Aquaman: King of Atlantis (Series Premiere) Review

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By Justin D Williams

Otakus & Geeks was given an advance screening review courtesy of Warner Media.

“The three-part animated mini-series event begins with Aquaman’s first day on the job as king of Atlantis and he’s got a LOT of catching up to do. Luckily, he has his two royal advisors to back him up – Vulko, the scholar, and Mera, the water-controlling warrior-princess. Between dealing with unscrupulous surface dwellers, elder evils from beyond time, and his own half-brother who wants to overthrow him, Aquaman is going to have to rise to the challenge and prove to his subjects, and to himself, that he’s the right man for the trident.

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Aquaman: King of Atlantis has a similar tone to the popular DC animated series Teen Titans GO. This is a mini-series that brings the wacky fun and jokes, you would expect from an Aquaman series geared for the younger audience. Episode one sees Aquaman finally taking his place as the king of Atlantis after the defeat of Oceanmaster. However, things aren’t going as well as expected. Arthur is still viewed as a surface dweller and doesn’t have the respect of many citizens of Atlantis. Vulko brings out his list of “Kingly Deeds” that Aquaman must do. Mera chooses the one for Outpost 4 which hasn’t been in contact with Atlantis in years. Mera and Aquaman go to Outpost 4 to unravel the mystery. Episode 1 is enjoyable to watch and that’s due to the show knowing the tone it’s going for, the writing, and the animation. Animation I’m not a fan but this is the style of today’s generation. However, I will say for the wackiness, the facial expressions for the jokes, and line the delivery of the actors it really works for this show.

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As far as the story goes the chemistry between Cooper Andrews (The Walking Dead) as Aquaman, and Gillian Jacobs (Community) as Mera, is spot on. Gillian Jacobs brings a very vibrant life and energy to Mera. Mera is someone who loves to fight and that’s usually her first reaction to things. Aquaman is more reserved in this one as he is still learning how to be a hero and king. One of the funnier moments is the lack of reactions he gets from the citizens of Atlantis. The opening five minutes of the throne room sets the tone of what this show’s comedy was going for. If there is one problem I have is trying to figure out if this mini-series will be a cohesive story, or will it be more like the adventures of Aquaman with a different situation each week.

Aquaman: King of Atlantis is off to fun start with great performances, funny moments and animation that the younger audience will love. It’s has a runtime of 45 minis and the pacing is right on point to not overstay is welcome. This a fun premiere for the little aqua ones at home. Time to explore the seven seas with the king. The action-packed mini-series will release new episodes weekly on HBO Max beginning Thursday, Oct. 14.