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DC Anniversary Celebrations
Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years
Celebrate more than seven decades of the ruler of the seas, king of Atlantis, and Justice League team member: Aquaman! Since his debut in 1941, Aquaman has defeated villains and saved the world on land and in the ocean, and this anthology collects his brightest and darkest moments in the definitive look at his history as a DC Comics superhero. Whether it's Orin or Arthur Curry, Aquaman is a beloved and timeless hero, and we're pleased to present this collection in honor of his 75th Anniversary.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published November 3, 2016
16 people are currently reading
886 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,718 books2,408 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 3, 2019
A historical overview of Aquaman's development as a comic book character.
MY GRADE: C plus.
MY GRADE: C plus.
January 31, 2019
É uma coletânea que trás as primeiras histórias desde a criação do #Aquaman. Vale muito para os fãs e para quem simplesmente começou a se interessar pelo personagem após o sucesso do filme e quer saber ou conhecer um pouco mais a história do super-heróis. Tem bons momentos (e alguns bem ruins) a serem lembrados nestes 75 anos. E vale lembrar que a fase atual que vem sendo publicada no Brasil (recém lançaram o volume 6 de Aquaman "pós-rebirth") está muito boa.
August 9, 2017
Great anthology, particularly in the early 1940s trio of short stories.
I do wish a tale from Kurt Busiek had been in here, but that was a rethinking perhaps too much for this still-good anthology.
Recommended.
I do wish a tale from Kurt Busiek had been in here, but that was a rethinking perhaps too much for this still-good anthology.
Recommended.
March 29, 2025
Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years
An interesting overview of the somewhat potted history of the Lord of the Seven Seas. The artwork is of variable quality and certainly is a product of its time, but the stories showcased here really work to highlight Aquaman's dramatic potential.
A good book to introduce new readers to the character.
An interesting overview of the somewhat potted history of the Lord of the Seven Seas. The artwork is of variable quality and certainly is a product of its time, but the stories showcased here really work to highlight Aquaman's dramatic potential.
A good book to introduce new readers to the character.
December 1, 2023
Aquaman desde mi niñez ha sido un gusto culposo. Lo recuerdo más por las caricaturas que por los cómics de los cuales habré leído unos pocos. Este año decidí aventurarme en las profundidades del mar y leer todo Aquaman. La lectura fue desde su primera aparición en “More Fun Comics” en noviembre de 1941 hasta el número más reciente que se publica en The Brave and The Bold de enero de 2024.
Fue un viaje por 82 años de Aquaman en 849 cómics.
Adicionalmente y como complemento al universo de Aquaman leí Las Crónicas de la Atlántida, las aventuras de Arion Lord of Atlantis y la de los Sea Devils todo esto sumó 117 cómics más.
Después de esta larguísima travesía me quedo con un sabor agridulce en la boca. Es evidente que la mayoría de las manos por las que el personaje ha pasado han sido de pésimos escritores, dibujantes y editores que poco o nada les ha importado. Son realmente muy pocos a los que se les nota el cariño por Aquaman.
Creo que a diferencia de muchos otros superhéroes, Aquaman aún tiene mucho camino por recorrer. En las manos correctas y con el potencial que aún le queda, podría llegar a dar muchas sorpresas agradables.
¿Qué recomiendo leer de Aquaman?
Definitivamente los cómics dibujados por Ramona Fradon y Jim Aparo de los años 60´s y 70´s, la primera parte del volumen 8 (2016 a 2018) y Aquaman Andrómeda del 2022. Y si alguien se inclina además por las aventuras épicas y/o de magia entonces el primer arco del volumen 6 y las Crónicas de la Atlántida.
Hay mucha basura en los cómics de Aquaman, mucho en lo que no vale perder el tiempo, pero particularmente los volúmenes 4 y 5 no hay que leerlos. Es difícil imaginar algo tan mal escrito y tan mal dibujado.
Una petición especial: Ya maten-borren-destruyan a Black Manta. Es imperativo que el personaje salga del universo de Aquaman sin posibilidad alguna de retorno.
Aquí mis calificaciones parciales de 0 a 10 estrellas:
Aquaman 1941 - 1961 - 7 estrellas - Ingenuo en el mejor sentido de la palabra.
Aquaman Volumen 1 - 7 estrellas - El dibujo de Ramona Fradon es una joya.
Aquaman 1978 - 1983 - 6 estrellas - El dibujo de Jim Aparo otra joya a pesar de que las historias dejan mucho que desear.
