In this pivotal issue, Aspen Matthews harnesses her extraordinary hydrokinetic abilities to rescue her father and Chance from the clutches of the U.S. military. Simultaneously, Kiani awakens, poised to champion her people. The narrative intensifies as the conflict between humanity and the aquatic race known as the Blue escalates, with Aspen caught at the heart of the turmoil.

Many fans, creators, critics and myself included would absolutely describe Michael Turner as a comic book genius, and there's strong evidence to support that view.

Why Michael Turner Is Considered a Comic Book Genius:

1. Iconic Art Style

His sharp, dynamic linework and highly detailed anatomy became instantly recognizable.

He brought an almost ethereal quality to characters, blending elegance with intensity — especially in water and elemental effects, as seen in Fathom and Soulfire.

2. Creator-Owned Success

Turner co-founded Aspen MLT in 2003, a rare move for artists at the time.

Fathom and Soulfire proved that a creator-owned title could rival mainstream Marvel/DC books in sales and impact.

3. Cross-Company Influence

At DC, he redefined Supergirl's look during the Superman/Batman run with Jeph Loeb.

His cover art for Identity Crisis, Flash, Witchblade, and Civil War tie-ins remains some of the most sought-after and admired.

4. Visual Storytelling Mastery

Even without dialogue, you could often follow Turner's pages clearly — a testament to his ability to narrate with art alone.

His Legacy Endures

Michael Turner passed away in 2008 at just 37 due to cancer, but his artistic influence remains alive in:

Aspen Comics’ continuation of his titles

Reprints and tribute covers by top artists

Fan devotion to his original work and variants

Final Thought:

Genius isn’t just about raw talent — it’s about changing the landscape. Turner brought a unique vision, built worlds, and inspired generations of artists. So yes — Michael Turner earned that label.