This graphic novel was incredibly entertaining and a great read. It contained a lot of great concepts and I think would be a very good way to bridge the gap for students who don't "like reading books" to interest them while still furthering their education.

This was a good introduction to the story of Mera and Arthur/Aquaman. I personally didn't know anything about their story, so it was good for me to get this back-story. I really like Mera's spirit and look forward to seeing where the story leads!

Received a copy via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

First off I’ve been super into comics/graphic novels as of late so getting chances in these has really been helping my reading slumps.

So I’ve not read ANY of the aqua man old comics new etc for annnnny of this. I’ve literally only seen the movie maybe a week or so ago and while I enjoyed the movie a bit (still trying to get into super hero movies...) I found some of it eye roll worthy.
Now for this comic I freaked upon being accepted, firstly because I wasn’t sure if I wasn’t going to understand the storyline without having a)watched the movie or b) read anything beforehand. But fear not! It’s a fresh all on its own and you can grab a copy at stores now and literally have no idea about the characters and read it easy peasy.
The artwork is very much in the ways of a blueish grey silvery tone, unless it’s reddish orange accenting or highlighting Mera’s hair and a few others. So I wasn’t super enthralled colorswise, but I enjoyed the art style and storytelling! The story started out kinda whiny on Mera’s end but it’s understandable since she wants to be her own and be this huge warrior, not the dress she’s seen for. I can agree with that and then some. It’s fabulous seeing these “girly” comics having the superhero’s kinda throw back a middle finger and stick it to the man that we are badasses in our own right fear us.
Which is probably why I loved the last cat woman read it did and why I’m excited to read more about these ladies.

All in all 3 1/2 stars mostly for storyline and art style. Would recommend to all my fellow comic book lovers and friends.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
2.5 stars

I know, I know, I keep telling myself that I'm going to stop requesting graphic novels, especially those involving superheroes. They just don't work for me.

This one I felt actually flowed better than most. There weren't weird time skips and it all takes place in a few days. Unfortunately, this short amount of time makes the relationship between Mera and Arthur less believable.
In fact, Mera goes for wanting revenge and death to changing her mind in what seems like hours. There are literally conversations where people start out as enemies that end with them trusting each other with precious things as if they'd been allies for all time. I felt like I was missing something.

Maybe I need to watch the Aquaman movie to understand this more??? Maybe?

If you like superhero graphic novels, perhaps you'll enjoy this one more than I.

I’m an older reader who has read comics all my life, but I never knew the back story on Mera, one of my favorite DC women. This answered quite a few questions. I liked getting to know her as a young woman and seeing her father.
One reason I still enjoy comics is for the artwork. This was fine, and I was even good with the change of hair color for Arthur so he would match with the movie. I saw a resemblance in his face to Jason Mamoa. I just wish the colorist had used a stringer palate when the action was taking place above water. Under water it worked very well.
The one thing that kind of bugged me was the language/slang in Xebal was very much like that topside. I don’t see that happening in cultures that don’t interact. And the furniture. A bed? How do the pillows and covers not float away?
I’m very glad I read this and hope a follow up will be coming so we get to the Aquaman saga from Mera’s point of view.

Danielle Paige proves she can write graphic novels well!
Thanks to DC and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Mera Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige, illustrated by Stephen Byrne!
This graphic novel showcases the author’s writing talent in a new format. The illustrations are impressive also and together they tell an interesting tale of rebellion turning a young princess into a strong, brave heroine. 5 stars!

***Recieved this e-Arc from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Growing up as kid, I knew about Aquaman but not mention about Mera, so I was interested in reading the graphic novel about her and Aquaman origins. I was excited to get the opportunity from the publisher to read and review the story.

First I have to say that the artwork in graphic novel was stunning. The look of pages made it easy to read and follow along with the story.

The graphic novel did give a good backstory of Mera and told her story on why she wanted to be seen as a strong warrior and independent person that would be worthy to rule the kingdom when the time came. She wanted to prove that she could and was as strong warrior like her mother was. Also she wanted to prove to her father that he could depend on her to take the lead and action when call upon and she didn't need to depend upon anyone. Her character was intriguing, very immature and headstrong, but she also show a softer side who was concern on making the right decision.

I do have a couple complaints about the story.

First, there wasn't any backstory on why the Xebel and Atlantis were at war with each other and there were the no explanation on why it all happened. It would have been nice to have brief backstory on why killing Authur was important.

Second, I did not enjoy the instalove. I don't believe it was necessary for Mera and Authur to fall in love in such a short time period. I think the story could have just had them become friends who need to get to know and understand each before it led into instalove.

Overall, I gave the graphic novel 4 out 5 stars.

