Aquaman

Origins

Aquaman, also known as Arthur Curry and Orin, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 in November 1941. Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo comic book series.

Character Biography

Aquaman's most widely recognized origin story is that he is the son of Atlanna, an Atlantean princess banished from Atlantis, and Tom Curry, a lighthouse keeper. Arthur Curry discovers his true heritage and accepts his role as Aquaman, the king of Atlantis, and protector of the world's oceans.

Powers and Abilities

Aquaman's most famous power is the telepathic ability to communicate with marine life, which he can summon from great distances. Although this power is most often and most easily used on marine life, Aquaman has at times demonstrated the ability to affect any being that lives upon the sea or even any being evolved from marine life.

Aquaman's abilities include superhuman strength, endurance, durability, reflexes, agility, and senses. He can swim at incredibly high speeds, resist the pressures of the deep ocean, and has a lifespan far greater than any normal human being.

Supporting Characters

Over the years, Aquaman has been supported by a cast of characters including his wife, Mera, and their son, Arthur Curry Jr., also known as Aquababy. Other supporting characters include Aqualad, a sidekick turned hero; Aquagirl, a love interest for Aqualad; and Vulko, a loyal adviser in the Atlantean court.

Villains

Aquaman's rogues' gallery includes villains such as Black Manta, Ocean Master, and The Fisherman. Black Manta, in particular, has been a constant threat, responsible for some of the most significant events in Aquaman's life, including the death of Aquababy.

In Other Media

Aquaman has been adapted for screen many times, first appearing in animated form in the 1967 The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure and then in the related Super Friends program. Since then, he has appeared in various animated productions, including prominent roles in the 2000s series Justice League and Justice League Unlimited and Batman: The Brave and the Bold, as well as several DC Universe Animated Original Movies.

In the DC Extended Universe, actor Jason Momoa portrays Aquaman. His first film appearance was in a cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, followed by a larger role in Justice League, and then a starring role in Aquaman.