8 Things You Didn't Know About DC's Black Manta

Black Manta’s motivation in life is the death of Aquaman. He is so driven by anger towards Arthur Curry that Black Manta is rarely seen helping other villains, or even taking on other heroes. His only focus is the demise of his long time enemy. To drive this point home, two separate stories show how Black Manta would deal with being granted his one wish: the death of Aquaman.

In the comic book arc Brightest Day, which takes place months after the passing, and resurrection, of Aquaman, Black Manta is shown to have retired from his life of crime, choosing to open a fish market. Upon hearing that Aquaman has returned from the dead, Black Manta kills everyone at his market in cold blood, before returning into the sea and reemerging in full Manta gear.

In Forever Evil, the Justice League is thought to be defeated, and Manta, after stealing Aquaman’s trident as a trophy, falls into depression. After finding out the Secret Society was to blame for Arthur’s supposed murder, Manta rejects their invitation to the team, and teams up with Lex Luthor to face them. Ironically, without Aquaman, Black Manta feels he has no purpose.