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.
