Aquaman's past continues to unravel in the fourth chapter of "The Others," at the same time that team member The Operative is introduced to the story. In a time when comics are trying to be as diverse and inclusive as possibe, Johns adds to the mixed super hero bag by making grandpas look über-cool. Arthur's moment of shame is revealed in the middle of a superb confrontation with Black Manta, with whom one can't help but sympathize a little bit.

Ivan Reis is really spoiling readers; he is setting the bar so high, that it will be very hard to be accepting of anyone else should the time ever come to pass the torch -please don't let that time ever come. Rod Reis also deserves kudos for his magnificent skill with the palette. I might be reading too much into this, but it looks like there are more than the six relics in the possession of The Others, and even more interesting, Mera could unknowingly be carrying one with her. Next issue promises to be a 9.5 at the very least.