Aquaman Annual #3: Three stories with a passing resemblance to pulp. In order, Ick, ehh, and okay. Overall, neutral. $3.95/$5.50Cn, and not worth it.

"As Pulpy As Water" Award to Aquaman Annual #3

Aquaman Annual: This is one of the "Pulp Heroes" annuals, with three pulp-themed stories which almost but don't quite fit into continuity.

PAD has the lead story, which is pretty much an excuse to throw together a series of jokes about various Aquaman licenses, such as the old cartoon, or the Total Justice toys. Unfortunately, it suffers from PAD's tendency to push gags way too far when he tries to be funny, and it's just too hammy. Or, perhaps, not hammy enough. After all, if you're going to do noir, either do it straight, or do it so over the top that you stun readers into shocked silence. It's kinda like jumping a ravine...you either go all the way, or don't go at all. PAD makes it about halfway. See you at the bottom.

The second story, "The Lady In Cement," is written by Abnett and Lanning, and while it does decent noir, it relies too heavily on a Clever Plot Twist. And, like "Tusk 'Til Dawn" (PAD's effort), it's clearly set in a modern world, almost in regular continuity (in fact, of the three, this one most easily fits into continuity). I was hoping these Annuals would actually be mining the setting of the pulp era, not just playing off the purple prose.

Finally, Messner-Loebs does "Wet City," a tale of post-Kordax Tritonis, crime and political intrigue. This is probably the best of the lot, although it suffers from weak art and also the "clever plot twist" syndrome. It also could almost fit into continuity if not for the art, which shows dozens of other humanoid aquatic species not part of the DCU.

Overall, I don't think I'm going to waste my money on other Pulp Heroes annuals aside from those I've already ordered from my store, and I may ask not to buy some of those. The gimmick isn't playing out how I'd hoped, and I can always find better pseudo-noir on Superguy or Agents of P.U.L.P. online.