For the longest time, Aquaman was viewed as something of a joke. Despite enjoying tremendous mystic and political power as King of Atlantis, he was dismissed as only talking to fish. However, the current DC All-In series just gave Arthur Curry a major power upgrade. This has made the King of the Seven Seas more formidable in anticipation of his introduction into the DCU.
Written by Jeremy Adams, with art by John Timms, the current Aquaman series took Arthur Curry in a cosmic direction. Seeking those responsible for destroying Atlantis, Curry became the avatar of a mystic force alternatively known as The Blue and The Clear. This is comparable to the connection between Swamp Thing and The Green, which binds all plant life in the universe. The Blue connects all water and all aquatic life in the same way.
The powers of Aquaman have always been tied to The Blue. However, his newfound status as an avatar has increased his existing powers and physicality considerably. This stronger connection to the Blue has also gifted Arthur Curry with increased awareness. Beyond giving him a perfect sense of direction, it also allows him to navigate the mystic currents within The Blue. This, in turn, lets him find a way home, in Aquaman #9, after his long journey through time and space.
How powerful is Aquaman now?
It is hard to quantify exactly how much more powerful Aquaman is with “the power of an infinite number of oceans” flowing through him. The Atlantean wizard Arion bluntly states that, “Put simply…he is a god.” This would seem an appropriate comparison given Arthur Curry’s newfound omniscience. Curry also speaks of feeling hurricanes before they happen and hearing “the cries of someone swimming leagues away.”
The most visible expression of Aquaman’s new power comes as he rejoins his Justice League allies, as they fight a possessed Superman. Not only does Arthur Curry manage to survive a punch from the Man of Steel, but he staggers Superman long enough for Arion to banish the demon. More than anything else, that feat of strength showcases how much Aquaman has changed. It also sets a new standard for the hero in future DCU cinematic adaptations.
Aquaman #9 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
