Aquaman #4

Aquaman vs. the U.S. government is shaping up to be a compelling fight of ideas as well as actions. A lot of intriguing concepts are unfurled and a striking case is made for nonviolent actions in this issue. Read Full Review

Arthur specifically says that he's not going to resist, to show that he's willing to co-operate with the Government. Smart move. Except Mera decides to break him out instead… causing them to look guilty. It seems a little odd that the writers would make this huge point of Arthur being co-operative in negotiations, for him to then completely go back on his word. It just seemed very out of character. Read Full Review

Overall then, while the niggles surrounding the artwork remain, Abnetts story is proving to be more than enough to keep this books head above water. The political drama of a King trying to bring his people onto the world global stage while being beset on all sides by attempts to derail him makes for utterly gripping reading, and from a pure storytelling point of view, this may very well be the best post-Rebirth issue of the series so far. Read Full Review

Perhaps it's not surprising that Aquaman might be quickly overlooked amongst all of DC's spotlight on "Rebirth" and the Suicide Squad film, but with politics also in full swing, it feels like Dan Abnett and Philippe Briones' take on Arthur Curry might be the most interesting superhero book on the stands. Read Full Review

It's understandable that some may criticise the pacing of this. After all, Aquaman has put the action on the back burner for several issues now, and the main character has barely even seen a fight outside of the initial one with Black Manta. But this is still solid writing, and a breath of fresh air in a market which has been over-saturated with mindless action at the expense of good plotting. The stakes continue to rise with every issue and the constant message of fighting for peace is always welcome. Read Full Review

Ultimately this issue was okay, but not great. Seeing the tension playing out between Atlantis and the United States due to the actions of a rogue terrorist cell would be a more compelling story if people didn't make claims that were blatantly untrue. Maybe it will turn out that certain key people in the story are members of N.E.M.O. and were orchestrating things from behind the scenes, but for now it just seems like a poorly thought out plot point in an otherwise interesting plot. While I did enjoy it, I would hold off on suggesting it to new readers until we know more about how this arc plays out. Read Full Review

Dan Abnett's core idea for the book continues to be enough to propel this book, but it's starting to suffer from story slowdown and artistic problems. Read Full Review

This run of Aquaman is a lot like the television sitcom the Big Bang Theory in that it sucks. It's going nowhere anyone is interested in going, and it's doing it at a very slow pace. The art in this issue is nothing great, but isn't the reason the stay away from it. The reason you should stay away from it is because it may cause drowsiness and irritability. Read Full Review

drdrot

Aug 03, 2016

This comic is different from the rest of the DCU. That's a good and a bad because I think readers will either hate it or love it. This character can cover a lot of different story types, so I hope that the next story line goes in a different direction. Art and story were good this issue, but the pace is a little slow. Hoping next issue has lots of action.

the green death

Aug 03, 2016

Just a great issue, everybody's actions are consistent to their characters and the blending of these actions creates a tense political thriller. Yeah, Aquaman sits perched near the top of the Rebirth pile for me. I get its not everyone's bag, but for me it's scratching an itch I didn't know I had: Classic superhero political thriller action movie.

The Villain

Aug 03, 2016

This Aquaman comic is my early favorite of all the Rebirth titles so far (although I have yet to read Batman yet). There is a great mix of action and story to this point. The politics between America and Atlantis has worked very well to this point and Arthur Curry has been very well written as a true hero in this book.

Big Guy 4U

Aug 03, 2016

Probably the best issue of the run yet. Abnett is really ramping up the diplomacy angle and it's working well. Also NEMO's motivations for controlling the ocean's resources is something unique and I look forward to seeing how Manta plays into the scheme. Mera should share the title with Aquaman, since she's practically the other main protagonist. This run has the potential to be unique and great. Let's hope Abnett delivers. Also, Briones' art is an improvement over the last few issues.

kfc902

Aug 08, 2016

Good Issue nice pacing.

TheMatteo0

Aug 03, 2016

A continuation of the political arc of this first series, but still a little slow to get going. This issue is mainly exposition leading up to the ending when things really start to get going in the arc. The artwork on the (relatively few) undersea large panels is great as always. Hopefully however, with the next issue we might see this plot up the ante a bit and move from a somewhat enjoyable start to a really great, memorable, work.

Comic Booger

Aug 05, 2016

I can't believe is exactly the same as the critic consensus. Anyway here is my review is exact score. https://comicbooger.com/2016/08/05/aquaman-4-2016-review/

Gizmo

Aug 12, 2016

Aquaman has somewhat awkwardly engaged in politics for a while now and something isn't clicking. So when Mera all but says "F this" and throws caution to the wind, I can't help but swell with joy as it comes off to me as meta commentary on the comic's progression thus far.

Briton

Sep 03, 2016

This is getting better and I'm enjoying it.

ModestMoonMan

Aug 05, 2017

While I haven't big a huge fan of The Drowning arc so far, Mera stands out as the best thing going for it.