Aquaman: Difference between revisions

{{Redirect|Arthur Curry|the film character|Arthur Curry (DC Extended Universe)|the military general|Arthur Currie}}

| character_name = Aquaman

| image = Aquaman Rebirth 1.png

| caption = Variant cover of ''Aquaman: Rebirth''&nbsp;#1 (August&nbsp;2016).<br/>Art by Brad Walker.

| publisher = [[DC Comics]]

| debut = ''[[More Fun Comics]]'' #73 (November 1941)

| creators = {{unbulleted list|[[Mort Weisinger]]<br> (writer)<br/>|[[Paul Norris]] <br>(artist)}}

| alter_ego = Arthur Curry

| species = {{unbulletedIndented listplainlist|
* [[Atlantis (DC Comics)|Atlantean]]–[[demigod]] hybrid <small>(2019–present)</small>|
* Human–Atlantean hybrid <small>(some continuities)</small>
}}

| homeworld = [[Atlantis (DC Comics)|Atlantis]] <small>(Earth)</small>

| alliances = {{unbulleted list|[[Justice League]]|[[Justice League International]]|The Others|[[Justice League Europe]]|[[Justice League Task Force (comics)|Justice League Task Force]]}}

| partners = {{unbulleted list|[[Mera (comics)|Mera]] (wife)|[[Aqualad]] (various)|[[Aquagirl]] (various)|[[Nuidis Vulko]]|[[Topo (DC Comics)|Topo]]}}

| supports =

| aliases = {{unbulleted list|Orin<br>|King Orin<br>|King of the Seven Seas<br>|Dweller-in-the-Depths<br>|Aquatic Ace<br>|Marine Marvel<br>|Terra Firma<br>|Rider of King Tide<br>|AC<br>|Protector of the Deep}}

| powers = {{Indented plainlist|

The son of a human lighthouse- keeper and the queen of Atlantis, Aquaman is the alias of '''Arthur Curry''', who also goes by the Atlantean name '''Orin'''. Others to use the title of Aquaman include a short-lived human successor, Joseph Curry; his protégé [[Kaldur'ahm|Jackson Hyde]]; and the mysterious Adam Waterman, who was briefly active during World War II. Aquaman's comic books are filled with colourfulcolorful undersea characters and a rich [[List of Aquaman supporting characters|supporting cast]], including his mentor [[Nuidis Vulko|Vulko]], his powerful wife [[Mera (comics)|Mera]], and various sidekicks such as [[Aqualad]], [[Aquagirl]], and [[Dolphin (comics)|Dolphin]]. Aquaman stories tend to blend [[high fantasy]] and [[science fiction]]. His villains include his [[archenemy]], [[Black Manta]], and his own half-brother, [[Ocean Master]], among others.

The character's original 1960s animated appearances left a lasting impression, making Aquaman widely recognized in popular culture and one of the world's most recognized superheroes. Jokes about his wholesome, weak portrayal in ''[[Super Friends]]'' and perceived feeble powers and abilities have been staples of comedy programs and stand-up routines,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bradley |first=Laura |date=12 December 2018 |title=A Brief History of Pop Culture Dumping on Aquaman |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/12/aquaman-jokes-family-guy-big-bang-theory-south-park |access-date=16 January 2019 |website=HWD}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 November 2018 |title=How The Animated Justice League Erased Super Friends' Aquaman |url=https://www.cbr.com/how-animated-justice-league-saved-aquaman/ |access-date=31 December 2018 |website=CBR}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Fuller |first=Devin |date=24 December 2018 |title='Aquaman' Through History: The Stuff That Memes Are Made Of |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/24/movies/aquaman-through-history-tv-movies.html |access-date=31 December 2018 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> leading DC at several times to attempt to make the character edgier or more powerful in the comic books.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AQUAMAN Evolution: From Laughingstock to New 52 Rock Star |url=https://www.newsarama.com/6966-aquaman-evolution-from-laughingstock-to-new-52-rock-star.html |access-date=31 December 2018 |website=Newsarama.com}}</ref> Modern comic book depictions have attemptedtried to reconcile these various aspects of his public perception, with many versions often casting Aquaman as serious and brooding, weighed down by his public reputation, his responsibilities as king, and the complex world of Atlantean politics.<ref>''Aquaman'' (vol. 7) #1 (November 2011). DC Comics.</ref>

