In this review of Aquaman #12, round two has Aquaman and Hawkman showcasing some epic-level powers and a dark twist. Who moves on to the next round?
AQUAMAN #12
Written by JEREMY ADAMS
Art and Main Cover: JOHN TIMMS
Variant Covers: GUILLEM MARCH, DAVID TALASKI, LUCAS MEYER
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 12/10/25
This review contains spoilers
In Round Two of All Fight Month for the DC KO event, we get Aquaman squaring off against Hawkman, who, from the start, insists that Arthur can’t win this fight. Arthur says that things have changed, which turns out to be an understatement. Hawkman can sense a level of darkness in Arthur, but he has no idea as to its extent.
The first battle takes place in the air, where Hawkman should have an advantage. He does for a short time, but Aquaman calls upon a vast amount of water from underground, demonstrating an increased level of power that Hawkman didn’t realize Arthur possessed. A giant wall of water engulfs Hawkman high in the sky, drowning him and giving Aquaman the first KO.
There’s a brief interlude back on the Watchtower where World Forger and Darkseid (as Booster Gold) fight. World Forger conjures a squad of Booster Golds to attack Darkseid, but the interlude cuts back to the main fight before we find out what happens.
As Carter re-spawns for the second battle of the fight, he finds himself in a galactic realm talking to his god, Horus. After a brief discussion, Horus grants Hawkman his powers, supercharging him for the next fight. Using that increased power, Hawkman goes on the offensive, attacking Aquaman, knocking him into the sky.
When Carter catches up to Arthur and grabs him, things take a twisted turn. Whereas the momentum appears to be in Hawkman’s favor for this fight, the tables turn quickly. Although there’s no water in space for Arthur to control, there happens to be plenty in Hawkman’s cells. Aquaman drains Carter’s body of water, causing his heart to stop and sending him crashing back to the surface. The issue ends with Arthur claiming the victory in two fights.
Analysis
Writer Jeremy Adams gives us a somewhat darker, more driven Aquaman in Aquaman #12. Whereas in DC KO: Superman vs Captain Atom #1, we get three battles in what was portrayed as a more balanced fight, there’s no question about the winner here. As soon as Hawkman grabs Arthur in the second fight and Aquaman says, “There’s always water”, you know what’s about to happen. It doesn’t lessen the brutality of the fight, though.
Ripping the water out of someone’s cells until their heart can’t pump anymore is next-level dark, especially when it happens to be a friend. Adams gives us an Aquaman that is determined to do whatever it takes to win. This is in direct contrast to Superman still not being committed at this level, which puts Arthur as a clear contender for the King Omega title.
What is interesting here is that Hawkman severely underestimates Aquaman throughout this battle. He’s thinking that his experience through lifetimes of war and the lack of water in the surroundings give him the advantage. He overestimates his abilities, even when given the powers of Horus, and it leads to his loss in the tournament. For someone as experienced and skilled in combat, he gets taken out with relative ease.
Artist John Timms and colorist Rex Lokus give us some excellent action panels throughout the issue. These two characters have similar color schemes, but there’s always a distinction between them while in close combat. The water effects throughout the story look good. There are two splash pages, one when Aquaman and Hawkman collide in the beginning and one when Arthur takes the final victory, that look terrific. They capture the focus, determination, and energy that Aquaman brings to this round, especially with the final-page reveal.
Final Thoughts
Aquaman #12 pits two heroes with godlike powers against one another, but the battle is more one-sided than would be expected. This one is darker than the first round, but quite enjoyable. Have fun, comic lovers!
