This tale is a stand-alone issue and features the return of The Others, Aquaman’s first team, all tied together by the fact that they are entrusted with ancient Atlantean artifacts which grant them each a unique power.
The story opens with an attack on The Agent’s island base by hybrid sea creatures, which Aquaman is unable to communicate with. But they quickly realize this was just a distraction, when some flying monkeys steal the helmet of Vostok, the latest member of this group to fall in battle. During the onslaught one character is gravely injured and it’s up to spirit walker Sky to try to save him.
The other members of The Others, Ya’Wara and The Prisoner of War are summoned so that the gathering can go after the helmet, which has come into the possession of a magical mystery woman, who attempts to corrupt each hero with their hearts desire. And one or more may fall for her tricks!
There’s a lot more, but but I don’t want to spoil too much. There’s a load of exciting super hero action here, which looks amazing as pencilled by Geraldo Borges and Netho Diaz. I don’t know who drew what but they both do an exceptional job. Ya’Wara’s battle in the jungle just pops with energy as does the epic final battle. Some of the shots of Aquaman in action are among the most dynamic I’ve ever seen!
John Ostrander appears to have adopted The Others, originally created by this book’s regular writer Geoff Johns, having previously penned their showcase in ‘Aquaman’ #20. The plot isn’t super complex, but it’s serviceable. The highlight is the characterization and like I said Ostrander seems to have adopted these characters as his own. But… things don’t seem to go well for them in every subsequent appearance they make. If Ostrander takes over the book when Johns leaves, they’re going to have to recruit a new team called The Other Others!
Like in their previous appearance, this was a tiny bit of a fill-in, but sometimes it’s refreshing to get an entire story in one sitting and not have to wonder “What happens next?” There’s a slightly contrived romantic subplot but over all this was a straightforward but still entertaining story with good dialogue and characterization and the art is quite appealing. All in all, it’s well above average.
AQUAMAN ANNUAL #1
Written by John Ostrander
Pencils by Geraldo Borges and Netho Diaz
Cover by Paul Pelletier, Rob Hunter and Rod Reis
