Aquaman #34

While the majority of the issue is essentially one big battle, Parker does manage to squeeze in some important storytelling as well that will undoubtedly play into his overall plans with the book. While it was good to get this bit, the battle, while entertaining, keeps us from Parker's strong characterizations of Arthur, Mera, and the rest of the supporting cast. Read Full Review

eff Parker and guest artist Carlos Rodriguez toe the line between silly and sublime with Aquaman #34, as the sheer potential of Parker's villain makes this a flawed but worthy beat-'em-up. Read Full Review

Aquaman #34 is a fun showdown between Arthur Curry and a new potential nemesis, Chimera. By taking an aspect of Aquaman's heritage and spinning it against him, Parker and company have created a unique foil for our hero. Although there is still more to explore in the relationship between Arthur and Chimera, this issue is a good conclusion for introducing a new villain into Aquaman's world. Guest artist Carlos Rodriguez, along with Bit and Rain Beredo, capture life underwater and on land with exciting atmosphere and energy. Read Full Review

Ultimately though, this seems like a filler issue more than an all- out action brawl which is supposed to serve as the climax for the comic's latest story arc. It may have just been me coming in at the tail end of this story, but if you are like me, you might be advised to wait until next issue when the "Future's End" storyline crossover event begins in earnest. Read Full Review

Wrapping up the story line, this weeks AQUAMAN was a little bit of hit and miss. Though I enjoyed the story it was missing something I had loved from the start of the 52. So as we see one sea monster depart we wait for what is next to come after King Arthurand his throne of Atlantis. Read Full Review

"Aquaman" #34 satisfies as it wraps up Chimera's story, and that's something that month in and month out this title's been doing. With little subplots happily blooming and a new rogue's gallery slowly being built up, "Aquaman" is the little book that could. It might not make your head explode with each new issue, but it doesn't need to; it's fun and it gets the job done. Read Full Review

Aquaman #34 ends the Chimera arc just in time for the big September event.  It's one big fight scene that is mildly entertaining and way too convenient.  There isn't much to the script to push the book ahead and Carlos Rodriguez's art is just not that good.  If you've been following the Chimera story, go ahead and pick it up to get somewhat of a resolution.  If your looking to jump in, check back with us in October.  We'll be here for you.  That's what we do. Read Full Review

The first completely Arthur-centric issue in a long time and it's one of the least exciting. Not a good sign. Read Full Review

WhiteLantern

Aug 28, 2014

Overall, this issue works really well as a conclusion for the battle against Chimera. However, based on the ending, this isn't the end of the creature, and we'll probably be seeing him again sooner rather than later. As for this issue, the script is strong, which really means it's consistent for Parker's work. Some dialogue doesn't seem to fit (especially when Chimera says that he's the greatest aquarium, in a living being), but overall, it works. The art, while still good, isn't up to the quality level that Pelletier usually delivers. All things considered, this is a great issue in a great series, and it looks like things are only getting better.

JBL Reviews

Aug 31, 2014

Decent end to the arc

Gizmo

Aug 30, 2014

Carlos Rodriguez isn't bad as a guest penciller, but this issue would have benefited immensely from a more dynamic art style since it is basically just a big fight. Some of the dialog fell flat too. Although Chimera is my favourite new villain, I found him more entertaining when he was being scary. Aquaman is quickly becoming one of the more inconsistent titles from DC and part of that might be due to the frequent artist rotations.

Speeding Bullets

Aug 31, 2014

The saying "It's not how you start , it's how you finish" could apply here... only not in a good way. If you enjoyed the origin of Chimera combined with the events unfolding back in Atlantis with Mera then it will be hard not to be disappointed. This is about as generic an ending as they come to an otherwise fantastic arc by Jeff Parker.