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While DC Comics’ Black Manta #1 shows off some brilliant artwork, the debut issue for Aquaman’s most feared foe is definitively lackluster.
DC Comics’ Black Manta #1 is first, and foremost, a beautifully drawn debut issue; however, it lacks a narrative direction to match its stellar artwork. Black Manta #1 manages to communicate the titular villains’ iconic style and cold, calculating demeanor but does so with none of the subtlety that Manta has employed in the past. Black Manta comes off as a powerful bully concerned primarily for his legacy and for his life. Unfortunately, the issue doesn’t delve deeper into the character, culminating in an unsatisfying first outing for Aquaman’s enemy.
Written by Chuck Brown, drawn by Valentine De Landro, and colored by Marissa Louise, Black Manta #1 hints at plenty of interesting concepts, but never follows through with them. The issue showcases only one dynamic relationship, deciding it would rather narrate than explore further interactions between characters. Black Manta #1 follows Manta as he tracks down a mysterious and powerful artifact, and introduces several similarly enigmatic characters whose threads will no doubt converge by the end of this six-issue miniseries.
Black Manta #1 relies far too heavily on the intimidating appearance and disposition of its main character. While Black Manta is no doubt one of DC’s criminally underutilized rogues, his debut issue fails to grasp the reader on any level other than an aesthetic one. There is intrigue here, with some interesting side plots that could build to something worthwhile, but unfortunately, the first issue does little to prove that subsequent issues will penetrate any deeper than the first. Being Black Manta’s book, he seems to have very little agency over the story itself. By the end of the issue, Black Manta’s storyline has quickly become the least engaging of the three. The most interesting relationship in Black Manta thus far is between Manta and his subordinate, Gallous; but largely because it’s the only relationship with any emotional context.
Visually, Black Manta #1 is stunning. With crisp, bold lines from De Landro, each page looks incredible. De Landro’s panels are expressive, dynamic, and never dull, capturing the precise feel and style that a Black Manta book should have in spades. There is a brutality to the boldness that perfectly captures Manta’s trademark modus operandi while softening impressively for the less sinister moments. The stark simplicity to the page layouts and the panels themselves only further sell the feeling of a Black Manta book, aided gloriously by exquisite coloring from Louise. The colors in Black Manta #1 are so impressive that if the book was void of illustrations, the colors could guide the reader on their own. Every flare of emotion, every cruel and painful moment is perfectly captured by De Landro and Louise’s panel work. There is a realism to the illustrations that grounds the book, but the duo work without fear of trying something new.
The story of Black Manta #1 can only be judged by the direction future issues decide to take the narrative. The first issue simply does not contain enough of a direction to begin assessing its significance. Black Manta has plenty of interesting possibilities on the horizon, but its debut issue fails to convince readers whether or not the miniseries will successfully capitalize on its potential.
Black Manta #1 is recommended for diehard Black Manta fans excited to see this fantastic character finally getting a spot in the limelight. Those familiar with and excited by the character should certainly pick up this debut issue as it features some truly amazing panel-work and the rest of the miniseries could delightfully surprise readers.
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