1 Blackest Night “It's always darkest just before the dawn.” - ancient proverb Compiled and Edited by John Schwirian Cover Art by Ethan Van Sciver Colored by John Schwirian Acknowledgments Special thanks to Guy Davis, Irwin Hasen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Katz, Rob Kelly, Eric Nolan-Weathington, Andrew Pepoy, Norm Rapmund, Ethan Van Sciver, Steve Skeates, and John and Cathy Workman The Aquaman Chronicles #19 is published by John Schwirian. 700 Mayton Court, Bel Air, Maryland, 21014. [email protected] First Printing. April 2010. Printed in the USA. All material printed here-in is for historical purposes and for literary criticism and review. It is not designed to plagiarize or otherwise infringe on the rights of any copyrighted material contained herein. Aquaman, Aquagirl, Aqualad, Atom Batgirl, Batman, Black Hand, Black Lantern, Black Manta, Booster Gold, Captain Cold, Deadman, Dolphin, Dove, Elongated Man, Firestorm, Fisherman, Flash, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps, Justice League of America, Mera, Nekron, Ocean Master, Pirana Man, Sinestro, Slizzath, Superman, Tempest, Teen Titans, Wonder Woman, TM and related characters are and © 2010 by DC Comics. Avengers, Bucky, Captain America, Dr. Doom, Luke Cage, Namor, Silver Surfer, Spider-Man, Spiderwoman, Wolverine TM and related characters are and © 2010 by Marvel Comics. TM Abe Sapiens, Acroyear, and Micronauts are and © 2010 by the current copyright holders. All legal inquiries should be made to the publisher, John Schwirian. 2i 1…On the Other Hand Words of wisdom by ye olde editor. OH NO! 2…Aquamail A reader speaks out! NOT AGAIN! 4…Survey Says... The results of last issue's questionnaire. 8…Aqua Jumble Mixed up word puzzle fun! 9…Con Quest 2009 John Schwirian visits four comic conventions. 20…Remembering George Tuska by John Schwirian. 22…Current Events Meet Aquaborg, JLA trading cards, and new action figures. 28…Blackest Night The Prophecy and Aquaman's role in it. 56…Bring On the Aquafoes The Shark, Nekron, and Black Hand. I NOW SERVE THE 64…Into the Aquaverse WILL OF NEKRON - The history of the aqua-belt buckle by Rick Duncan. BETTER KNOWN AS 68…Steve Says… GEOFF JOHNS!! Steve Skeates talks about the Teen Titans 82…TV Guide Meet the voice of Aquaman on Batman: the Brave and the Bold. 83…The Aquaman Shrine Rob Kelly interviews the producer of Batman: the Brave and the Bold. 88…The Atom Age John Schwirian reviews Adventure Comics #117-123. 96…Collectibles Corner Kenner Project-A-Show and Superman Match Game. 99…Answers to the Aqua Jumble Did you unscramble the words to solve the riddles? 20…Remembering Dick Giordano by John Schwirian. 3ii by John Schwirian Risking sounding too much like Andy character was a major event, one that rocked the Rooney, I have to say that I just don't understand series and was felt for years afterward in the the direction the comic book industry is taking book. The death of Bucky served as a major these days. In my opinion, the publishers motivator and guilt trip for Captain America. (referring primarily to Same goes for Gwen Stacy in Marvel and DC), seem to be Amazing Spider-Man (an event going out of their way to that has since lost all meaning offend and drive away their thanks to clones and the readers. Story lines run for resurrection of Norman Osborn). far too many issues, making The murder of Aquababy (Arthur it difficult to track what is Jr.) continues to shake up Aquaman happening in a particular title and family. over the long haul. Now when a death is uncertain, Whatever happened to good like Doctor Doom vanishing in an old single issue tales? Why explosion, we expect that a good can't we have stories that writer will find a way to explain start and end in 22 pages or how the character cheated the grim less? Is that too much to reaper. But when a writer goes to ask? Does that impact the great length to provide a ability to collect a series into meaningful death, where the corpse a trade paperback? Would it is shown and a funeral follows, that hurt the sales of a trade death should be respected and left paperback if it had six alone. No resurrections. PERIOD. independent stories as A new character can assume the opposed to a six-issue story- name and costume, but don't line? cheapen the history of a character with a lame It feels like too much effort is going into rebirth. Former Robin Jason Todd is just one marketing the books rather than focusing on example of a character that died a meaningful good story telling. Gimmicks like variant covers death that returned in an unimaginative way and and