Aquaman (Mini 3) #1
Title: Flash Back, Time And Tide Part 1
Cover Date: December 1993
Writer: Peter David
Pencils: Kirk Jarvinen
Inks: Brad Vancata
Colors: Tom McCraw
Lettering: Dan Nakrosis
Asst. Editor: Eddie Berganza
Editor: Kevin Dooley
Cover: Kirk Jarvinen and Brad Vancata
Cover Price: $1.50
OVERVIEW:
Aquaman has just finished reading the Atlantis Chronicles. Inspired by his mother's last words in the book, he decides to add the story of his life.
He starts with the story of how he became a hero.
The Trickster had just robbed a ship hosting a policemen's convocation, and took off across the water. Unfortunately for him, Barry Allen, the Flash, was aboard the ship. But as the Flash pursued the Trickster, a man burst up from the water. Distracted, the Flash lost his footing and sank. Aquaman stopped some sharks from eating the Flash, and then took him to an underwater cave. When the Flash woke up, he talked Aquaman into helping him capture the Trickster. After they captured him, the Flash talked Aquaman into returning with him to Cresent Shore, where Aquaman will get a hero's welcome. Reluctantly, Aquaman accepted.
After Aquaman was presented with the key to the city, the Trickster escaped. The Flash ran to stop him, while several businessmen cornered Aquaman. He got away from them and was mobbed by the citizens. They stopped mobbing him when the Trickster arrived. Aquaman just walked off, annoyed. The Trickster can't leave well enough alone, though, and followed him, so Aquaman punched him out. The Flash caught up to Aquaman just before he dove back into the water, and apologized.
COMMENTS:
I was waiting for this with, ahem, baited breath. I was not disappointed. From the in-joke about Luke Skywalker to Aquaman's heartfelt sigh at the end, it was a good ride.
The art was a little different than I was used to. A bit blocky and very cartoony. It fits for a flashback series.
This series has now been collected into a trade paperback, and is easier to find in that form.
CONCLUSION:
Rating: 8
Great start to a great series.