Issue Description

Aquaman's quest for the missing Mera continues! After returning from the Sorcerers empty-handed, Aquaman consults an undersea traveler about the strange five-sided ring he saw on the abductor's hand. The traveler's directions send Aquaman into the dark Depths and toward a strange new threat!

A crestfallen Aquaman returns to Atlantis. It has been nearly a week since his wife , Queen Mera, was abducted. To date, his search for her has been fruitless. The only clue he has to her abductor's identity is the image of a ring with a five-sided stone. Aquaman consults with Narkran, his first deputy and the man he left in charge of Atlantis during his absence. There has been no ransom demand. No word at all about Mera. Aquaman next turns to Zancol, an aged Atlantean who is said to have visited all points of interest beneath the seas. Zancol identifies the ring as one worn by the Maarzons, savage tribesmen who occupy a colony some three days out from Atlantis. Aquaman departs immediately for the Maarzon colony. To shave two days off of his journey, Aquaman elects to travel through an area of the sea, known by the Atlanteans as "The Depths". The Depths are largely uncharted, and the dangers that lie within are unknown. These factors do not deter Aquaman from his course. As he descends into the Depths, the sea grows cold and the light goes from dim to darkness. Aquaman's passage through the Depths does not go unnoticed. On a ridge above him lurk humpbacked humanoids with yellow skin and dark spots. Through their antennae they issue forth a telepathic command to a particularly vicious breed of fish. The fish are sent out in wave after wave to devour the intruder, Aquaman. Aquaman spies the schools of fish descending on him and issues forth his own telepathic commands to turn back. They do not. His only choice is to outrun them. To that end, he rides his steed, Storm, hard, through the Depths.

The fish are almost upon Aquaman when they suddenly slow their pursuit and, ultimately, turn back. Aquaman surmises that the fish fear whatever lies ahead of him, in the Depths. Deeper still travels the King of the Seas. Suddenly, the ink black darkness gives way to illumination. Over the next ridge Aquaman discovers a hidden colony. It's inhabitants are a beautiful looking people who seem to live in harmony with enormous sea monsters. The creatures are phosphorescent, providing the colonists with light and heat. The people take no mind of Aquaman's presence, virtually ignoring him. A scream breaks the silence. Aquaman sees one of the creatures bearing down on a young girl. None of the colonists move to help her, nor react in any fashion. Aquaman leaps into the fray. He tears the horn free from one of the creatures, then uses it to stab the monster to death. The colonists seem puzzled by Aquaman's actions. Then their eyes fix on him with anger and hatred. A trio of men, each possessing enormous strength, grab Aquaman, and haul him before the colonist's adjudicator. Aquaman must stand trial for his crime.

Though he cannot understand their language, Aquaman is quick to surmise his dilemma. Clearly, the killing of the sea beast is considered a criminal act among the colonists. Even the girl whose life he saved shows nothing but contempt for Aquaman. The adjudicator fixes a strange device on Aquaman. Aquaman fears that he's about to be executed, but the "weapon" only projects images into his mind. The history of the colony plays out in his mind's eye. The colonists maintain a symbiotic relationship with the creatures. The creatures provide light and heat for the colonists and their crops. In return, the colonists allow themselves to be used as sustenance for the creatures. Horrified, Aquaman is led away to a cage. As his captors fumble with the cage door, Aquaman breaks free, and subdues the two men who were holding him. He makes a run for his seahorse. The colonists close on him too swiftly, however, and Aquaman has no choice but to turn and fight his way out. Picking up the broken horn he had used to slay the monster, Aquaman begins furiously clubbing his way through the colonists. Meanwhile, back in Atlantis, Aqualad, who is still recovering from a terrible sword wound, somehow senses his mentor's peril. He makes an attempt to leave the Atlantean hospital, but is subdued by the hospital staff. Back in the Depths, Aquaman switchs tactics. Using his telepathic control over marine life, Aquaman draws one of the creatures to him. Leaping onto it's back, Aquaman raises the horn and threatens to impale the creature. The colonists back away. Aquaman rides the monster out to where he left his steed, Storm. Switching mounts, Aquaman leaves the colony behind, and proceeds onward to Maarzon.