Unfortunately I was never able to download, it wasn't working for whatever reason. But I did find a copy elsewhere. I enjoyed the colors and the overall theme but it could have packed a much bigger punch. It was ok for a graphic novel but I'll stick to the Mera comics

Thank you to the publisher and Net Halley for the opportunity to read and review this title. The following is my honest opinion.

It is a pretty book. I really loved the muted colors and the overall style was nice. I think young tweens and teens will especially like this book, which is who I think it is geared towards.

My biggest complaint is that the ending was really anticlimactic. All lead up and no payoff.

This is the first graphic novel I've read in a long time. 

I loved the color scheme with the aqua blues and striking oranges. The illustrations brought the story to life, and worked really well with the story. 

Before going into this, I didn't realize that this was a Mera and Aquaman retelling since I don't like to read the full synopses when I pick up a book. But looking back, the story was a great version and really brought out the characters. 

Even though I'm not used to the graphic novel style of storytelling, this was a good intro to the genre. I wasn't a huge fan of the choppy dialogue, but for being a quick read, it all works together to bring an entertaining novel. 

I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars. The ending wrapped up nicely and really showed her struggle between hero and villain. There is romance, rebellion, and strength all built into one quick graphic novel.

Mera: Tidebreaker puts a strong woman front and center with a color scheme ripped straight from the ocean.
Mera is a princess of Xebel, an underwater world that has been invaded and controlled by Atlantis. Desperate to prove herself a patriot, Mera rebukes marriage for politics and decides to take action herself. Her father wants the hidden prince of Atlantis dead. The prince lives on land and is not aware of his lineage but his death would be a coup for Xebel nevertheless. Over hearing her father ask her betrothed to kill Arthur, she takes her own dagger and heads to the surface. But the assignation is not as easy as it seems: Mera must adjust to the world above land. She must also learn that humanity has more depth than she ever thought.
I loved the art in this graphic novel. I am partial to read heads myself and love how colors are used to accentuate that hair color. It makes her stand out and stay strong. The basic blues and green were a great caste for her underwater world and then tinting Arthur’s world through her eyes. The lines are beautiful but no over done so the drawing aren't busy.
Usually, I would be negative one the aspect of putting a romantic relationship into a story about a woman. It bugs me that men become the focal point. But this story uses differences and plays on expectations to show how people truly are. Mera learns that that blind faith in an ideal does not negate what people actually are. This isn't she met some man and now she fights (it's okay in The Little Mermaid; not in m kick ass heroes),she actually develops as a character understanding the complex issues of politics and human nature.
Over all, I was pleased with Mera's story. I was glad to see her portrayed with strength but the openness to change. I enjoyed seeing her interact with a variety of characters especially outside of a romantic theme. Mera: Tidebreaker puts a spot light on a character that the non-comic community doesn't really know.

'Mera: Tidebreaker' by Danielle Paige with art by Stephen Bryne is an early story of how Mera and Aquaman become a couple.

Mera is a rebellious teenager of Xebel. She is also royalty. She doesn't want to marry the man her dad has picked out and she misses her deceased mother. When she does something that could spark a war, she decides the only way to make things right is to kill the heir to the throne of the Xebel's sworn enemy. Arthur Curry is that young man, but he doesn't even know he is from Atlantis. Mera has to find him on land, and finish the job, but she finds someone that is not as evil as she thought, and she finds her heart in conflict.

The story works as a teenager in love story, and I had to keep telling myself that. I like Mera as a character, but don't know a whole lot about her. This story makes her seem a bit more vulnerable, at least when she was younger. I am a pretty big fan of the art in this book. The colors are muted except for Mera's flaming hair. This works in panels she is in, but feels a bit dulled when she is offstage. It makes for a striking visual.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

I loved this story! It was unique and full of adventure!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Mera, the daughter of Xebel leaders is tired of living under Atlantean rule and vows to overthrow Atlantis by killing the prince. In order to do this, she must travel to land and find Arthur before her father finds out.

At first, I was confused with the plot line and underwhelmed with the coloring of the art. Eventually I really got into the storyline and was thoroughly enjoying myself, however I feel the ending wrapped up way too nicely for this to be anything more than a solid 3 star read.

In Mera: Tidebreaker we get to see the backstory of Mera from the Aquaman comics. The story draws on the emotional aspects of Mera’s teenage years and how her perspective on life was influenced by the death of her mother when she was a child. This is definitely not tied-in to the Aquaman movie of 2018. In this graphic novel, Mera meets Arthur when she was a teenager and was actually trying to kill him rather than save him at first. He also has a girlfriend, which adds some drama to the story.

The illustrations by Stepen Byrne are detailed and done very well. There is really no bright colors in the illustrations though unless you had striking red hair like Mera. But, this was probably done intentionally to really draw your attention to Mera and her presence on the page.

