Aquaman

For other uses, see Aquaman (disambiguation).
"Arthur Curry" redirects here. For the film character, see Arthur Curry (DC Extended Universe). For the military general, see Arthur Currie.

Aquaman
Variant cover of Aquaman: Rebirth #1 (August 2016).
Art by Brad Walker.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceMore Fun Comics #73 (November 1941)
Created by
In-story information
Alter egoArthur Curry
Species
  • Atlantean–demigod hybrid (2019–present)
  • Human–Atlantean hybrid (some continuities)
Place of originAtlantis (Earth)
Team affiliations
Partnerships
Notable aliases
  • Orin
  • King Orin
  • King of the Seven Seas
  • Dweller-in-the-Depths
  • Aquatic Ace
  • Marine Marvel
  • Terra Firma
  • Rider of King Tide
  • AC
  • Protector of the Deep
Abilities
  • Superhuman strength, intelligence, durability, endurance, speed, agility, and senses
  • Telepathic control of all aquatic life
  • Divine empowerment
  • Weather manipulation and electricity manipulation via trident
  • Hydrokinesis
  • Liquid absorption
  • Magic
  • Aquatic adaptation
  • Master strategist, tactician, and field commander
  • Skilled martial artist and hand-to-hand combatant

Aquaman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 (November 1941).[1] Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo comic book series. During the late 1950s and 1960s superhero-revival period known as the Silver Age, he was a founding member of the Justice League. In the 1990s Modern Age, writers interpreted Aquaman's character more seriously, with storylines depicting the weight of his role as king of Atlantis.[2]

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 Jackson Hyde; and the mysterious Adam Waterman, who was briefly active during World War II. Aquaman's comic books are filled with colorful undersea characters and a rich supporting cast, including his mentor Vulko, his powerful wife Mera, and various sidekicks such as Aqualad, Aquagirl, and Dolphin. Aquaman stories tend to blend high fantasy and science fiction. His villains include his archenemy, Black Manta, and his half-brother, Ocean Master.

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,[3][4][5] leading DC several times to attempt to make the character edgier or more powerful in the comic books.[6] Modern comic book depictions have tried 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.[7]

Aquaman has been featured in several adaptations, first appearing in animated form in the 1967 The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure and then in the related Super Friends program. Since then he has appeared in various animated productions, including prominent roles in the 2000s series Justice League and Justice League Unlimited and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, as well as several DC Universe Animated Original Movies. Actor Alan Ritchson also portrayed the character in the live action television show Smallville. In the DC Extended Universe, actor Jason Momoa portrays the character in the films Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Justice League and its director's cut Zack Snyder's Justice League, Aquaman, the HBO Max series Peacemaker, The Flash, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.[8][9][10]

  1. ^ "Happy 70th Birthday Aquaman!". The Aquaman Shrine. Archived from the original on October 28, 2011. Retrieved October 9, 2011.
  2. ^ Wallace, Dan (2008). "Aquaman". In Dougall, Alastair (ed.). The DC Comics Encyclopedia. London: Dorling Kindersley. pp. 18–19. ISBN 978-0-7566-4119-1.
  3. ^ Bradley, Laura (December 12, 2018). "A Brief History of Pop Culture Dumping on Aquaman". HWD. Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  4. ^ "How The Animated Justice League Erased Super Friends' Aquaman". CBR. November 4, 2018. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  5. ^ Fuller, Devin (December 24, 2018). "'Aquaman' Through History: The Stuff That Memes Are Made Of". The New York Times. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  6. ^ "AQUAMAN Evolution: From Laughingstock to New 52 Rock Star". Newsarama.com. Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  7. ^ Aquaman (vol. 7) #1 (November 2011). DC Comics.
  8. ^ "Aquaman 2018: What Do We Know?". October 16, 2014.
  9. ^ McWeeny, Drew (June 14, 2014). "JASON MOMOA WILL PLAY AQUAMAN IN 'DAWN OF JUSTICE,' AND WE KNOW HOW IT WILL HAPPEN". Hitfix. Archived from the original on October 18, 2014. Retrieved June 14, 2014.
  10. ^ Rebecca Ford; Borys Kit (June 16, 2014). "Jason Momoa to Play Aquaman in 'Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 16, 2014.