First off, the obvious question is: How much will Rebirth affect the book. There was much debate leading up to last week's reveal as to just what manner of event this was. As it turns out, there is no reboot, as many had suggested. Abnett expands upon if and how much you can expect Arthur's New 52 status quo to change:
"Aquaman isn't quite so directly affected by the Rebirth event as other books, but sooner or later the implications will be felt. With Aquaman, there is definitely a sense of a new beginning, a new issue #1. It's a major character, and we want people to have a point where they can start reading. However, if you've been reading my run up to that point, the three or four issues I did at the end of the "New 52" run, there are characters and storylines that will continue through, they will be reintroduced for new readers. So there will be a consistency there."
We know that Garth will be starring in in one of Abnett's other books, "Titans", but the OTHER Aqualad, Jackson Hyde/Kaldur'ahm was reintroduced in Rebirth, leaving the question of how they will factor into the main Aquaman title:
"Garth, for sure (and Aquaman in Titans too!). As for the "other" Aqualad (Garth is Tempest now, of course), well mysteries open into mysteries. And one of my goals with the book is to open out and diversify Arthur's supporting cast, both on land and in the sea."
Abnett is best known for cosmic heroes, such as the Guardians of the Galaxy of Legion of Superheroes. So how does that relate to penning the king of the seven seas?
"...Although this is not space, it's in the sea, I think it's got a lot of those things in common. It allows me to play with fantasy, science fiction and horror themes that work particularly well in that kind of environment. And because it's coming out twice a month, there's a lot of story going on. It's going to become complex and dynastic. There's a lot of intrigue and power playing. I'm not saying it's going as far as Game of Thrones, but it is very much about, how does he keep his nation safe and in control while he's trying to deal with foreign countries, and when he has significant individual enemies?
Lastly, Aquaman's long time nemesis Black Manta has been very prominently featured in the early solicitations. So just what manner of a role can we expect from him in the series?
"He's sort of the anti-Aquaman. He's actively gunning for Aquaman. Black Manta is this wonderful mirror, dark mirror of Aquaman. And his sole purpose is to destroy Aquaman.And I want to make Manta not just one of his great villains. Manta previously was a guy who cropped up for six or seven issues every now and then as one of his arch foes. But this is much more. Aquaman is the key character in the comic book, but Mera and Black Manta are the other absolute co-stars. If it was a TV show, their faces would be in the credits too, because this is so much about those characters."
Abnett clearly has big plans for Aquaman and his supporting cast as they move forward in Rebirth, it certainly looks like there are exciting times ahead for the King of the Seven Seas, just in time for his big screen debut! Are you looking forward to the new series, or any other new books from Rebirth? Sound off in the comics below!