New "Facts Page" for this issue

SUMMARY:

Aquaman helps a US Marine scout patrol battling the Japanese on a small Pacific Island.

OVERVIEW:

On a small island in the Pacific, a US Marines scouting patrol is held down by Japanese troops after the Japanese blew up their ship with their commander still on board. Their radio is dead but they want to signal the planned US invasion of a nearby larger island to go ahead.

Enter Aquaman, who two hours earlier saved the patrol leader and now arrives to help. He uses electric eels to power the radio long enough to send the message then goes to get the patrol leader and reunite him with his men.

But Crane, the patrol leader, didn't stick around waiting for Aquaman and was captured by the Japanese. Aquaman tricks the Japanese into fleeing from him, then frees Crane and tells him about an armada of mini-subs housed under the island waiting for the US invasion.

While Crane and his men desperately fight to read the sub base, Aquaman uses all his powers to destroy the sub fleet before it can attack the Americans. Aquaman is awarded the Navy Cross for his valiant efforts.

COMMENTS:

WARNING: this is one of those stories that MUST be taken in context of the time it was written and drawn. It is offensive from a modern standpoint, but rather mild at the time it hit the stands. The fake Japanese writing in one panel is perhaps the worst offender, although frequent racial slurs may make it difficult for some people to read.

A very patriotic splash page, with Aquaman holding a trident, with a sunken Japanese ship in the background.

The Marine patrol leader's name is apparently Bob Crane. Aquaman rescues him with help from a porpoise, who shows him a safe place to leave the water. Aquaman then warns the porpoise to leave the area, as it's too dangerous for sea life.

Aquaman dresses as a sea serpent to scare away the Japanese torturing Crane.

Aquaman uses a group of giant squid to capture the Japanese mini-subs and remove the soldiers from them. He then turns over the soldiers to the American fleet.

This review was made possible by the Microcolour microfiche reprint of this issue.

CONCLUSION:

A jam-packed story, with Aquaman acting like a hero throughout.