Aquaman once again returned to ''Adventure Comics'' as part of the [[Dollar Comics]] revamp of the series, appearing in issues #460–466 over 1978–1979. When this ended, Aquaman appeared in three issues of ''[[World's Finest Comics]]'' (#262–264) and then returned to ''Adventure Comics'' as the first feature for four more issues (#475–#478) and as a back upbackup in issues #491-500491–500. The feature found a new home as a backup in ''[[Action Comics]]'' for 14 issues (#517–521; #527–530; #536–540), which would be the end of Aquaman's Pre-''Crisis'' solo appearances.

Aquaman's first Post-''Crisis'' appearance was in the four-issue miniseries ''Aquaman'' (vol. 2) in 1986, which gave the character a new blue costume which did not reappear in any later series. This blue "camouflage" suit, however, was used as inspiration for one of the main suits in the ''Aquaman'' film sequel ''Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom'' in 2023. In 1988 the character starred in the one-shot ''Aquaman'' #1, followed by the ''Legend of Aquaman Special'' one-shot issue in 1989. This was followed by the five-issue miniseries ''Aquaman'' (vol. 3). A new ongoing series, ''Aquaman'' (vol. 4), began in 1991, but was cancelled after 13 issues.

Upon cancellation of Aquaman vol. 8, Aquaman did not have a self-titled release until a digital only series titled ''Aquaman: Deep Dives'' released in 2020. Throughout 2022 Aquaman appeared in both ''Aquaman: The Becoming'', and ''Aquamen'' which saw Aquaman train Jackson Hyde/Aqualad to take over his mantle. However, by the end of 2022, it seemed DC was moving away from this decision as they began publishing regular Aquaman team-up stories again. These included the seven -issue series ''Aquaman/Green Arrow: Deep Target'' and the three issue ''Aquaman/The Flash: Voidsong''. In August 2022, Aquaman received a three -issue mini-series called ''Aquaman: Andromeda'' under DC's adult audience comic series DC Black Label. The most current Aquaman titled released was the ''Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Special'' one-shot, released in October 2023 to coincide with the release of the Aquaman sequel film of the same name.

Aquaman was included in the ''[[Justice League|Justice League of America]]'' comic book series, appearing with the team in their very first adventure,<ref>''[[The Brave and the Bold]]'' #28 (March 1960). DC Comics.</ref> and was also a founding member of the team.<ref>As shown in a [[Flashback (narrative)|flashback]] in ''Justice League of America'' #9 (February 1962). DC Comics.</ref> Aquaman took part in most of the 1960s adventures of the superhero team.

These changes were explained later during the "missing year" between ''Infinite Crisis'' and ''One Year Later'' depicted in the weekly series ''[[52 (comics)|52]]'', where Aquaman makes a brief appearance at the memorial for [[Superboy (Kon-El)|Superboy]]. Sometime later [[Elongated Man|Ralph Dibny]], seemingly accompanied by [[Doctor Fate]]'s helmet, meets a bearded, long-haired and amnesic Orin in the ruins of Atlantis. The helmet portends that "''if'' he lives... ''if'' he lives... it is as a victim of the magicks of legend and the power of the sea."<ref>{{Cite comic |Writer=[[Johns, Geoff]] |Cowriters=[[Morrison, Grant]], [[Rucka, Greg]], [[Waid, Mark]] |Title=52 |Issue=#39 |Datedate=Jan. 2007 |Publisher=DC Comics}}</ref>

During ''Infinite Crisis'', Orin makes a deal with the gods of the sea in a desperate bid to gain the power to save the lives of several Sub Diego inhabitants who had lost the ability to live in water. Using the bones of his severed left hand in a magical ritual, the sea gods give Orin the power to raise Sub Diego onto dry land. However, as a side effect of this, Orin mutates into the "Dweller of the Depths" and loses his memories.<ref>{{Cite comic |Writer=Johns, Geoff |Cowriters=Morrison, Grant, Rucka, Greg, Waid, Mark |Title=52 |Issue=#50 |Datedate=April 2007 |Publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> The fate the Dweller foresees for Arthur Joseph Curry once they meet is revealed to really only be a confused memory of the Dweller's own past as Aquaman.

