The charm of this comic is how it hits the sweet spot of Bronze Age fun with modern sensibilities. But that 'elsewhen' aspect lets Waid sort of put a classic stamp onto our heroes. We have seen scrappy young Robin, less-moody Batman, and friendly Superman throughout the three years of this book. But we also have seen Waid look at Metamorpho, Red Tornado, Supergirl, and others.
This arc lets Waid and Gutierrez put their stamp on Aquaman, Mera, and the twin cities of Atlantis. Seeing Aquaman as a sort of 'man of two worlds' is interesting given the more recent runs which have been Atlantis-centric with politics and factions. But it is the inclusion of Lori Lemaris and her sullen husband Ronal was really the cherry on the cake.
I thought this opening arc is a nice primer on the old-school Atlantis. At the same time, this is a decent look back to why Aquaman's recent tales have focused more underwater than on terra firma.
Gutierrez continues to grow on this book. There is a sort of recurring artistic panache of repeated words or sound effects in the art. His take on the world of Atlantis and their fashion and looks is nice. But it is his take on a classic villain (seen on the last page) that really grabbed me.
On to this book.