Reviews

Aquaman: The Becoming by Brandon Thomas

studaslop's review

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

This was really…okay. The story felt  rushed, the conversations were hard to follow, and the character motivations were practically non-existent. It has a strong start but it quickly falls apart. As another reviewer said, the interpersonal relationships are where the comic really shines. It’s these slower, more intimate moments that really work and help us understand and empathize with the characters. Seeing Jackson’s romantic missteps and his relationship to the Teen Titans really help flesh out his personal world. Unfortunately, these sweeter, slower moments also makes the other areas of the story noticeable weaker in comparison. I probably would have rated it a 2, but I quite liked the art—I love when artists show action through multiple poses within the same panel—and the lettering was effective. 

stevequinn's review

2.0

This was sort of a mess. I’m not sure what even happened. Or why all the people in Jackson’s family did what they did. Or if they did those things or they were faking. Or why anyone, white or black, from Xebel would use the word “y’all”. They live underwater, not in the American south.

Mera gives a speech. It’s important. Not sure why. Aqua man shows up. He says nice things. Jackson get upset over and over and apologizes. Things get confusing again.

Just not very good.

geeky_spider's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

4.0

bluehairedlibrarian's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

There are some huge plot holes that kept me with more questions that left me confused. I couldn’t really understand why anything got resolved or characters made certain choices. 

philippmk's review

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I enjoyed learning more about Jackson and his relationship to the underwater-world, although I usually prefer this cast of characters interacting with the surface world [insert 'fish out of water' joke]. The main plot of this book involves political drama, which is not my usual cup of tea, but I think this book managed to tell a compelling story about freedom, power, and its abuse.

Where the story is strongest however, is with its inter-personal relationships. Though Jackson's relationship to his...boyfriend? Lover? felt a little unclear to me, i.e., how well they really know each other, his relationship ot his family, both biological and found, was what carried this book.

Though the art style in this book is not my personal favourite, I did enjoy the action sequences and the depiction of water-manipulation.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence and Blood

emaretea's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

imakandiway's review

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

emeelee's review

2.0

I don't think I'm stupid... but I had a lot of trouble following this storyline. Granted, I came into this story with essentially zero knowledge about Aquaman, Atlantis, Xebel, etc. (I've read Mera: Tidebreaker and You Brought Me the Ocean but that's it. Never even seen the movie.) I liked Jackson as a character, and the artwork is very beautiful and vibrant. Just not impressed with the writing.

TW: xenophobia,

Spoiler

death of a parent

❓ Read for the 2022 Whatever-You-Want-Athon ❓

laheereads's review

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is like a high 4 star for me 

jakegray's review

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5