OVERVIEW:

An archeologist in Prague makes an incredible discovery, but doesn't live to finish toasting to it, as he is drained by The Thirst.

Aquaman, in order to help Garth understand, shows Garth the Secret Sea. Aquaman explains that the sea is actually an ocean of ideas, a communal imagination. While they swim, a current springs up and they are nearly pulled into The Thirst. Reaching the Lady, they learn that The Thirst is a shadow aspect of Aquaman, and he's now awake and on the move.

COMMENTS:

Cover Review: Almost looks like the return of Gamemnae. Aquaman's hand is in the center of the image, but isn't the focus. I think I want covers by Alex Maleev back.

I'm not at all satisfied with the art in this issue. Garth and Aquaman are talking about wonderful things in the Secret Sea, but we barely see anything. The Lady talks about how pale she is, but her color hasn't changed a bit. The design of The Thirst is impressive, but this book would be SO much better with a little more attention paid to the artwork. This is yet another case of the artwork dragging the story down.

The story isn't as good as the last couple, either. This is probably because it is mostly set up with very little action. The villain and the hero don't meet. It's just the gradual revelation of a coming conflict.

The Thirst himself is revealed to be a "shadow aspect" of the current waterbearer. Shades of Thanatos... yet not really. This creature is basically Aquaman's hate poured into a shell. Unfortunately for the world, Aquaman has a lot of rage. Would a creature powered by Aquaman's rage be more powerful than Aquaman himself?

CONCLUSION:

The artwork isn't living up to the words.