Aqua Leung Vol 1
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http://comicbookdb.com/issue.php?ID=124351
Writer/Artist: Mark Smith, Paul Maybury
Publisher: Image, $17.99
Why You Should Know It:
Aqua Leung is a little tricky to sum up. Basically, it follows a kid who has just discovered he may be the chosen one to unite the separated ocean kingdoms and to free all the people from tyranny and oppression. His father, the King of Atlantis, was brutally murdered and there are many that desire to cut the lineage off completely with Aqua. He's taken under the wing King Calamari, who raises him up harshly through slavery, gladiatorial combat, and constant tests to force him to become a warrior at a young age. The first book follows the slow rise of Aqua as a slave up to a young ruler and sets the ground for his future wars to unite the kingdoms and avenge his father and mother.
Pic from here
Stylistically, the best way I could sum this book would be if you meshed up Paul Pope and Bryan Lee O'Malley and had them write up a mix between a Sub-Mariner comic and an epic fantasy. So, y'know, it's really really really odd. The similarity in style though to O'Malley's work (Scott Pilgrim) should help in recommending it. A lot of customers who follow Scott Pilgrim tend to aim towards other Oni type of publications, and I am a little surprised this isn't an Oni title actually. 
Pic from here
Personal Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed Aqua Leung because it's very unique in it's storytelling and art is very beautiful with it's experimental layouts and lavish designs. Some of the sequential layouts are a little rough or messy (perhaps on purpose), so that can detract a little bit. The scripting can also come off a little stiff as they try to jam some of the history into large conversations. Part of the strangeness in the story is the ambiguous nature of all the characters. For example, there's a two page sequence where one of Aqua's companions, the lobster warrior Tiberius, explains his peoples history and the struggle they have fought for freedom and the battle against evil. This just after Aqua and his companions also defeated an evil Lord for the advancement of their quest to free the kingdoms. After the history lesson, Aqua and his friends kill and eat a hobo. So, Yeabuwha?
Pic from here
All in all though, it's a very compelling story that makes you want to find out more of the world they have in store for future volumes. Unfortunately, it looks like the publishing plan is one volume a year (for a total of three perhaps) so it's a long wait between volumes.
If you like this, then try:
Scott Pilgrim, 100%, Heavy Liquid, Amazing Joy Buzzards
Related Links:
http://www.deliciousbrains.com/
http://thedailycrosshatch.com/2008/04/02/aqua-leung-by-mark-andrew-smith-and-paul-maybury/
