Comic Book Review: Aquaman #50 - DC Comics (2016)

"Dead Water"

Written by Dan Abnett
Pencils by Brett Booth
Inks by Norm Rapmund
Colors by Andrew Dalhouse

There is something killing people near water and leaving, what appears to be, shark bites on the victims.  The issue with these bodies of water is they are not near an ocean.  The latest victim was from a pool on top of a building.  The FBI and local authorities do not know what to make of it so the ruler of Atlantis, Aquaman, is called upon to investigate.
Aquaman has been a bit busy getting ready for the introduction of Mera, aka Aquawoman, to the Justice League, but he's always ready for an adventure.

Despite not reading any of the previous comic books leading to this issue I was able to follow it very well.  This goes with my previous blogs of letting readers, or future readers, know that you can pick up a comic book and just go from there.  Enjoy the ride.  Aquaman #50 provides that fun ride that readers of comic books should enjoy.  Dan Abnett did a terrific job writing this story as it included action, humor and excellent conversation between the characters.  The humor thrown in from Garth of Atlantis and especially from Agent Arni from the surface world were particularly fantastic.  The expressions on their faces made the delivery of the lines even better.

I also really enjoyed Aquaman explaining his actions.  There are reasons he would not necessarily need to assist in any investigations but he makes it understood why he does.  For that matter, the interactions of all characters in this book were great as they all moved the story forward and/or gave you a depiction of what each character was brought to the proverbial table.

Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund and Andrew Dalhouse were the guest artistic team brought in for this book and is honestly the reason I bought the book.  It just so happened, Dan Abnett wrote a wonderful story to go along with the brilliant artwork.  Every page looked amazing in this book.  So many panels were cover-worthy.  The facial expressions, action shots and the angles used were excellent as Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund do this as well as anyone going today.  The part I really took notice in were the colors.  Aquaman's gold costume actually seemed to actually shimmer in the sunlight.  Andrew Dalhouse is doing color in a way you don't see in every comic.  The thing is, he does it in every comic he works on.  If this trio is doing the art on any future comic books, I'm on board.

I enjoyed Aquaman #50 and it's a bigger book so don't let the $4.99 price tag scare you away.  Well written and the art is remarkable.  It is everything a person could want from a comic book.

What are your thoughts on Aquaman?  What other books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please let us know in the comments below or contact us on Twitter: @MaskedBlogster or @MPTheatre2015

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Comic Book Review: The Flash #47 - DC Comic (2016)

"Reunion"

Written by Robert Venditti & Van Jensen
Art by Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund & Andrew Dalhouse

The Flash continues his battle with Professor Zoom.

Get ready for a wild ride through time as we see the Flash fight Professor Zoom.  Zoom attempts to use Barry's father against him and monologues through the entire fight explaining his obsession with the Scarlet Speedster.  There are flashbacks to the killing of Barry Allen's mother Nora and there are also glimpses into the future illustrating why Zoom feels the way he does about the Flash.

This is a true all star team of talent working on this series.  Robert Venditti and Van Jensen are awesome with their story telling.  There wasn't a dull moment with this issue.  The team of Breet Booth on pencils, Norma Rapmund on inks and Andrew Dalhouse providing the colors make every page feel cover-worthy.  Every panel looks amazing in the Flash #48 and with every book they've worked on since coming to this series.  I'm sad to say that they are leaving this title but I will be picking up whichever book this group goes to(hopefully they continue working together).

What are you thoughts on the Flash comic books?  What other series of comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please leave your comments below.

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Comic Book Review: The Flash #46 - DC Comics (2015)

Written by Robert Venditti & Van Jensen
Art by Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund & Andrew Dalhouse

Central City police want to arrest the Flash for the bombing of the police station but the Scarlett Speedster knows he can't take the time to talk with them as he knows he needs to stop Professor Zoom and his group of villains.

Fast and incredible action can be found on every page of this comic book issue.  Zoom has been trying to build the Flash as a threat to Central City so that if he does beat our hero, he isn't revered in his death.  This is no easy task and really isn't something he can push any longer as the fight is on.  Zoom has his super-powered villain group that is assisting, outside of Magali who he has since imprisoned along with Henry Allen, the Flash's father.  Henry was brought on to build a device that steals meta-human powers.  If he built a device that could steal the Flash's powers, Professor Zoom would let Barry Allen live.  Little does Henry know who the Flash truly is.

Caught up yet?  I know, there's a lot going on in this issue.  This has been a fun story line.  Professor Zoom is such an interesting character as everyone thinks he's a speedster but he's really controlling time.  It's going to be interesting to see how the Flash is going to do against Zoom.  Also, what will Zoom do after what happened to his villainous group?

I'm of the understanding that the art portion of the Flash team will be leaving the title soon.  That's unfortunate as I feel this is one of the best teams around.  I'm not overly fond of the tweaks made to the Flash's costume, but everything else is amazing.  The flow of each page, detail in the right places and I don't know where you'll find colors used much better.  Wherever Booth, Rapmund and Dalhouse go, I'm sure I'll be hopping onto that title as well.  If what I've heard is true, seeing this team working on underwater adventures could be some of the most incredible visuals of 2016.

As far as the writing team, I have no news as to whether staying or going.  Again, I can see myself checking out whatever Venditti and Jensen write.  It has been an extraordinary pleasure to read from this super team of writers and artists.

What do you think of the Flash review?  What other comic books would you like to see the staff at Maskerpiece Theatre review?  Please leave your comments below or let us know on Twitter @MaskedBlogster or @MPTheare2015

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