10 Things Everyone Always Gets Wrong About Aquaman
Talking trash about the King of Atlantis is the quickest way to sleep with the fishes.
When it comes to DC Comics, no character is more misunderstood, misrepresented, and misinterpreted than the King of Atlantis, Aquaman. A staple of DC Comics since his inception in 1941, Arthur Curry is a veteran superhero, who has taken part in almost every major story arc in DC’s lore. He is a founding member of the Justice League, a skilled fighter in his own right, and holds dominion over the seven seas, which make up over 70% of the Earth.
That’s why it’s so shocking to see how far the character’s stock has fallen in the eyes of the most casual of comic book fans. These days, anyone defending the deep-diving do-gooder is sure to be met with fish-related jokes and puns about the ocean. Most of these jokes come from a place of ignorance, not malice. People know very little about Arthur, his adventures, and his journey as a character.
All it would take is a little re-education for Aquaman to be placed on the pedestal he deserves. To do so, first we must dispel the misconceptions that have formed over the years. It’s time to clear the air, so here are 10 things everyone always gets wrong about Aquaman.
10. In The Grand Scheme, Aquaman Isn't Important
Hold your sea horses! For those who think Aquaman doesn't matter in the grand scheme of DC's mythology, you are sadly mistaken. Not only is he one of the first superheroes to ever exist, but his inclusion in most of DC's stories show how important Arthur is to the brand in general.
The Justice League, for example, would never be the same without Aquaman. Not only was Arthur a founding member of its first incarnation back in Brave and the Bold #28, but for a short stint he managed to lead the team. He even went so far as to create his own Justice League, under the rule that all members put the league's problems before their own. He enlisted newcomers like Gypsy, Vibe, Steel, and Vixen for his league, ushering a new wave of ethnic superheroes for DC.
This was a groundbreaking moment for the character, who was so popular that he was the co-star of his own animated show, "The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure". This led to the character being a mainstay on the Superfriends cartoon and Justice League Unlimited years later.
Since the New 52, Aquaman has been taken more seriously than ever. That could be thanks to writer Geoff Johns who is credited with bringing the character back to prominence when he wrote for him in 2011. Regardless, DC has always tried to keep the Atlantean afloat in their media, showcasing his importance to the comic medium as a whole.