Aquaman #23 – Review

By: Geoff Johns (story), Paul Pelletier (pencils), Sean Parsons (inks), Rod Reis (colors)

With most of the DC couples in disarray post-relaunch, us romantics have to cling to the few solid relationships remaining.  It’s really a testament to Johns’ convictions that Mera and Aquaman have become one of DC’s most prominent couplings.*  Just a few years ago, we barely knew anything of Mera, yet since then, she’s experienced a resurgence parallel to her husband’s.  Now, the two of them are nearly as well-known as a unit as individuals.

For fans of the undersea lovers, I’m sure alarm bells must have gone off upon the discovery of Mera’s first fiancé, suggesting a possibly ugly confrontation over the fact to come.  What a relief that Johns makes the smart character choice, showing Arthur as nonplussed by his wife’s secret but otherwise as trusting of her as ever.  Perhaps the ladies will disagree, but I found his brusque yet sincere declaration of love rather romantic, especially since he takes the time to deliver it in the middle of a crisis: