AQUAMAN: FROM THE GOLDEN AGE TO SILVER SPLENDOR
Golden Age Origins (1941–1946)
Aquaman made his first appearance in More Fun Comics #73 (Nov. 1941)—published by National Allied Publications (which would later become DC Comics). That same issue also introduced Green Arrow. Created by artist Paul Norris and writer Mort Weisinger, the Golden Age Aquaman debuted as a mysterious underwater hero who rescues survivors of a refugee ship torpedoed by a Nazi U-Boat.
After ensuring the survivors’ safety, Aquaman explains his origin:
His mother died when he was young, and his father—a renowned undersea explorer—devoted his life to unlocking the mysteries of the ocean. In a sunken city he believed to be Atlantis, he set up watertight quarters in one of the ancient palaces and used its advanced scientific knowledge to train his son. The boy gained the ability to survive underwater, enhanced strength and speed, and the power to communicate with marine life.
Throughout WWII and the remainder of the Golden Age, Aquaman fought Nazi threats and undersea villains like Black Jack and Master Sargasso. After issue #107 of More Fun Comics (Jan–Feb 1946), Aquaman’s stories continued in Adventure Comics.
Silver Age Reinvention (1956–1970s)
The Silver Age began with Showcase #4 (Oct. 1956), ushering in a modernized Aquaman and a revised backstory. In Adventure Comics #260 (May 1959), Aquaman intervenes in a U.S. Navy atomic test and reveals his updated origin.
His father, Tom Curry, a former sailor and lighthouse keeper, rescues a mysterious woman named Atlanna during a hurricane. They fall in love, marry, and have a son: Arthur. Even as a baby, Arthur shows incredible abilities—swimming like a fish, breathing underwater, and talking to sea creatures. As she lay dying, Atlanna reveals she is an exile from Atlantis, and Arthur has inherited her powers.
Aqualad, Mera & Aquababy Join the Scene
In Adventure Comics #269 (Feb 1960), Aquaman meets Aqualad (Garth), a purple-eyed Atlantean child exiled for his rare appearance. Though capable of living underwater, Garth suffers from ichthyophobia—a fear of fish. Aquaman helps him overcome this fear, and Garth chooses to stay by his side.
Mera makes her debut in Aquaman #11 (Sept 1963). The queen of a water-world in an alternate dimension, she flees a usurper through a dimensional rift into Aquaman’s world. With his and Aqualad’s help, she defeats her pursuer. Though she initially returns home, Mera soon returns—permanently.
By Aquaman #18 (Nov–Dec 1964), Mera marries Aquaman, who also becomes King of Atlantis. In issue #23 (Sept–Oct 1965), they welcome a son: Aquababy.
Enter Ocean Master: Family Ties Turned Rivalry
Aquaman’s most personal and enduring Silver Age enemy is the Ocean Master. In a flashback from Aquaman #29 (Sept–Oct 1966), Aquaman confronts this whale-poaching villain. Using a manta-shaped submarine, Ocean Master wages piracy, hijackings, and eco-terrorism across the seas.
In their second encounter, Ocean Master threatens global chaos unless the world’s navies stop hunting him. Aquaman refuses to harm him—and reveals the reason: Ocean Master is his half-brother, Orm. The son of Tom Curry and his second wife, Orm grew up jealous of Arthur’s powers. After suffering amnesia from a head injury, Orm’s hatred persisted—even as he forgot their connection. He reinvented himself as Ocean Master, and only Aquaman recognized him during their confrontation.
Aquaman Joins the Justice League
One of Aquaman’s major Silver Age milestones was becoming a founding member of the Justice League of America. Alongside Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, J’onn J’onzz, and Green Lantern, Aquaman united to battle a global alien invasion, solidifying his place among DC’s core heroes. He remained a regular presence in JLA comics throughout the 1960s.
