Some thoughts about Aquaman Annual #2

Some of the most horrifying monsters that have ever existed have been liberated, who will be able to stop them?

Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Mera are ready to confront the Giant Born, a group of creatures who are decided to make humanity suffer. However, could their combined forces still be able to stop them?

Okay, first thing you must know is that this Annual is divided in two sections, one focusing in a team-up between Aquaman and Wonder Woman while the other concentrates in Wonder Woman and Mera.

Sounds fun right? Well, yes it is, but not exactly what I was hoping for.

Let's start with the first section which is dedicated to Arthur and Diana. Their characterization is pretty on-point with what you have seen in their respective titles, Parker does a pretty good job at depicting their abilities to make them look competent while fighting the monsters. It's overall a pretty nice team-up-

The second part is focused in Diana and Mera while they fight another team of creatures and both are portrayed competently as well, the battle is pretty entertaining too.

Where lies my problem if I liked both stories? Because I supposed that this Annual was going to conclude the Hercules sub-plot that Parker started in the Aquaman ongoing and it actually doesn't, it doesn't even continue it. The monsters are being further developed sure and they're interesting characters by themselves but they were not really the most important point from the story where they first appeared, that was Diana's half brother and the lack of him is what makes this issue a bit disappointing.

Another thing I must address is that the dynamic between Diana and Mera was kinda off considering their history, these girls almost killed each other last time they fought.

The pencils are handled by two different artists. Yvel Guichet is in charge of the first section and his work is pretty solid overall, his characters are expressive enough and his creature models are compelling. However, the best part of this issue is handled by Alvaro Martinez in the second half, the characters, monsters and scenarios were drawn splendidly with a really beautiful and distinctive style.

Overall, this is still an entertaining issue but one that actually doesn't really progress the plot much.