Aquamen, Vol. 1

Following on from Brown's previous volume Black Manta and Brandon Thomas' Aquaman Becoming the story here is more consistent than that of the latter but not quite as good as the former. The basic idea is that war between Atlantis and the rest of the world beckons yet again, although at least there's a different explanation behind it - and, in fairness, one that works quite well. There's some good characterisation here, especially of Black Manta, and an expansive cast that's presumably opening up options for the future of the line.

A negative, however, is a scene in which Jackson tortures someone for information; there's no indication that isn't the sort of thing that heroes should be doing, and no comeback from it at all. When Black Manta causes trouble by attacking someone he doesn't need to, that makes sense, and there are consequences, but Jackson is supposed to be different from his father. Well, judging from this, he may not be, but you'd think that would at least be addressed.

Some mixed-quality art let down the Black Manta mini-series but, while we once again manage to have two different artists in the space of just six issues, at least both of them are decent and have similar styles, so it isn't as significant as it might be. The biggest problem, though, is the final issue, which is set after the main plot has been resolved and revolves around something that happens in another comic and isn't explained here. This sort of thing can be expected in an ongoing series, given DC's love of universe-wide events, and might even be unavoidable there. But devoting the entire final issue of a mini-series to something essentially unconnected with the rest of it - and not even saying what happened beyond the outline - feels pointlessly tacked on.

It's a pity, because the first five issues are quite good.