Aquaman (3) #34
Title: One on One
Cover Title: Whom Gods Destroy!
Cover Date: July 97
Writer: Peter David
Pencils: Jim Calafiore
Inks: Peter Palmiotti
Colors: Tom McCraw
Lettering: Albert DeGuzman
Asst. Editor: Eddie Berganza
Editor: Kevin Dooley
Cover: Jim Calafiore and Mark McKenna
Cover Price: $1.75
Continuity: IN
OVERVIEW:
Aquaman and Triton are fighting. Through a flashback sequence we learn that after his vision quest he decided to meet with the representatives of the oceans and ask for forgiveness and for the trust of the seas again. As he addresses his former subjects, Poseidon appears to remind him of the price of being the Sea King. To regain the title of Sea King, Aquaman must fight Triton.
Although the fight goes back and forth, eventually Aquaman dominates, and the sea accepts him as their king again. A spiteful Poseidon blinds Aquaman as payback.
COMMENTS:
Lots of notes on this issue...
The cover is interesting, with Triton fairly bursting from it through the title banner.
This is basically an issue of splash pages, very appropriate for an Aquaman book. The format is a little difficult to read, but the art is great and deserves a second look.
The price Poseidon is reminding Aquaman of occurred in Aquaman's Year One annual, chapter four.
Triton and Aquaman first tangled in that annual also, when young Arthur saved Diana, Wonder Woman, from Triton's attentions.
Triton must have the adoration of the sea in order to live. He must be worshipped, or his power is lost. He tells Aquaman that if he is humiliated by Aquaman, that Aquaman will gain his power. This is important: the sea life must witness Triton's humiliation for Aquaman to fully defeat him.
Atlan watches the fight and pities his son. Whether he expects him to win or to lose is uncertain.
Deep Blue and Dolphin "sunbathing" on the Titanic. Funny. Nuada senses the fight, and prepares for the worst. Tsunami also senses it, and hopes that Deep Blue isn't involved.
The letter col has several letters from members of the Aquaman list. Congrats, everyone!
CONCLUSION:
A very fast read thanks to the format, there is little real story beyond the title fight. I can hope that this is a one time thing, and Calafiore's art won't always have tons of splash art in it.