Aquaman #44 review: Arthur Curry and the Sea Gods

It’s a great time to be an Aquaman fan, and it’s a great time to dive into Aquaman #44 with the incomparable Kelly Sue DeConnick at the helm.

The timing of Kelly Sue DeConnick’s arrival on the Aquaman title couldn’t have been any more perfect as the Warner Bros movie passes a billion dollar milestone in theaters. Jason Momoa has made a splash in theaters, proving that Arthur Curry deserves to be a prestige character in the DC Universe.

As it happens, the Aquaman comic book just got a refresh as DeConnick took over the title with Aquaman #43, a story that features Arthur Curry stuck on land without his memory. He finds himself in the town of Unspoken Water, a quiet little fishing town that seems a lot fishier than it lets on.

In Aquaman #44, Arthur continues his quest to learn his identity while Mera works to find him.

Spoilers for Aquaman #44

Could it be that Arthur Curry is a “man who fears the sea?”

Arthur continues his quest to find answers. The old woman promises to give him the cure while Caille thinks that Arthur’s quest is absurd. No one can account for making the sea part in Aquaman #43, which has only heightened his desire for answers, at any cost.

With Aquaman #44 DeConnick builds her mythology. As Mera searches for Arthur, Arthur and Caille take part in a ritual on the beach that reveals the sea gods who call Unspoken Water home. They know who Arthur really is and they put him through the ultimate test to help jog his memory. But will it work?

In just two issues DeConnick has managed to create an intriguing new world for Arthur, complete with complex mythology built around a community of sea gods who know who he is but have to figure out how to help him discover his true potential. So much of Arthur’s story revolves around his complex history that the idea that he’s a man with no memory and a fear of the sea opens up a brand new world of possibility in DeConnick’s debut five-part arc.

For fans who are just discovering Aquaman thanks to the hit movie, this is a great starting point to jump into the comics. Both Aquaman #43 and #43 are available now and they’re very accessible for teens and adults.

Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick

Penciller: Robson Rocha

Inker: Daniel Henriques

Colorist: Sunny Cho

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Aquaman #44 is available now at your local comic shop.