After a somewhat forgettable sixth issue, I was wondering if Johns would be able to keep Aquaman as fantastic as it first five issues. The answer is a resounding "yes".
The seventh issue of Aquaman focuses on the mystery surrounding "The Others", a group of heroes that Aquaman was apparently a part of long ago. This issue doesn't actually tell us much about these "Others", but it sets up plenty of questions to be answered later on in the story-line. The Others, as well as their connection to Dr. Shin is intriguing, but its the introduction to the villain of this arc that's truly great.
Geoff Johns gave us a taste of the menace of Black Manta, Aquaman's longtime nemesis, in Brightest Day, but here he is fully defined as a complete badass. Manta appears to be hunting down all of the "Others", and we are led to believe that he will eventually take down Aquaman. He comes off as truly menacing and frightening in this issue; butchering his prey while looking into her eyes and without showing an ounce of remorse. He's both brutal and intelligent, and its worth noting that Ivan Reis does a great job of making him look awesome. I can't wait to see Manta and Arthur throw down.
Overall, there's very little to complain about in this issue; it has great action, sets up future plot points nicely, has great art, and Johns continues to have a great grip on all the characters.
9.5/10
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