We’re on the brink of Throne of Atlantis, and Aquaman #14 serves as the calm before the storm. The issue delivers on its promise of a prelude chapter, but also plants seeds that seem to reach beyond just the coming story, particularly where Black Manta is concerned. Writer Geoff Johns hinges this issue on a conversation between Arthur and his half-brother Orm, as Aquaman confronts him on an apparent plot to attack the surface world. What follows is a tense read that builds the relationship of Arthur and Orm with ease.
Despite what the cover might suggest, this isn’t Ocean Master Orm. Not yet. Johns lays the groundwork for the villain he might become, but the focus is primarily on establishing how his viewpoints oppose those of Arthur. The key is that the reader can understand them. Orm isn’t a crazy Atlantean with an agenda, he’s a ruler of a kingdom that only wants the best for his people. While those motivations could certainly change in the story to come, Johns does a stellar job here of putting the brotherly differences over the superheroics to create a more sympathetic antagonist.
http://feeds.ign.com/~r/ign/all/~3/cDlCWKNsCX0/aquaman-14-review
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