by Joshua H. Stulman

Aquaman hits theaters this week and is sure to make a huge splash! Hype around this film has been building since Aquaman (Jason Mamoa) first appeared in cameo during Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (2017).  Aquaman Actor Jason Mamoa is fanning excitement with publicity appearances running around Times Square with his Aquaman Trident and the reveal at New York Comic Con this past October of the traditional orange and green movie costume.

We thought it would be helpful to give a brief history of Aquaman’s nearly 80 year history in comics.

Aquaman in the Golden Age

Aquaman makes his debut right at the onset of the United States entry into World War II. Created by Mort Weisinger (Writer) and Paul Norris (Artist), Aquaman first appeared as a back up story in More Fun Comics #73 (Nov. 1941). Coincidentally, this same issue also featured the debut of Green Arrow in a separate story by Weisinger. Aquaman is developed as DC’s answer to the widely popular Submariner from Marvel Comics, who debuted much earlier in Marvel Comics # 1 (1939).

In his debut story, Aquaman saves a relief aid crew from a Nazi U-Boat. He briefly explains his origins and detailed his upbringing by his father, a nautical scientist, who believed he found the sunken city of Atlantis. His mother dies when Aquaman is a baby, and so the father decided to raise the boy in an underwater home where the father explores “100’s of scientific secrets” that he passes onto Aquaman. Through this, Aquaman develops the ability to breathe underwater, super-strength, resistance to underwater sea pressure, as well as the ability to communicate with underwater animals in their own languages. Through the 1940’s, Aquaman remains a back up feature in More Fun Comics and later in Superboy and Adventure Comics. He never receives a self-titled series or any real rouge gallery.

Aquaman in the Silver Age

In the mid-1950’s, the super-hero genre suffered in popularity. DC’s editor Julius Schwartz embarked on DC’s first revitalization campaign. Schwartz infused and reinvented older DC characters with a science fiction spin (Green Lantern & The Flash) as well as creating new heroes (Martian Manhunter). This culminated in the introduction of the Justice League of America in Brave and Bold #28 (1960). The team included Aquaman as a charter member and soon enough, he was awarded a solo series in 1962.

With Aquaman’s first solo series, he finally received a supporting cast. New characters included Mera, Dolphin, Aqua Girl, as well as new villains Black Manta and the Ocean Master. He developed new powers, such as telekinesis with animals as well as a weakness from being away from water.

Aquaman’s 80’s Revival

Although his self titled series was cancelled in the late 1970’s, Aquaman was given a promotion and became the leader of the Justice League of America’s final iteration before the 1986 Crisis on Infinite Earths series. The post-Crisis Aquaman was re-introduced with a new origin and several mini-series to help transition the hero to a wider audience. His origin was revised to reflect his role as King of Atlantis. Here, it is revealed that he is half man-half atlantean. This explains the source of his powers. Aquaman is further given a spartacus-like story, placing him as a prisoner of Atlantis when he attempts to reunite with his mother. Yes, his orange and green suit is actually a prisoner uniform!

Redefining Aquaman for the 90’s

From the success of Peter David’s Aquaman: Time and Tide miniseries, Aquaman was finally awarded a new ongoing series, but not without major changes. Aquaman was striped down and transformed into a gritty and tough warrior. He was given long hair and beard in reference to his namesake, King Arthur. This not being enough, his hand was eaten off completely by piranha and replaced with a harpoon. Soon after his costume was completely redesigned as shirtless with shoulder armor and black and green scaled pants. This “90’s” Aquaman struck a chord with audiences and lasted into the new millennium. This version of Aquaman was promoted both in comics, advertising, action figures and even in animation for the Justice League cartoon series.

Aquaman for a New Generation

Throughout the past 15 years, Aquaman has been making a return to his classic look, while retaining the edge of his 90’s exploits. Aquaman continued from DC’s 2011 New 52 revival to their DC Rebirth re-branding in 2016. Aquaman is now a far cry from the butt of super-hero jokes and poised for cinematic debut.

Aquaman in the DC Expanded Universe

Aquaman was first teased in a small clip in Batman vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016). Aquaman came into prominence during Justice League (2017) in which viewers were introduced to a rough and tough version straight from the 90’s. Long hair, attitude, and armor, but with both hands (for now!). With the revelation during October’s New York Comic Con that Aquaman will be donning his traditional armor, it seems DC’s Aquaman is poised to please fans and critics alike!

Check Out our great selection of Aquaman Comics: CLICK HERE

Joshua H. Stulman

Owner, BrooklynComicShop