In the midst of trying to help his successor, Arthur Joseph, the Dweller (Orin) is murdered by Narwhal.<ref>{{Cite comic |Writer=Williams, Tad |Title=Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis |Issue=#50 |Datedate=March 2007 |Publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> Upon the receipt of Orin's body, members of the [[Justice League|Justice League of America]], including [[Superman]], [[Batman]], [[Hal Jordan|Green Lantern]], and the [[Wally West|Flash]], examine the body in Atlantis and wish the best for [[Mera (comics)|Mera]] and the new Aquaman.<ref name="SoA51" />

Orin seemingly reappears in [[Atlantis (DC Comics)|Atlantis]] during the 2008 ''[[Final Crisis]]'' storyline to fend off the forces of [[Darkseid]], but this Aquaman is revealed to be from another Earth in the [[Multiverse (DC Comics)|multiverse]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Latoski |first=Todd |date=February 28, 2009 |title=Mega Con '09: DC Nation Panel&nbsp;– Final Crisis HC Details |url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/020928-Mega-DC-Nation.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303214926/http://www.newsarama.com/comics/020928-Mega-DC-Nation.html |archive-date=3 March 2009 |access-date=2009-03-01 |website=[[Newsarama]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite comic |Writer=Morrison, Grant |Title=Final Crisis |Issue=#7 |Datedate=Jan. 2009 |Publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> The appearance of this Aquaman is later perceived by [[Hal Jordan]] and [[Flash (Barry Allen)|Barry Allen]] to be an unsubstantiated rumor, however, since this person was never seen nor heard from again.<ref>{{Cite comic |Writer=Johns, Geoff |Title=Blackest Night |Issue=#0 |Datedate=May 2009 |Publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> Sometime between his death and the beginning of the 2008–09 ''[[Blackest Night]]'' storyline, Orin's body is moved and buried on land at Mercy Reef alongside Tom Curry in accordance with his final wishes.<ref name="BN1">{{Cite comic |Writer=Johns, Geoff |Issue=#1 |Datedate=July 2009 |Publisher=DC Comics |penciller=[[Reis, Ivan]] |title=Blackest Night}}</ref>

Following the company-wide rebranding in ''[[DC Rebirth]]'' with one focus point to bring back legacy and relationships, Arthur finally proposes to Mera in ''DC Universe: Rebirth'' #1. Aquaman was given an eighth volume of his eponymous series, which started with a one-shot comic book entitled '''''Aquaman: Rebirth''''' #1 (August 2016). This series kept writer Dan Abnett, who had taken over the title for the last three issues of ''The New 52'' and who had previously written the character for a short time a decade earlier. ''Aquaman'' (vol. 8) focuses on Aquaman's role as king and diplomat with Arthur attempting to strengthen Atlantis-surface relationships by opening an Atlantean embassy in Amnesty Bay, with Mera appointed as ambassador. The series largely focuses on the main cast featured in the ''New 52'' series, consisting of Aquaman, Mera, and Black Manta while also fleshing out forgotten side characters such as Lagoon Boy, [[Aquagirl (Tula)|Tula (Aquagirl)]], Black Jack, and others. After the events of '''Drowned Earth''' Arthur loses his memories, begins going by Andy and lives amongst an enclave of island dwellers making their home on Unspoken Water.<ref>''Aquaman'' (vol. 8) #43 (February 2019). DC Comics.</ref>

{{redirect|Aquaman II|the 2023 film|Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom{{!}}''Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom''}}

Later, Arthur finds a humanoid squid named Topo, a naive youth attracted by superheroics and seeking to become a sidekick and Tempest, who is amnesiac, unable to breathe water, and implanted with a post-hypnotic suggestion warning of an upcoming battle. The foreseen battle soon occurs, during which the Dweller is apparently killed. The [[Justice League]] is called in to evaluate The Dweller's situation, but are unable to determine if he is truly dead, or if he can somehow resurrect himself due to his new magical nature.<ref name="SoA51">{{Cite comic |Writer=Williams, Tad |Title=Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis |Issue=#51 |Datedate=April 2007 |Publisher=DC Comics}}</ref>

