Aquaman

Aquaman– (Arthur Curry) –1st appearance: More Fun Comics #73 (Nov. 1941). (Note: While the official publication date of Aquaman’s first appearance is November of 1941, the actual date More Fun Comics #73 hit newstands is October 25, 1941.)

Aquaman is a human/Atlantean hybrid who first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in November of 1941. As with many of the heroes who debuted in the early 1940s, Aquaman spent a large amount of time battling Axis villians. Nazi U-Boat (submarine) commanders were a favorite target of the King of the Seas.

In 1960, DC Comics introduced a new coalition of superheroes called the Justice League. Aquaman was a founding member of this new super-group, and is still considered one of the major characters in the Justice League.

While his origin story and some details of his background have changed over the seven decades of his existence, the version of his life that most fans are aware of goes like this:

Arthur Curry is the hybrid son of Tom Curry, a human lighthouse keeper, and Atlanna, a water-breathing exile from the legendary underwater city of Atlantis. As Atlanna was an Atlantean princess, Arthur was heir to the Atlantean throne. His Atlantean name is Orin.

As he grew, Arthur discovered his Atlantean-based powers and abilities. He can breathe underwater, possesses the ability to swim swiftly and powerfully, can communicate and command sea creatures telepathically, and possesses super-strength. He assumed the superhero pseudonym of Aquaman. Aquaman is generally considered to be the seventh strongest DC comics hero.

Aquaman’s allies include the various members of the Justice League, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Hawkman, and the Martian Manhunter. Aquaman is married to Mera, and together they had a sone, Arthur Jr, also known as Aquababy. Arthur Jr. was murdered by Aquaman’s arch-nemesis, Black Manta. Aquaman also employed a “teen sidekick” (similar to Batman’s Robin, and Captain America’s Bucky), code-named Aqualad.

Aquaman and Mera

Aquaman’s rogues gallery of villains include Black Manta, King Shark, and Ocean Master. Ocean Master is actually Aquaman’s human half-brother, Orm Curry.

Aquaman in More Fun Comics #73

Aquaman by artist Alex Ross

Aquaman Links and Resources:

Aquaman Shrine–Dedicated to all things Aquaman

DC Strength Levels: Where Exactly IS Supes?–Sorts DC heroes by their suppossed strength levels. Aquaman comes in around #7