Though enjoyable enough as a backup feature, Aquaman soon found himself in the big leagues, appearing on a cover for the first time in March 1960’s The Brave and the Bold #28, the first appearance of the Justice League of America. At this time, Aquaman’s primary creative team was Robert Bernstein and Ramona Fradon, who remains one of the most fondly remembered artists ever to work on the character. Aquaman soon gained a friend in Garth, also known as Aqualad, who shared Aquaman’s powers and outsider status in Atlantean society. This issue introduced the beginnings of modern day Aquaman, revealing his name as Arthur Curry and that he was, in fact, the son of a lighthouse keeper and the lost queen of Atlantis. In this version, Aquaman gained his powers thanks to the genius of his father, an underwater explorer who discovered the secrets of Atlantis and transformed his son using that ancient knowledge.Īs comics evolved throughout the 1950’s, and Golden Age continuity gave way to Silver Age innovation, Aquaman gained a new origin in Adventure Comics #260 (May 1959). Along with his finny friends like Topo the Octopus, during this time Aquaman fought Nazis, charlatan sea wizards, and modern day pirates like his recurring foe Captain Jack Black.

Aquaman would go on to become a reliable back-up feature, appearing in World’s Finest Comics and Adventure Comics throughout the 40’s and 50’s. What new Aqua-fans might not know is that Aquaman has starred in many great stories before Brightest Day and Johns’ solo run on the character.Īquaman first appeared in More Fun Comics #73, published in November 1941, in a story written by Mort Weisinger and illustrated by Paul Norris (incidentally, More Fun #73 was also the first appearance of Green Arrow!). Few characters have benefited from the New 52 like Aquaman, who under the pen of Geoff Johns and his successors has become a runaway hit, with stellar arcs like “The Others” and “Throne of Atlantis.” In the art department, Ivan Reis has earned his place as one of the premier Aqua-artists of all time.

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