In ''Sword of Atlantis'' #57, the series' final issue, Aquaman is visited by the Lady of the Lake, who explains his origins. She explains that the original Aquaman had given a sample of his water hand to Dr. Curry in order to resurrect Curry's dead son, Arthur, whom he had named after the hero. When the original Aquaman attempted to resurrect Sub Diego, a part of his soul attached itself to the dead body of Arthur Joseph Curry, while Aquaman's (Arthur Curry) body mutated into the Dweller of the Depths. Blaming himself for this death, Aquaman vows to never be called 'Arthur' again, refraining from using what he sees as a "stolen" name and asking only to be called Joseph in the future.<ref>{{Cite comic |Writer=Williams, Tad |Title=Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis |Issue=#57 |Datedate=July 2009 |Publisher=DC Comics}}</ref>

Joseph is considered as a candidate for the new [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]] by [[Batman]]. After seeing him in action with [[Metamorpho]], however, Batman decides against his induction.<ref>{{Cite comic |Writer=Wilson, G. Willow |Cowriters=Tony Bedard |Title=Outsiders: Five of a Kind&nbsp;– Metamorpho/Aquaman |Issue=#1 |Datedate=October 2007 |publisher=DC Comics}}</ref>

In their quest to rid the Earth of all forms of [[kryptonite]], [[Superman]] and Batman journey deep below the sea, where they find a large amount of the substance. The two of them are met with hostility by Aquaman and King Shark. A brief fight ensues, but, eventually, Joseph allows them to take the kryptonite. Before doing so, he points out that not everyone may want Superman to find all of Earth's kryptonite, but that Superman would have to be at least part human to understand that.<ref>{{Cite comic |Writer=Green, Michael |Title=Superman/Batman |Issue=#45 |Datedate=January 2008 |publisher=DC Comics}}</ref>

Joseph Curry would continue to be the stand-in king of Atlantis until after the ''Final Crisis'' storyline. It was revealed that Joseph had stepped down from his position due to being unable to deal with the pressure of carrying on the Aquaman legacy. [[Garth (comics)|Tempest]] later finds Joseph's trident and costume draped over a throne, confirming that he had abandoned his duties as Atlantis' king.<ref>{{Cite comic |Writer=Krul, J. T. |Title=Titans |Volume=2 |Issue=#15 |Datedate=July 2009 |Publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> This is the final real reference to Arthur Joseph Curry, with the character never appearing again or being referenced in any DC material since that point. The character has yet to reappear after two of DC Comics' major relaunches, 2011's ''The New 52'' and 2016's ''[[DC Rebirth]]''.

Aquaman watches over the seas and his kingdom in the ''[[Supergirl]]#Homages and pastiches|Supergirl: [[Wings]]''، [[Elseworlds]] story.

During the 2013 "[[Trinity War]]" storyline, Aquaman's [[Crime Syndicate of America#The New 52|Crime Syndicate]] counterpart is revealed to be '''The Sea King'''. He apparently fails to survive the passage from [[Earth-Three#The New 52|Earth-3]] to Prime Earth, but is awakened in "[[Forever Evil: Blight]]"<ref name="JLD 25">{{Cite comic |writer=[[DeMatteis, J. M.]] |penciller=Janin, Mikel |inker=Cifuentes, Vincente, Guillermo Ortego |colorist=Cox, Jeromy |letterer=Leigh, Rob |story=Forever Evil: Blight: The Rebirth of Evil |title=Justice League Dark |issue=#25 |date=January 2014 |publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> after being possessed by [[Deadman (DC Comicscharacter)|Deadman]].<ref name="JLD 26">{{Cite comic |writer=DeMatteis, J. M. |penciller=Janin, Mikel |inker=Cifuentes, Vincente, Guillermo Ortego, Jordi Tarragona |colorist=Cox, Jeromy |letterer=Wands, Steve |story=Forever Evil: Blight: The Haunted Sea |title=Justice League Dark |issue=#26 |date=February 2014 |publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref> The design of the Sea King resembles that of the [[#New direction|1990s Aquaman]].<ref name="Justice League 23">{{Cite comic |writer=[[Geoff Johns|Johns, Geoff]] |penciller=Reis, Ivan |inker=Prado, Joe, Oclair Albert, Eber Ferreira |colorist=Reis, Rod |letterer=Napolitano, Nick J. |story=Trinity War Chapter Six: Conclusion |title=[[Justice League#The New 52 (2011–2016)|Justice League]] |volume=2 |issue=#23 |date=October 2013 |publisher=[[DC Comics]]}}</ref>

