Aquaman #42

Aquaman #42 is a worthwhile Drowned Earth tie-in that also effectively sets the stage for the new creative team. Read Full Review

A good issue that adds weight to the bigger event. Aquaman is going through a major trial and his life has been upturned. This issue captures that well. Read Full Review

Lan Medina's art is haunting and beautiful in this issue and there are some great details in the panels. A great looking book above everything else. Read Full Review

An essential piece of the Drowned Earth mythos that offers fans a glimpse into the mind of a tormented hero destined to be king! Read Full Review

In the end this is a pretty good ending to the run. It takes the character on one last epic journey, and while it never reaches the amazing heights of the Underworld arc, it still feels like a good note for Abnett to end his run with Aquaman on, with the main character once again put front-and-centre. And at the end of the day, thats exactly why this run, and issue, worked as well as it did. Read Full Review

Though the issue is nothing special. It acts more as a recap and an end of an era for Aquaman as he understands what he is meant to be rathe than a solid comic book. Read Full Review

Abnett's run was by and large always entertaining, but I think a lot of people are ready for Kelly Sue DeConnick's distinct run to begin. As a tie-in and a tribute issue, this was a decent way to go out. Read Full Review

To put it simply, this being the legendary Dan Abnetts last issue of Aquaman, it should have been something special. The concept and broad strokes of the story are there, but being wedged into another writers mega-event didnt do Abnett any favors. This was a waste of a good writer, and a waste of a potentially great story. Heres hoping DeConnick is spared this treatment in her upcoming run. Read Full Review

An inoffensive but very dry story that could probably be skipped, with no damage to the integrity of this "Drowned Earth" event. Do not pass "Go," head directly to Justice League #12 for actual story momentum. Read Full Review

In short, this issue isn't necessary, and only takes place between a page or two of the main "Drowned Earth" storyline, but if you're an Aquaman fan you'll still likely enjoy it. Read Full Review

While the Drowned Earth arc has been a refreshing and different type of Aquaman story, this issue fails to deliver anything meaningful to either Aquaman or the Drowned Earth story. Im still looking forward to upcoming issues of Drowned Earth due to its potential. Read Full Review

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Comix4fever

Nov 29, 2018

Thanks for 3 years of incredible aqua stories, Mr. Abnett.

I Review Comics

Feb 13, 2020

My last Drowned Earth review boiled down to Scott Snyder joggling too many plot points which led to what felt like a mess of a comic. Aquaman #42 validates my criticism. This book picks up immediately from the Justice League cliffhanger. Arthur is on the verge of death and must find his way back to our reality. The comic focuses on Arthur and the relationship he has with his father. The story also speaks on Aquaman's destiny. Throughout the issue, we see him overcome various obstacles thrown his way. We've seen this trope many times across fiction but it still manages to be effective here. Prior to seeing the Aquaman fil, I had no knowledge of Aquaman's familial situation. DC's characters tend to be more stoic and Godlike. the focus on the father-son relationship ground's the character and makes the entire issue more relatable. Aside from scenes with dad the rest of the issue pushes the Drowned Earth story forward. Diana and Aquaman confront Poseidon. The interactions between these three characters are great and are a nice change of pace. Dan Abnett doesn't have to bounce between several groups of characters so the story is easier to digest. The cover for this issue is God-Tier and pulls from the Aquaman film for inspiration. The covers for this event have been generally been great and if a cover gallery for the event is ever released. I'd buy it. Ian Medina's art also serves the story well. The event has had problems throughout. One of them has been the inconsistent art choices. Medina's character models are clear, distinct and the monsters whenever they appear are horrifying. All of these elements combine to make a compelling issue. It works as a single issue of Aquaman and also works to strengthen the Drowned Earth event. I've never been a huge fan of the character but with this storyline and the film, I at least have a newfound respect for the character. more

ohhaimark

Nov 22, 2018

THE GOOD: -This was actually a really good issue that delved into the subconscious of Aquaman. I enjoyed that it was a departure from the drag of a story known as Drowned Earth. -The sea of blood effect was really neat in my opinion. -I also liked the relationship between Arthur and his father. That was really well written. -Seeing all of Aquaman's enemies appear was really cool also. I was oddly impressed by a lot of material in this issue. -The writing for Arthur's father was really, really good. That monologue was quite good in my opinion. -What should have been the true last line of the issue "Hope" was actually quite amazing in my opinion. -Honestly, not going to lie, this was my favorite issue of the series in a long, long time. THE BAD: -The art wasn't doing it for me. It just looked… off. -I really wish that last page didn't exist. The page before was way more powerful. more

Psycamorean

Nov 22, 2018

Not too bad. Definitely shouldn't be the final issue, since it's right in the middle of an event, but it did what it could.

Briton

Dec 12, 2018

It's been a good run, but it's going out with a whimper.

Spacey Medicine

Jun 03, 2019

This was okay but nothing super special.

waltgator93

Nov 20, 2018

Man did this issue feel pointless and a waste! The art was great! We did get a cute moment better Arthur and his dad unfortunately that lasted longer it should have especially at the end!