I have not decided why the cover of Mera: Tidebreaker turned me off to the book. In fact, the whole story turned me off. I have never been an Aquaman fan, so maybe that was why. Maybe I was afraid that Danielle Paige would make her too “Girl Power-She-Woman-Man-Hater.” Maybe I was just really envious of her red hair.
Regardless of my misgivings, when I finally found a copy of this graphic novel, I was willing to give it a shot. And I am glad I did. Even though it is in many ways “just another teen story” and has a “Romeo and Juliet” theme, it is well done. It is fun. It is nice to be introduced to a character I had not realized was part of DC. And I am glad that I did not have a movie preconceived notion of what she would/should be like. I got to judge solely on the work in front of me.
Illustrated by some interesting art by Stephen Byrne. Teenager Mera learning what true rebellion, a real warrior and honor is. Awkward art that highlights Mera by using red as her hair color. Her father also has red hair and beard. These tell the story, add accents to the story and are a story. Which is a simple idea: Mera is the princess of a nation under the rule of Atlantis. Her people demonstrate and a few do acts of sabotage. Well, Mera does. Here we see how young and immature she is. When she overhears the plans to kill the heir to Atlantis, she takes it upon herself to finish the mission. Of course, fate steps in and shows another way to solve the age-long repression. There is a love triangle, jealous girlfriends, funny little kids and some cool fighting moves (in a sun dress nonetheless).
While probably best suited for ages 12 to 15, stronger 10 and up can read. It not so much the content but the concepts that are a bit more “mature” (arranged, loveless marriages; death of parents; assassination attempts; politics).