|''Showcase'' #32-3332–33, ''Adventure Comics'' #284, ''Detective Comics'' #293-300293–300, ''World's Finest Comics'' #125-133125–133, ''Aquaman'' (vol. 1) #1-91–9

|{{ISBNT|9781401243807}} (unreleased)

|''Aquaman'' (vol. 5) #21-3421–34, Annual #2-32–3

|''Aquaman'' (vol. 5) #0-460–46, Annual #1-41–4

|''Aquaman'' (vol. 7) #0-250–25, #23.1, #23.2, ''Justice League'' (vol. 2) #15-1715–17

|''Emperor Aquaman'' #1-31–3 and ''Outsider'' #1-31–3, ''Lois Lane and the Resistance'' #1-31–3, ''Wonder Woman and the Furies'' #1-31–3

|''Convergence: Aquaman'' #1-21–2 and ''Convergence: Superman: The Man of Steel'' #1-21–2, ''Convergence: Batman: Shadow of the Bat'' #1-21–2, ''Convergence: Supergirl: Matrix'' #1-21–2, ''Convergence: Green Lantern/Parallax'' #1-21–2

|''Future State: Aquaman'' #1-21–2 and ''Future State: Justice League/Justice League Dark'' #1-21–2, ''Future State: Flash'' #1-21–2, ''Future State: Green Lantern'' #1-21–2

|Material from ''Aquaman Giant'' #1-41–4, ''Aquaman: Deep Dives'' #4, 6–7, 9

|''Aquaman: Andromeda'' #1-31–3

|''Aquaman/Green Arrow: Deep Target'' #1-71–7

|''Aquamen'' #1-61–6

|''Aquaman/The Flash: Voidsong'' #1-31–3

|Stories from: ''Aquaman'' #0-370–37; ''JLA: Our Worlds at War'' #1; ''Aquaman'' #17; ''Outsiders: Five of a Kind -– Metamorpho/Aquaman'' #1; ''Adventure Comics'' #120-137120–137, 232–266, 269–475; ''More Fun Comics'' #73; ''Aquaman'' #11-3511–35, 46–62; ''Aquaman'' #1; ''Aquaman'' Special #1; ''Aquaman'' #25

[[File:Chris Hardwick & Jason Momoa (35368589944) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Jason Momoa at 2017 [[San Diego Comic-Con International]]]]

Within the live-action [[DC Extended Universe]] films, American actor [[Jason Momoa]] plays [[Arthur Curry (DC Extended Universe)|Aquaman]], and the character made his feature film debut in ''[[Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice]]'' (2016). Momoa reprised the role in ''[[Justice League (film)|Justice League]]'' (2017) and ''[[The Flash (film)|The Flash]]'' (2023) and starred in his own films ''[[Aquaman (film)|Aquaman]]'' (2018) and ''[[Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom]]'' (2023). This movie version of Aquaman is of [[Polynesians|Polynesian]] ethnicity, rather than the blond-haired [[White people|white]] man of his traditional depiction. Momoa's Aquaman has long, dark hair, a full beard and extensive [[tattoo]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Matt D. |title=Jason Momoa Excited To Represent Polynesians As Aquaman |url=http://comicsalliance.com/jason-momoa-looking-forward-to-representing-polynesians-as-aquaman/ |website=ComicsAlliance|date=October 21, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=December 20 |first1=2018 7:30 pm Updated on |last2=Pm |first2=2018 at 11:21 |date=20 December 2018 |title=Jason Momoa pays tribute to his Polynesian roots in 'Aquaman' |url=http://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/12/20/tgif/local-boy-jason-momoa-makes-a-splash-as-the-star-of-aquaman/ |website=Honolulu Star-Advertiser}}</ref>

*[[Namor]] -– a similar character from [[Marvel Comics]].

*[http://www.toonopedia.com/aquaman.htm Aquaman] at [[Don Markstein's Toonopedia]]. [https://archive.today/20240525204328/https://www.webcitation.org/66gXL52mu?url=http://www.toonopedia.com/aquaman.htm Archived] from the original on April 4, 2012.