Though not as high-profile as some other DC Comics heroes, Aquaman has earned legendary status in the comic book world. Despite a rocky start with movies marred by behind-the-scenes turmoil and less-than-stellar reviews, these films have still managed to be financially successful. An interesting tidbit: Aquaman is the only character apart from Batman to star in a movie that grossed over a billion dollars. (Superman’s yet to reach that milestone.) If you’re just diving into this superhero’s universe, here are some standout Aquaman comics to help you get started.
Best Aquaman comics as of 2025
Prior to Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman, the character struggled to establish himself in popular culture, but he did make an appearance alongside Scooby Doo in the animated film Batman: The Brave and the Bold in 2014, which suggests some level of recognition. (No need to worry, devoted Aquaman fans.)
In 1942, Aquaman initially made appearances as a supporting character, but it wasn’t until 1962 that he received his own individual comic series. Despite this, his popularity among superheroes remained relatively low until later on. Nevertheless, certain tales of Aquaman have been exceptional, while others might be better forgotten – or so we suggest. Here are our top choices for the finest Aquaman comics.
The Trench
In the New 52 relaunch, the comic series titled “The Trench” (Aquaman Volume 7, Issues #1–7) continues the storyline following the occurrences of Flashpoint. Although it’s not officially listed here, many consider this Aquaman story as one of the finest. Written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Ivan Reis, The Trench significantly enhances Aquaman’s image from a lesser-known superhero.
In a tranquil land-based existence, Arthur (Aquaman) and Mera find their peace disrupted when monstrous, sea predators with insectoid features rise from the depths, terrorizing coastal communities. As these creatures abduct people for food to serve their queen, Aquaman steps in. Concurrently, glimpses into Arthur Curry’s past unfold. New readers will find The Trench an engaging introduction to this mythos, as it delves into a fresh portrayal of Aquaman regaining his powers and heritage without requiring prior knowledge about him.
Aquaman Vol 1: The Drowning (Rebirth)
Back in 2017, I discovered Dan Abnett’s Aquaman Volume 1: The Drowning – a captivating opening act of the Rebirth saga that sets the foundation for his entire run (Volumes 1-5). As a fan, I found myself deeply immersed in this tale where Arthur Curry, the mighty Aquaman, finds himself straddling two realms, not just geographically but also politically.
As King of Atlantis, he strives to foster peace with the surface world by establishing an Atlantean embassy – a symbol of unity, aiming to dispel the misconception that Atlantis poses a threat. He yearns for this alliance to demonstrate his ability to bridge the chasm between land and ocean. Alas, instead of bringing harmony, tension escalates as protests against the embassy erupt among humans. This turbulent scenario not only adds drama but also keeps us readers on the edge of our seats!
Currently, the U.S. government harbors significant doubts about Aquaman’s intentions. Meanwhile, Black Manta is gearing up for another attack, fueled by his thirst for vengeance. Unfortunately for Arthur Curry, he just can’t seem to escape these troubles.
This graphic novel stands out due to its candid approach towards the traditional jokes about Aquaman’s powers, offering insights into how both the character and writers respond directly to such criticism. It also delves deeper into Arthur Curry’s relationship with Mera, highlighting why they are one of the most robust couples in the DC Universe. The narrative additionally explores themes of xenophobia, portraying it not only among common folk but also in political leaders, lending a sense of real-world relevance to the superhero’s struggles. In summary, this Aquaman comic is strong across the board and serves as an impressive addition to Dan Abnett’s series.
Death of a Prince
The storyline “Death of a Prince,” created in the 1970s, unfolds in Adventure Comics issues 435-437 and 441-455, as well as Aquaman issues 57-63. In this narrative arc, Aquaman is deposed from his throne by a newly established democratic council and labeled an enemy of the state due to the actions of a villain named Karshon, who orders Aquaman’s immediate execution upon sight. However, when Aquaman returns to investigate, he uncovers that Karshon is actually disguised as someone else. Naturally, Aquaman intends to bring down this evil mastermind.
Instead of taking back his kingdom, Arthur decides to devote himself entirely to superhero duties. However, misfortune befalls him when a malevolent force abducts his young son. Determined to rescue him, Aquaman will go to any lengths, although the title may not offer many unexpected twists. If you’re new to this character, you might want to delve into “Death of a Prince.” Finding it in print can be challenging, but this Silver Age tale is crucial reading for any serious Aquaman fan.
Time & Tide
In a notable turn in Aquaman’s storyline, spanning 46 issues across four years, Aquaman Volume 5 delved into a more somber, realistic portrayal of the character deeply rooted in mythology. The acclaimed writer behind this epic saga was Peter David, joined by artists such as Martin Egeland, Jim Calafiore, and others. However, it was Time & Tide that set the stage for this iconic run, making both Time & Tide and Volume 5 some of the must-read Aquaman comics in existence today.
The four editions of Time & Tide are narrated like a journal, delving into Arthur’s early life, starting with his unusual upbringing as an abandoned child raised by dolphins (a bit reminiscent of Tarzan), and progressing to his transformation into the champion of Atlantis. We also witness a dramatic, flashback-style encounter between Trickster and The Flash (Barry Allen), which leads Aquaman into a battle against this villain. This is typical comic book storytelling at its finest, with Peter David, renowned for crafting some of the best comic arcs in the industry, contributing significantly to it.
The Triton Saga
In one of the most captivating storylines from that 46-issue comic series, we delve deeper into Atlantis and mythology by introducing Triton, the Greek sea deity, as our primary villain. Making a grand entrance, he proclaims himself the true king of the oceans, a title that seems legitimately his considering he’s Poseidon’s son. It’s hard not to sympathize with his perspective, but there are certainly questionable tactics in his approach, such as dethroning Poseidon himself.
An epic confrontation unfolds as Aquaman finds himself at odds with Triton, leading to a devastating sea war. His primary goal is to safeguard his kingdom, but also maintain the equilibrium of underwater power dynamics. This battle is a struggle between legitimate rule and divine claim, and poor Atlantis finds itself right in the crossfire.
How we chose the best Aquaman comics
In our compilation, we’ve aimed to capture a diverse range of elements from throughout the series. You’ll find Silver Age classics, origin tales, and significant reboots. Our team of exceptional writers, some of whom are cherished by fans, have delivered compelling portrayals of a character often perceived as unremarkable in the past. If you admire a muscular hero with a hammer, imagine how grand our Sea King could be! Dive right in and enjoy the experience!
Read More
- Прогноз криптовалюты ENA: прогнозы цены ENA
- Прогноз криптовалюты SPX: прогнозы цены SPX
- Прогноз криптовалюты BTC: прогнозы цены биткоина
- Прогноз криптовалюты NEXO: прогнозы цены NEXO
- Прогноз криптовалюты FARTCOIN: прогнозы цены FARTCOIN
- VIRTUAL/USD
- Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 3 Release Date Estimate, News & Updates
- Bury Me When I’m Dead (2025) Movie Review
- Прогноз нефти
- Доллар обгонит индийскую рупию? Эксперты раскрыли неожиданный сценарий
2025-07-28 23:58