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Post by Brandon on Nov 9, 2005 6:53:39 GMT -5
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Post by starlord on Nov 9, 2005 7:15:25 GMT -5
great stuff! this is the first time in my Aquaman reading history that I finally get the feeling of how important he is in the DC or DC2 universe. Like Brandon wrote in the issue, "Like a legend that had come to life..." That's exactly how this issue felt to me.  |
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Post by Brandon on Nov 10, 2005 4:37:18 GMT -5
Thanks, B. Very, very kind words. Not much dialogue in this one so more character interplay in Part Two and most of what was seen in this issue tied directly back in to the ending. I'm just getting rolling on this and hope to squeeze a WHOLE lot of stuff into the next 5 issues. Journeys to other worlds and times and pretty much all of the major Aquaman villians will make an appearance as well as a few new ones.  |
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simon
New Member
Posts: 19
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Post by simon on Nov 10, 2005 21:31:58 GMT -5
Terrific start, but (and you just knew that there would be a 'but' didn;t you?)...goodness-where's my personal favorite, Garth?
Is he going to make the cut? I mean, gee willerkers!
Simon
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Post by Brandon on Nov 11, 2005 6:57:42 GMT -5
Ha. Of course we'll have Garth. David has plans for him in Teen Titans so I'm waiting a few issues before pulling him into the story and at first won't quite be an "official" sidekick. He'll certainly be in Issue Three and plays a big part in the next few issues after that. Plus, I didn't say for sure, but in case you didn't notice, the narrator of his origin seemed to be pretty good friends with Arthur and isn't Mera or Vulko, sooo..... And thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know what you thought of the story! |
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Post by Admin on Nov 12, 2005 9:54:31 GMT -5
After reading this issue, I find it hard to believe that Brandon hasn't been writing for years...!
There is so much going on here! The writer has skillfully woven a rousing sea-adventure (which, too often, Aquaman isn't) the likes of which fans of Jules Verne would be proud, all the while inserting an impending sense of doom and apocalypse (the narrator's cryptic pronouncements).
The Arthurian influence (implicit in the Aquaman mythos) comes through as well, which made me think: Merganys=Morgana Le Fey? Anything to that, Brandon?
I thought it was neat how the reader got to experience the undersea world, and Aquaman himself, for the first time through the eyes of the surface-dweller Mariana Krell (cool name, btw--- do I sense a rival for Mera?); it's easy to take for granted the wonders of the underwater setting, but this put it into perspective nicely.
The fight with the octopus was a great set-piece for the issue, and it was very well done! I love how Aquaman dealt with the beast: it added depths of characterization to both.
Can't wait to see where this is headed next: Captain Krell and the Leviathan! Sounds ominous to me...
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Post by Brandon on Nov 12, 2005 18:27:56 GMT -5
Thanks so much, IW. I'm glad you enjoyed it. This is certainly the sea adventure story of the bunch so it's good to hear it came off that way . Krell is very much a Verne/Melville inspired character and there will be at least one very obvious homage in Issue 2. I can't really expand on Mariana but I think everything will answer itself next issue. I think Aquaman comes by Arturian myth pretty naturally and didn't want to be too heavy-handed with it (especially since it has been the focus so often in the comics over the last decade) but yeah, Merganys is amost a direct analogy to Morganna and she'll show up pretty soon to cause some trouble. Again, thanks for the comments and I'll do my best to make these entertaining. |
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Post by Romans Empire on Nov 17, 2005 3:56:01 GMT -5
Great work Brandon. You took a few twists and turns from Aquamans origin and I like it. And you were able to speed things up to the present quiet nicely while still leaving plenty of the past left to explore.
The whole Melville thing got me thinking. Wasn't the narrator "Ishmael" the only one to survive in Moby Dick? And does the narrator of this story bear a resemblance to that story?
Anyway, can't wait to see what happens next.
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Post by Brandon on Nov 17, 2005 16:33:50 GMT -5
Thanks again, John. This was my attempt to reconcile the classic and modern Aquaman origins, so it's good to hear some feedback on this. There is a Year One mini by Lantern Lad planned for some time in the near future so that should fill in a lot of the gaps. I've seen a version of it already and can tell you with certainy that it's great reading so be on the look-out for that one! There is an underlying Melville theme here (as well as the obvious Jules Verne one) but don't have any direct analogies to those characters. Our narrator is talking from the vantage point of looking back on Aquaman's life from some point in the future when most of the cast will no longer be around so I guess there is a similarity to Ishmael in that regard. |
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Post by Brandon on Nov 26, 2005 5:48:18 GMT -5
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Post by bigboi on Dec 13, 2005 22:17:10 GMT -5
The only part that I found really that interesting was the beginning, the rest was good but could have been way better IMO. Who was the person telling the story of Arthur at the start anyway?
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Post by Brandon on Dec 14, 2005 8:19:10 GMT -5
Thanks for commenting, Bigboi. You liked the beginning better? Ha, I was worried that it was the weakest part. The narrator is a mystery still at the moment but it should be pretty clear who is it by Issue 4. My intent for the story was to show Aquaman starting off in a straight sea-oriented adventure through the eyes of another person, so most of the dialogue became internal as a result. I can see it maybe not being for everyone. I will say that everything in this story ties directly back into the conclusion in Part Three, so if you decide to stick it out I hope I can convert you. Plus, as stated this is my first attempt at fan fiction so hopefully I will quickly learn how to more effectively present the stories and better keep the audience entertained as I go. I do hope you come back and give the other stories a chance. Many exciting things ahead! |
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Post by Lantern Lad on Dec 14, 2005 18:31:37 GMT -5
Brandon…
I must apologize for taking so long in reading Aquaman… What a story! This is truly great! You have such a grasp on this character & sea lingo it’s hard to believe you’re a land-lubber!
I felt so bad for the poor Octopus… the way you use his abilities not just to speak to fish but also to telepathically communicate with others is perfect! It’s an ability that Peter David brought out in Orin that most other writers have ignored! Excellent! And I have to say the length of the issue was perfect… just enough to wet (pun intended) our appetites for the next issue without drowning us in information! And the cover… the pose Arthur’s in… the Octopus… you captured that moment perfectly!
And the history of Orin you’ve included here… I’m not sure my Year one arc is necessary anymore! I am very impressed! You’ve also peaked my interest in the identity of the narrator…
Keep it up!!!
Scott
A fellow Aqua-freak.
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Post by Brandon on Dec 15, 2005 9:30:57 GMT -5
Thanks Scott! I hope to make it more clear on how the telepathy works in coming issues. It's pretty much for communication only, no mind-reading or giving people seizures. I think it makes sense for the Atanteans to be slightly telepathic as it's always been my impression it's hard to talk underwater! Well sounds carries a lot differently at least. I figure it also works as a universal communicator and if a surface dweller or superhero comes down below there won't need to be any cumbersome explanations on how everyone speaks English. I think that Aquaman's is just stronger and allows him to talk to marine life as well. Oh, and the mindmeld thing like he did in this issue. Ha. There will be a little more to the Octopus's story next issue.  I have to disagree with you, sir. I certainly think there should be a Year One series. I looking forward to it as a matter of fact! |
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