Superman #165 (Feb 2001)
Title: Help!
Cover Title: What do you get the JLA for Christmas?
Cover Date: February 2001
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Pencils (Aquaman segment): Rob Liefeld
Inks (Aquaman segment): Norm Rapmund
Colors: Tanya and Richard Horie
Lettering: Richard Starkings
Editor: Tom Palmers Jr and Eddie Berganza
Cover: Ed McGuiness and Cam Smith
Cover Price: $2.25
Page Count (Aquaman Segment): 3 pages
OVERVIEW
Superman visits the members of the Justice League, giving each of them a few of his thoughts, a bit of his time, and a small present.
COMMENTS
It's only a three page cameo of Aquaman and Superman chatting about the recent developments in the world, including Lex's presidency. Arthur makes the point that Luthor has promised more to the Atlanteans than any other head of state. He also criticizes Superman for not knowing Atlantean customs, despite the city being open to him if he wants. This appearance shows an Aquaman very concerned about his people. This goes along with the recently ended Aquaman series by Jurgens.
The art... what can I possibly say about the art? Rob Liefeld is not my favorite artist by any means, but in an anthology books like this, his three pages actually worked quite well and were (dare I say it?) somewhat refreshing. Perhaps Liefeld is best in small doses?
I am impressed by the bubble-borders between panels, nicely done. However, there is a significant over-abundance of bubbles within the panels themselves, which only serves to clutter the art.
The opening caption to the Aquaman section once again repeats a very stupid mistake I've seen elsewhere. In the book "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea", the 20,000 Leagues refers to the DISTANCE the narrator travels inside the submarine, not the DEPTH to which the submarine goes. Sorry, it's a pet peeve of mine. People who write captions like this are showing off their ignorance and trying to be a little too cutesy. Ug.
Oh yeah, Superman gives Aquaman a snowglobe of Metropolis. Odd choice, but then he gives Plastic Man rubber bands, Green Lantern ring polish, and The Flash tube socks.
CONCLUSION
A nice little cameo for Aquaman.