10 Mind-Blowing Facts You Didn't Know About Young Justice
8. Aqualad Was Created For The Show
Young Justice's original line-up did indeed introduce fans to familiar heroes like Robin, Kid Flash and Superboy. It introduced us to Aqualad too, but unlike Dick Grayson, Wally West and Kon-El, the version of Aquaman's protégé that the show ultimately went with was an original creation.
Originally Aquaman's partner, Kaldur'ahm joins the group of young heroes and is soon assigned to be their leader - something that ultimately serves him well as he goes on to become a member of the Justice League in subsequent seasons and the next Aquaman. He is also the son of Black Manta and undergoes some compelling conflict while figuring out where his true loyalties lie.
The Aqualad persona does exist in DC Comics, with the mantle being held by Garth - the child of King Thar and Queen Beera who eventually bonds with Aquaman, joins forces with him to protect Atlantis and ultimately becomes a founding member of the Teen Titans.
While Garth surely could have worked on the show, it goes without saying that Brandon Vietti, Greg Weisman and Phil Bourassa's bold move to reinvent Aqualad was the right choice, because Kaldur'ahm is still one of Young Justice's most popular characters.