REVIEW: ‘Future State: Aquaman,’ Issue #2

Future State: Aquaman #2 is written by Brandon Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Sampere, colored by Adriano Lucas, and lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles. It is published by DC Comics. Following the events of the first issue, time winds back to Andy Curry’s travels through the Confluence and the lessons she learned as Aquawoman, as she attempts to save Jackson Hyde from his deepsea prison on Neptune.

Since the first issue of Future State: Aquaman focused on Jackson, it only makes sense that this issue would focus on Andy. Throughout the issue, Thomas focuses on her journey to rescue Jackson, interjecting flashbacks about the lessons he taught her and how they help her survive on the various worlds of the confluence. He also develops a new term for the type of ability that Andy and her mother Mera utilize, which brings her into conflict with a mysterious force from the confluence.

Thomas’ script also explores the trauma that Andy has suffered due to losing her leg and her brother. She expresses this trauma through anger, which also has an effect on her powers. This not only leads to a massive fight scene toward the end of the issue but an immensely emotional reunion between Jackson and Andy. Readers will no doubt be moved by this sequence, as it feels like the perfect payoff for an issue and a half’s worth of buildup-not to mention that it also feels like a genuine reunion between family members.

Sampere and Lucas continue to flesh out the multiple worlds of the Confluence. All manner of aquatic creatures shows up during this issue, from frog pirates to a flying shark (yes you read that right). Sampere gives each character their own distinct design, including the armored guards in the Neptune prison who have fins jutting out from their helmets and shoulder pads and blue faceplates devoid of emotion.

Lucas’s colors are out of this world-literally. Once again, readers will be able to get a good look at the Confluence and its rapidly shifting colors – from cool blue to hot blue pink to vivid green. Sunsets are a warm, inviting orange, while daytime scenes feature clear blue skies and seas. This color scheme also extends to Andy and Jackson, with Andy’s powers giving off a foreboding red glow and Jackson’s tattoos glowing bright blue with electricity. It’s truly a sight to behold and fits the tone and genre of the story that Thomas and Sampere are going for.

Future State: Aquaman #2 beautifully explores how trauma and legacy can often go hand in hand, as well as the relationships in the Aquaman family. I would love to see more of Andy and Jackson’s adventures, as the concepts and story could fuel an ongoing series for years. Thomas and Sampere have given the Future State universe one of its most well-crafted stories; if you have been enjoying Future State so far or you’re an Aquaman fan, I definitely recommend picking up this story.

Future State: Aquaman #2 is available wherever comics are sold.