Ripples Through Time - 026

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order, one per day. After I read each story I'm going to post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

More Fun #97 (May 1944) - Penguin Island!

Archibald just wants to live in peace away from his greedy relatives, so he exiles himself to an island of penguins... but his relatives follow him.

After five war-related tales, we finally get a break with PENGUINS! Yay! ... Aquaman sees Archibald arrive at the island, and chooses to leave him alone because that's clearly what the man wants... With a niece like Alicia, I'd want to exile myself as well, but at least she's honest... I have to wonder how Aquaman is wrestling with a sea lizard near an island inhabited by penguins. Wouldn't the lizard find the waters too cold to exist in? Probably best not to think about it too hard... I love the bit where Archibald's army of penguins join the fight... My biggest complaint about this story is the blatant bit of sexism at the end when Alicia surrenders to the sea-mouse. Ug.

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman's friend, a sea lizard, helps him fight the bad guys. Archibald calls in an army of penguins as well. A penguin shows Aquaman a gun when Aquaman is trapped in a cave, and Aquaman uses the gunpowder to escape. Aquaman calls in octopuses and sharks to subdue the crew, then a sea-mouse to subdue Alicia. Archibald rides a shark back to Penguin Island with Aquaman. A penguin thought Archibald's emeralds were eggs and therefore had been protecting them.

Captured/Knocked Out report: Alicia throws make-up powder in Aquaman's face, making him sneeze, and giving the thugs a chance to knock him out with the butt of a gun.

Quotefile: Alicia: "EEEEE! Take it away! I give up!" Archibald: "Huh...? What's she scared of?" Aquaman: "A sea-mouse, uncle Archibald! You know how women are!"

Have you read this story? What do you think?