Sirk TV Graphic Novel Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE/AQUAMAN - DROWNED EARTH [DC]

The aspect of a concentric Aquaman-focused texture in this way is expected after such as strong box office film performance. The texture of "Justice League/Aquaman: Drowned Earth" [Scott Snyder & Dan Abnett/DC/252pgs] comes to bear to show there are greater forces in the galaxy but also keeps circumspect that the abuse of environmental aspects is not limited to this world. The intention of the invaders renders even the most powerful of the League helpless but the essence of revenge, especially keyed in to Manta, is another connection to the movie that gives the narrative credence. Batman is even relegated to an essence of inertness which is an interesting quandary. In a previous mission, he had broken every bone in his body so he has become more of an introvert, the multi day stubble revealing a more grizzled and tired visage. In mutating the oceans, the water flooding the cities transforms every person it touches into an aggressive mutant so slowly but surely all help disappears. Even the Queen of Atlantis must flee. What works in the narrative idea when mixed with visual is the loss of partners and friends in this situation. Watching Batman lose Commissioner Gordon and then an almost broken Aquaman nearly crying because of his loss of connection to all his sea creatures can be more primal than any of the action. Superman hovering over a Metropolis simply crestfallen saying "I couldn't save it". As even The Flash and Superman appear to falter to these Gods from above, the only aspect that can save is a concurrent, almost mythic journey to certain lost arenas of Earth by certain members of the League to find an intellectual and ancient way to defeat these ancient attackers: one being in the desert and the other in a city of the dead. These quandaries allow these heroes, especially Aquaman and Mera, to see their power from a slightly different way but ultimately to show a different path, a road less traveled, which tends to broach worlds. And of course, none of it would be possible without Wonder Woman. "Drowned Earth" works in the texture that life is nothing if not fleeting.B

By Tim Wassberg