it’s official. While Lorena is taking things rather lightly, Aquaman is “Batman-serious.” Aquaman wants to oversee a new project he’s got going on between Sub Diego and San Diego. Glass bottom tour ships provide a chance for family to be reunited, however briefly. While watching over the trial run a cute woman catches Aquaman’s eye.

We then find Hector, the guy who left Sub Diego to explore the ocean, as he runs into Vulko and a ship from the Atlanean navy. Next we see Aquaman and the woman talking, it turns out she’s a reporter, and she wants a scoop.

Then we see Lorena keeping her eye on the events from below the water. Unfortunately all the activity has drawn the attention of sharks. Lorena goes to save the day, but she find that a strange shark creature has beaten her to the punch, literally.

Aquaman cuts short his talk with the reporter to help out. He restrains the creature, who claims to be a former San Diego cop. We then get an interlude to what appears to be his family, who are still mourning his loss in San Diego.

We then see Aquaman reading Geist the riot act. Apparently Geist experimented on Alonzo Malrey, and made him what he is today. Geist ran into Alonzo after San Diego sank. Geist offered the opportunity to change, and Alonzo took him up on it.

Aquaman is torn about his role, but before he has time to ponder that Geist offers him some information about a corporation trying to patent Aquaman’s DNA. To be continued.

Acrudi does a great job of balancing Aquaman’s life with the adjustments going on with Sub Diego residents. Sub Diego actually seems to exist, unlike some of DC’s other cities. Aquaman also seems adrift in his life. He’s literally just floating around waiting for something to anchor him. I am glad that a subplot has been picked up again, with Alonzo Malrey. I really like the way it’s being played.

Gleason and Almay make a solid team. They truly compliment each other. Lorena’s excitement on page two nearly jumps off the page. As is Hector’s look of content on on page seven. Malrey’s one fierce looking creature, and that’s not a good thing.