multi-series crossover events may undid a major turning point in the DC Universe. temporarily boost sales, but readers drop the title Now I must admit to not minding the unless they really enjoy the feature characters manner in which Marvel revived Bucky. While and the story and art. Lately, it feels like more I would prefer that he stayed among the dead, at emphasis is placed on touched up fancy least they took the effort to develop a plausible computerized art where the rich coloring effects explanation as to why he was still alive. often cover up lower quality pencils. Perhaps a However, the entire Skrull invasion event did little less effort should be spent on the packaging little to help the dead / not dead problem. And and more energy spent on improving the quality then there is the Blackest Night! DC is killing of the overall product should be considered. classic characters off right and left. True death - My other big complaint is that comics today hearts ripped right out of their chests - but we all focus too much on death. A quick way to boost know that so many important characters can't sales is to boast of the death of a major stay dead. The series will end with a magic reset character. I fail to see the point in this anymore, button that not only resurrects those killed when major and minor characters seem to die during this mini-series, but any character ever every other month. Death has lost its meaning killed in the history of the DC universe that they and impact. Way back when, the death of a might want to use again. 1 Sigh. #5. The Filmation history was just I guess I'm getting too outstanding, John! Now , I old and crotchety, but as need to look for some Charlie Brown might say, I DVDs. Also, Tegan's 10 just don't get it. favorite covers. Hi , John! #6. Even more Chuck Dill! Also , the history of I'm sorry this is so Aqualad through past back long in coming, but I issues. Great stuff! wanted to savor all 18 issues of The Aquaman #7. I enjoyed the Chronicles you sent me crossover article. before commenting! #8. The Ken Hooper I have to say this is interview. by far the best produced fanzine out there I've ever read. Plus, it #9. I really enjoyed the doesn't hurt that Aquaman is one of my Elseworlds and Alternate Future articles . three favorite DC characters. I just wish there was more than the 18 issues so far! #10. 80-page giant! Wow! The Don Yes, I am being greedy here! It must take a Newton retrospective. A talented artist who long time for you to produce each issue in definitely passed away at too young an age. between everyday life, and I really do Very sad. appreciate all the effort, John! Way to go! #11. The comics package sent to the Sgt. Here is a quick rundown of what I most overseas. Great stuff again. My family and enjoyed in each of the first 18 issues! the others from church have sent over stuff to our Canadian boys and girls, but never #1. I really enjoyed the checklist of comics! What a nifty little idea! Aquamans' appearances. Now I know what I need, especially the golden age issues. Also, #12. On the trail of Serum X. This made the first installment of the Golden Age me dig out my back issues and reread the reviews, since I need these issues! story . #2. Collectibles corner, wow! I never #13. More Chuck Dill! His talks with his knew there were so many action figures. kids made me laugh! Also, the Aquaman Also, the Jim Calafiore interview. board game. I'm going to have to track this one down through ebay! #3. Chuck Dills' personal remembrances. I always love reading about other people's #14. The photo cover was just great! childhood comics collecting memories. Also, Russell Burbage's Ramblings and the Mercy Reef TV feature. Too bad it never #4. More Chuck Dill! Also, I really made it into a series. enjoyed the many deaths of Aquaman! #15. John, your personal remembrances from childhood was great! Even more from 2 Russell Burbage. I had those calendars back in the day also, and wish I still had them but, like a dumb kid, threw them out once the year was over! D'oh! Thanks for all the kind words, #16. Square bound color cover , very neat! Boy, what can I say about the great Chris. I especially appreciate that Steve Skeates? Just a great read. My favorite you pointed out the great work done issue by far up to this point ! by Chuck Dill, Tegan, and Russell Burbage. Their editorials and #17. Another masterpiece of a cover! recollections, along with the many Absolutely loved all the Aquaman covers on your cover!!!! I loved the Story Behind the fantastic contributions by Rick Stories recaps! Superb! Just loved Mr.