might've been delayed — again — but the King of Atlantis is still very much relevant. The film is one of DC's most anticipated releases, especially considering the turmoil the studio has been in for some time.
It's divine justice that Aquaman would find himself as the savior of the DC Universe. After all, he spent years being the underdog and butt of the joke, despite starring in some genuinely great comic book storylines. Indeed, Aquaman might not be as cool as Batman or Superman, but he's had his fair share of iconic adventures.
JLA: Year One (1998)
it would be unfair to call JLA: Year One an Aquaman story; it isn't. However, by showcasing his place as a part of DC's most important team, the storyline reveals more about Aquaman's character and role than many comics that have his name on them.
Aquaman is a crucial part of the Justice League. However, he has spent years, decades even, outshined by the DC Trinity and the likes of Green Lantern and Flash. JLA: Year One puts some much-needed respect on his name, mainly because the DC Trinity's absence allows for a deeper exploration of everyone else. In reframing the League's origins without its most recognizable heroes, Year One finds new value in its other .
Flashpoint (2011)
Flashpoint is one of the all-time best Flash storylines in the comics. However, it's also a genuinely great Aquaman story, casting the King of Atlantis in an antagonistic role without turning him into a villain. Flashpoint's Aquaman is brutal, decisive, and overwhelming. His shadow looms large over the storyline, even when he's not on the — which, in all fairness, is most of the time, as he plays a ing role.
Narratively speaking, Flashpoint was nothing but DC's attempt to relaunch its convoluted universe. However, it also successfully presented a new and fascinating side to a character whom most people considered boring and unimportant. By showing Aquaman's ruthless side, Flashpoint redefined him for the new age.
Thicker Than Water (1986)
Aquaman's traditional orange costume is a large part of its legacy, for better and worse. Thus, seeing him lose the bright orange for a subdued blue was shocking, depriving Aquaman of some of his star factor. However, Thicker Than Water is an otherwise great storyline and showcase for Aquaman and his long-time rival, Ocean Master.
The Shakesperean-like relationship between Aquaman and Orm is one of the most compelling parts of their stories. The plot might follow a by-the-numbers good versus evil trope, but the thoughtful exploration of Arthur and Orm's dynamic is enough to place this storyline as one of Aquaman's all-time best.
Sword Of Atlantis (2006)
DC is famous for ing the baton between characters. Sword of Atlantis focuses on the second Aquaman, Arthur Joseph Curry, placing him in a classic hero's journey of self-discovery. The Atlantis in Sword of Atlantis is a lawless, medieval-like kingdom of bandits, desperate for a firm hand to guide it out of the darkness. The storyline embraces fantasy like never before, turning Aquaman into an Arthurian-like figure.
Like many of his other stories, Sword of Atlantis is also a showcase for another character. It's one of the best King Shark storylines in DC Comics, a much-needed way to shine a light on the otherwise underrated figure.
Drowned Earth (2018)
Seldom does Aquaman get the chance to be the star of a Justice League storyline. Drowned Earth is the clear exception, putting him front and center in a far-reaching conflict with potentially catastrophic consequences. The storyline makes full and excellent use of Aquaman's wide cast of ing characters and intriguing lore, blending DC's surface and sea worlds better than ever before.
Drowned Earth goes beyond, including most of DC's prominent teams and characters. Thus, Aquaman's corner of the DC Universe received an important revamp, reminding fans that the King of Atlantis was a force to be reckoned with alongside the likes of Superman and Wonder Woman.
The Triton Saga (1998)
When asked who Aquaman's greatest foe is, most fans might reply with Ocean Master or Black Manta. However, Triton also gave the King of Atlantis a run for his money, and The Triton Saga stands as one of the all-time best Aquaman storylines.
On the surface, The Triton Saga is another story of an evil man trying to take over the Seven Seas. However, the five-issue saga showcases all of Arthur's best qualities as a hero while also cementing him as the most important figure in the ocean corner of the DC. The Triton Saga is Aquaman at his best as both hero and monarch, making it one of his brightest moments in the DC canon.
Death Of A Prince (1974-1978)
DC Comics is famous for featuring numerous sad moments, and for kicking its heroes when they're down. Such is the case for Death of a Prince, arguably the worst period in Aquaman's life.
Death of a Prince was a long and layered exploration of Aquaman's role in the DC Universe. He goes through hell fighting Black Manta — who established himself as his greatest foe — and a seemingly endless parade of minor villains. The storyline reaches its emotional climax when Manta kills Arthur and Mera's son, a dark event keeping with the Bronze Age's sensibilities. Death of a Prince was so popular that it revived the Aquaman solo series, proving to readers that there was more to the King of Atlantis than just riding a seahorse.
The Trench (2012)
The Trench was the storyline that defined Aquaman as a cool hero. No longer the butt of the joke, the King of Atlantis' run on The New 52 saw him rise as an action man. The Trench takes a semi-meta approach to Aquaman, acknowledging the jokes made at his expense while actively disproving them. It also introduced the titular cannibalistic race of ocean-dwellers, giving the storyline a horror twist that no one saw coming.
Aquaman was one of the undeniable winners of The New 52 initiative, and it's largely thanks to its iconic first storyline. The Trench was to star in a project of its own; alas, it was seemingly canceled, sent to the spin-off development hell.
American Tidal (2004)
Blending elements of fantasy and sci-fi, American Tidal is among the most original stories in modern-day DC. Exiled from Atlantis, Aquaman finds a new home in the recently-submerged city of San Diego, now named Sub-Diego. With a hand made out of water and in search of a new purpose, Aquaman must learn to adapt to his new life.
American Tidal is a fish-out-of-water storyline. By entering uncharted territory and adapting to a new reality, Aquaman rediscovers himself and what it means to be a hero and a king. American Tidal places more importance on Aquaman's royal background than ever before, concluding that he is a king first and a hero second.
The Crown Comes Down (2018)
Aquaman's lore is inherently intertwined with one major location — Atlantis — and one main character — Mera. The Crown Comes Down juggles all three with enviable expertise, crafting a story that portrays Aquaman as DC's once and future king.
Unafraid to ask questions that it might not answer, The Crown Comes Down is a fearless exploration of commitment, duty, and honor, themes seldomly explored in Aquaman's stories despite going hand-in-hand with his character. By showcasing Atlantis and Mera, The Crown Comes Down depicts arguably the most comprehensive version of Aquaman.