This review contains spoilers.
Aquaman #50 is written by Dan Abnett with pencils by Brent Booth, inks by Norm Rapmund and colors by Andrew Dalhouse.
Summary
Two FBI agents, Regan Irving and Arni Ajar, are investigating a murder and discover that the victim was apparently attacked by a shark on the roof of a hotel. Naturally, they go to Aquaman for help. Meanwhile, Mera is in charge of a new Atlantean Embassy on dry-land called Spindrift Station to help with relations between the Atlanteans and surface-dwellers. Aquaman investigates the death and discovers the creature that committed the crime. It is some form of sea creature that has possessed a man similarly to what happens with Bruce Banner and the Hulk. People have named this creature Dead Water. The two fight and Aquaman is able to subdue the monster for a time so that he can be contained in Spindrift. The issue ends with Mera holding a press conference about Spindrift.
Positives
Mera is a bad-ass. She is the easily one of the coolest characters at DC. She’s smart, quick witted, thoughtful and kind. She never throws a punch in this issue and yet, she’s just as much of a hero as Aquaman is. Her mission with Spindrift is admirable and only made more fun by her presence and personality. In all honesty, she should be the main protagonist and a member of the Justice League. I don’t have anything against Aquaman but Mera is just a million times more interesting.
Aquaman is likeable as well here, though. During the fight with Dead Water, he makes a conscience decision to hold back once he discovers Dead Water contains an innocent person. Like Mera, he’s thoughtful and cares about all life.
The art is great. The panel layouts are creative and fun, the faces are wonderfully expressive and the action is just dynamite.
Negatives
The FBI agents are a great way to get the ball rolling but they’re ultimately unnecessary. They don’t help the Atlanteans in any way and most of their jokes fall flat.
Verdict
This is an excellent issue. The lead characters are the definition of great heroes, the action is fun and the art is great. I definitely recommend picking this up.