Written by Tyler DiBenedetto
Aquaman #7 plays out like a political drama. Imagine the West Wing or House of Cards but with a Superhero whose constituency is the remnants of a highly advanced, ancient civilization of sea people. Aquaman is dealing with the pressures of being their king (with a low approval rating) while still doing the best he can to prevent a war.
The comic opens and you’re introduced to the heads of various Departments of the Atlantean bureaucracy. At first, this is a bit off putting, like watching a show a third of the way in, but after that it’s pretty intriguing to follow. Aqauman is trying to find out who attacked an American Submarine in an attempt to trigger a war with Atlantis and the surface world. I really like the way the mentality of the Atlantean people is interwoven into the narrative of Aquaman looking for clues and interrogating people.
There’s also a Black Manta subplot where he’s taking over N.E.M.O.: an organization that’s basically a scuba version of Specter from the James Bond movies. Then there’s a Mera subplot where she has to do some ritualistic tradition that will get Aquaman political points with the more conservative Atlanteans.
That’s always been the real interesting hook to Aquaman: the fact he’s a literal king to his people as well as a superhero fighting villains. This comic emphasis that part of his character in a way that actually grabs your interest and makes you look forward to the next issue out of intrigue as opposed to just an obligation.
