10 Hated Comic Book Characters Who Became Fan Favourites

Despite starting out in comics alongside the likes of Wonder Woman, Aquaman has fared much worse popularity-wise than his Justice League counterparts.

Namely, it’s been the perception of him over the years as a joke which led many fans to turn their noses at him. Ironic, really, given that he's not just a powerful metahuman, but the very King of Atlantis.

The start of this trend occurred back in the 1960s and '70s, with on-screen appearances on Saturday morning cartoons like Super Friends. Often it was in this portrayal of him that Aquaman was understood as a seahorse riding buffoon, who was chopped liver compared to his surface-world heroes.

Cinematic and televised portrayals of Aquaman really damaged the character, as joke after joke at his expense sank him further and further into the depths of unpopularity.

Fortunately, though, the tide does begin to shift in his favor come the New 52, where the challenges he faces as a man between two worlds are explored. Perhaps the most apparent sign that Aquaman's popularity was bound to reach new heights, though, was Jason Momoa's stellar performance as the Atlantean king.