The massive story arc featuring the Justice League continues here, but does the second part of this affair offer something special or is it an utter disappointment? Read on to find out.

The official description from DC:

• Crossover with JUSTICE LEAGUE!

• Part 2 of “THRONE OF ATLANTIS!”

• Atlantis invades the surface world!

Following the devastating events found in Justice League #15, this issue of Aquaman wastes no time building toward the next clash in this burgeoning war. What we have here is more or less a true second act that doesn’t have the strength of the initial hook to propel it to new heights, instead we get interior drama that’s just bubbling to the surface.

Geoff Johns charts the course and the series writer does a solid job moving the pieces on this proverbial chessboard.  From the dialogue to the action sequences, he doesn’t let the weight of the tale be bogged down by unnecessary subtext.  He charges forward embracing the type of execution normally reserved for an event book and I have to say if more of them were written like this I think there’d be a lot less complaints of reader fatigue.  There’s little room for any level of annoyance, as this universe defining clash barrels forward into some very satisfying character territory.

The art in this issue is a fitting extension of the work done by Ivan Reis in Justice League #15, as Paul Pelletier quite handily realizes the epic nature of this narrative.  Striking visualizations are formed from intricate and well-executed pencil strokes that ultimately yield some awesome set pieces.  But as much as I enjoyed the look of this book there were still more than a few moments that felt rather bland as relaxed details gave way to some disappointing renditions.

Aquaman #15 is a fitting continuation of the “Throne of Atlantis” story arc and I can honestly say I can’t wait to read what happens next.  Recommended.

4/5