Cool Aquaman moments

Aquaman has a fairly wussy reputation.  DC knows this.  The writers know this.  You certainly know this, no matter how small your comic knowledge.  Well, the New 52 (the DC reboot about a year and a half ago) decided to do something about it.

Okay, I know that Aquaman has always done super manly stuff in his solo series for the 50ish years he’s been swimming around.  It’s not as if he snuggles with dolphins or makes rainbow collages out of starfish — the guy’s a powerful, respected ruler of anything wet and moist.  Unfortunately, one picture of Aquaman riding a seahorse and we forget quickly about him trident-stabbing hordes of mermen.

With the reboot, besides characters reminding the reader every other issue that they can’t believe Aquaman (real name Arthur Curry) saved them from certain death, Aquaman struggles with the whole being from two worlds and neither one terribly accepting thing.  It’s a classic literary plot, and it still holds up today.  But I don’t care about that.  Today, we’re just going to take a look at some awesome Aquaman moments from the past year or so.  I’m using the following:
Justice League #3-4, written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Jim Lee
Justice League #14-17, written by Johns and drawn by Tony S. Daniel, Ivan Reis, & Paul Pelletier
Aquaman #15-17, written by Johns and drawn by Pelletier

As you’ve realized, Johns remained instrumental in making Aquaman relevant in modern DC comics, but he’s been a genius for years.  First up, Aquaman’s premiere moment with the Justice League:

Cool, right?  Sexy stubble, giant weapon, and unapologetic confidence.  And that doesn’t even include embarrassing Green Lantern:

I didn’t even know sharks came that big.  By the way, next time someone gushes about Darkseid, remind him that we have literary proof of his minions being eaten by large fish.  But what I really want to talk about is the first Justice League crossover (which is DC’s flagship title).  Luckily, it was Aquaman-centric, called appropriately Throne of Atlantis.  Arthur’s brother attacks the surface world. He looks neat too, but I’m a sucker for fish-themed armor.

For reference, Aquaman abdicated his throne years ago, giving him the same political pull in Atlantis that say, Batman has.  Still, part of Aquaman’s coolness stems from his unabashed commands and orders.  Even to family.

A tricky political situation, certainly.  Since comics can’t have a group of seven people come together without some internal bashing, Aquaman fights the entire Justice League.  Context isn’t as important as pages like this:

I think some readers underestimate Aquaman’s strength.  The man can shrug off most bullets, swim crazy fast, and can easily punch as hard as Wonder Woman.  Though to be fair, Arthur certainly can’t do stuff like this:

And thus, the war begins.

Now, a lot happens between this page above and the one I’m about to show you.  Like two or three full fights worth, but you really just want to see Aquaman battle his brother, right?  Readers love the emotional struggle added to the whole physical mess.  Especially if the physical mess involves tridents.

Arthur’s next point takes a few reads to understand.  At least it did for me.

Beautiful full page punch.  Okay, from what I figure Aquaman meant, leaders lead a life of loneliness — whether that be from the heavy burden of constant major decisions or the inability to have others relate to one’s situation.  Aquaman figured he’d rather have friends than the oceans.  Too bad Orm ruined that.  Stupid obligations, right?

Darn tootin’.  You promise to make fun of Aquaman a little less now?  Like one fewer joke per week? Also, maybe you should read his ongoing series, which features all sorts of aquatic-based adventures and trident attacks.  And threatening whalers, because some things never change.