The storyline was interesting and you get to see how Mera and Arthur meet and eventually fall in love. Mera is probably the only one that looks similar to her character from the movie, but don’t expect to see any resemblance from the other characters. Overall, if you like the Aquaman comic/story and want to get an origins story about Mera, then you will certainly enjoy this one!

*Received a DRC for an honest review.

Rating: 4 Hearts!
💖💖💖💖

A fun, if slightly rushed, feminist superhero story! The art is beautiful and it is an incredibly quick read, but the characters and relationships could have done with a lot more development.

I really enjoyed this graphic novel Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige. I really liked the main character. I liked how she took responsibility for what she did. Also changed her mind when something didn't feel right to do. I liked the story and the art style as well. I wouldn't mind reading more about Mera and all the characters. Thank you To NetGalley for an earc to review.

I really am rounding up the rating for the artwork which I thought was wonderful. The contrast between the splashes of color (Mera's red hair especially) and the blues/black and whites of the majority of the other illustrations was beautiful. The story was very average though, with the whole enemies-to-lovers trope taken next level. They definitely have some insta-love happening, which was disappointing. I would have been happier with just a friendship between Arthur and Mera, especially since they're only teenagers in this book. Overall, I enjoyed it well enough but I won't be rereading it. I'd recommend it for a tween aged audience, kids new to the DC universe and Aquaman's story.

DC Ink is trying to capture the teen crowd by having established YA authors give some of their heroes new origin stories. In this outing, Danielle Paige reimages a teen-aged Mera meeting Arthur Curry for the first time. The timing is good, as the Jason Mamoa Aquaman movie is still fresh in people’s minds, plus I myself read two Aquaman graphic novels recently.

Mera is introduced as a rebel warrior princess of the underwater kingdom Xebel. Xebel is currently under the domain of the stronger Atlantis, and the inhabitants are chafing under their rule. Mera and a friend are caught defacing property, but a palace guard diverts attention from the Atlantanians so Mera can escape. The king later establishes that he wishes Mera to marry a prince in a neighboring kingdom, and later gives him a directive to find and kill Atlantian heir Arthur, as to establish Xebel dominance. Mera decides to do this herself and leaves to go on shore to find Arthur on her own. She quickly finds him, but things keep on happening to prevent her from carrying out her mission. Will she be able to kill Arthur when she has a chance, even after discovering he is kind and unaware of his heritage?

The art by Stephen Bryne establishes Mera as the center of attention by keeping the entire color palate in muted green and blue ocean colors, except for Mera’s distinctive red hair. Bryne creates an appealing underwater world with varied sea creatures but also renders realistic portrayals of people below the ocean and then later in Amnesty Bay. I appreciate that he did not draw Mera as a bombshell, instead he drew a lovely but not too developed teen-age girl. She even wore flats to a dance! But…why in the world was Arthur given dark hair? In all DC comics he is a blonde, so I wondered if this is a nod to the Momoa version on screen? It truly felt wrong to me.

The story had some huge holes you could drive a truck through. Plus it had insta-love which is a plot device that I hate. However, I believe it will be liked by the audience it is shooting for- teens. It was a solid origin story for a brand new audience that won’t get hung up on it not matching past established canon. I was able to read this story before it was published as I received an online copy through NetGalley. However, they put an embargo on reviews until it’s publication date on April 2nd, making me think they were not confident that it would be reviewed well. Another blogger clued me in this is standard with DC online books, but still. Nonetheless, as a marker of how I feel a teen audience will like it, I already have placed an order for it for my work library for the YA collection.

A couple of disclaimers before I start: I went into this graphic novel with absolutely no background knowledge about Mera (or Aquaman, who I wouldn't have even known was involved if I hadn't read it in the synopsis). Instead, I read this as a Little Mermaid retelling and nothing more. Also, I always have a hard time reviewing graphic novels because you get so much less detail in them than you do a standard novel. I tend to just go in with the expectation that the story will be sparse and just try to enjoy the artwork and the characterization.

So, my reviews of graphic novels really just come down to how much I enjoy them. Since this is targeted at a MG/young YA audience (ages 12-14), I think that’s what most readers will be doing anyway, so I don’t feel too bad about that. I thought the artwork was great (though Mera and her mother did look a lot alike, which could sometimes throw me for a moment). I liked the muted green color palette. The story involves instalove, but as a Little Mermaid retelling, I wasn’t particularly surprised by that. I liked Arthur and Mera together, and I thought it was intriguing that Arthur didn’t know his background but he always felt the pull of the sea.

The story was interesting, and I was curious about the background history between Xebel and Atlantis. Some of that is explored in this story, but it’s glossed over a bit–we get enough to make me understand Mera’s frustration and her desire to free her people from a tyrannical rule, though.

Overall, I thought this was a good read, and I enjoyed the art. I would definitely read future installments.

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***