Aquaman

Publisher

DC Comics

Volume Description

Aquaman (Volume 1)

Starring: Arthur Curry as Aquaman and Aqualad.

Aquaman, the King of the Seven Seas, takes the plunge into his very own series. As the King of Atlantis, Aquaman protects not only his people but also all of Earth's oceans from any threat! This volume was important for a number of reasons. Mera was introduced as a character and a Superhero wedding (Aquaman and Mera) occurred in issue 18. Aquababy (Arthur Jr) was born in issue 22. Aquagirl (Tula) was a new character (33) and she became a love interest for Garth. Ocean Master was introduced as Aquaman's Half-brother in issue 29 and Black Manta became one of Aquaman's greates villains starting with issue 35 which included the Manta Men. Issue 40 began a multi-issue stor arc entitled the Quest for Mera and it concluded with issue 48. Aquaman had journey's to the land of the Maarzon's and to the surface world during his quest. Aquaman put Narkron in charge and he became a dictator which led to a Revolution in issue 47. The Bugala was introduced in issue 43 as was Aqualad dealing with the creature without Aquaman. Issue 46 was unique becaus it presented the same story as issue 45 but from Mera's perspective. Issue 49 reintroduced Phil Dawson, whom Aquaman met in issue 49 and very shrewdly had a picture of Deadman carved into the rocks under the ocean as a shadowing of his back-up role in issues 50-52. Those issues offered us the artwork of Neal Adams and the Deadman stories crossed over with the Aquaman lead story. Issue 54 brought Aquaman against the Crime Organization he battled in issues 44-46 and a new villain was unleashed, Thanatos. Issue 56 ended Aquaman's Title but when he was given it back in 1977, it started with issue 57. This storyline picked up where Adventure 452 left off. Aquaman went after Black Manta, thinking his son was dead. Cal Durham has a change of heart and starts turning for the good. Issues 58-60 had a Mera back-up story as she went to her own dimension of Xebel to find a device to safe Arthur Jr. Vulko told Mera in issue 58 that he was still alive. When Mera returned in Issue 60, Vulko told her that Arthur died. Issues 58-60 included such villains as Fisherman, Scavenger, and Kobra. It also included the origin of Aquaman in issue 58. Issue 61 had Batman and Green Lantern guest star as they battled Kobra. The issue ended with Batman yelling at Aquaman because Kobra got away and Aquaman swimming away from him. They later came to blows in Brave and the Bold 142. The funeral happened in issue 62 and Aqualad (after uncovering issues from his past in Adv. 453-455)

decided that he needed to meet with Aquaman face to face. Mera blames Aquaman for the death of their son but the reconcile at the end of the story and after the robot villain was defeated. The last panel left the cliffhanger that Ocean Master was behind the robot. Issue 63 ended this solo run which included a reunion with Aqualad, a journey to the ancient city of Atlantis and a battle with Ocean Master. When DC expanded the pages of their books, the Martian Manhunter was going to back-up Aquaman, but with the cancellation of half of DC's line of books, the Sea King lost out.

Collected EditionsShowcase Presents: Aquaman Vol. 1 (Adventure Comics #260-280, 282, 284; Aquaman #1-6; Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane #12; Showcase #30-33;Detective Comics #293-300; Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen #55; World's Finest Comics #125-129)Showcase Presents: Aquaman Vol. 2 (Aquaman#7-23, World's Finest #130-133, #135, #137 and #139 and The Brave and the Bold #51)Showcase Presents: Aquaman Vol. 3 (AQUAMAN #24-39, THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #73 and a story from SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN #115)Aquaman: Death of a Prince (Adventure Comics #435-437, 441-455 and Aquaman #57-63)

Note: Although canceled in the early 1970s, the series was subsequently revived as a part of the DC Explosion. It was canceled once again approximately one year later.

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