Aquaman Volumen 2 - 8 estrellas - Me parece que es el volumen incomprendido de Aquaman.
Aquaman Spirit & Flesh - 6 estrellas - ¿Era necesario?
Aquaman Volumen 3 - 5 estrellas - Absurdo.
Arion, Lord of Atlantis - 4 estrellas - Muy aburrido y repetitivo.
Crónicas de la Atlántida - 9 estrellas - Una historia impecable y un dibujo a la altura.
Sea Devils - 6 estrellas - Historias que supongo funcionaron mejor en el tiempo que fueron publicadas.
Aquaman Volumen 4 - 2 estrellas - La historia y el dibujo son basura.
Aquaman Time & Tide - 4 estrellas - Absurdo, no parece escrito por la misma persona que las Crónicas de la Atlántida.
Aquaman Volumen 5 - 0 estrellas - Historias malísimas, erráticas, caóticas, absurdas y pretenciosas. El peor momento de Aquaman
Tempest - 5 estrellas - Más de lo mismo.
Obsidian Age - 6 estrellas
Aquaman Volumen 6 - 6 estrellas - Los dos primeros arcos son bastante entretenidos. El último comienza mal y termina peor.
Blackest Night - 4 estrellas - ¿Y la continuidad y coherencia con el universo de Aquaman?
Brightest Day - y estrellas - Una buena manera de reiniciar al personaje y preparar el siguiente volumen.
Aquaman Flashpoint - 5 estrellas - Aburrido.
Aquaman Volumen 7 - 5 estrellas - No me termina de gustar lo que hace Joffs con Aquaman. Me desagrada mucho la manera como reescribe la historia de la Atlántida ¿ignorancia o arrogancia? Los Otros no funcionan, son solo una colección de personajes genéricos que no aportan nada. Lo único que le aplaudo es lo que hace con Ocean Master.
Aquaman and the others - 2 estrellas - Malo, casi malísimo.
Aquaman Convergence - 6 estrellas - Ni bueno ni malo.
Aquaman 75 years - 7 estrellas - Para quien no ha leído Aquaman, es una buena manera de conocer un poco al personaje.
Aquaman Volumen 8 (Los primeros 38 números) - 9 estrellas. Creo que es uno de los mejores momentos de Aquaman.
Aquaman Volumen 8 (El resto del volumen) - 6 estrellas - Drowned Earth y Suicide Squad me parecen completamente fallidas y lo demás solo relleno.
Mera Queen of Atlantis - 7 estrellas - Un buen complemento a la primera parte del volumen 8.
Mera Tidebreaker - 6 estrellas - Una aproximación curiosa al personaje y al universo de Aquaman.
Aquaman Future State - 4 estrellas - No sé si los multiuniversos funcionan con otros superhéroes, en Aquaman definitivamente no.
Aquaman Deep Dives - 3 estrellas - Historias genéricas de relleno que en realidad no cuentan nada.
Aquaman The Becoming - 5 estrellas - No me parece la forma adecuada de hacer más “complejo” a un personaje.
Aquaman Andromeda - 8 estrellas - Una propuesta interesante.
Aquaman & Green Arrow - Deep Target - 2 estrellas - Este cómic es el triste resultado de mezclar a un escritor mediocre y sin talento y a un editor que no lee lo que publica.
Aquamen - 0 estrellas - Quien escribió esta historia no tiene idea el universo de Aquaman.
Aquaman 80 Anniversary - 3 estrellas - Un número de aniversario no lo puedes llenar de historias sosas
Black Manta - 0 estrellas - La única oportunidad que han tenido para reivindicar y explicar al personaje y la desperdiciaron por completo.
Aquaman & The Flash - Voidsong - 3 estrellas - ¿Cómo es posible que sigan escribiendo este tipo de historias en 2023?
Aquaman Lazarus Planet - 5 estrellas - A la espera de ver como se desarrolla la historia.
Aquaman and the Lost Kindom - 0 estrellas - Ni como “preludio” a la película funciona.
Historias de Aquaman fuera de sus volúmenes - 5 estrellas - Es evidente el desdén del personaje por la editorial.
En resumen, Aquaman 1941-2023 - 6.5 estrellas.
Fue un viaje por 82 años de Aquaman en 849 cómics.
Adicionalmente y como complemento al universo de Aquaman leí Las Crónicas de la Atlántida, las aventuras de Arion Lord of Atlantis y la de los Sea Devils todo esto sumó 117 cómics más.
Después de esta larguísima travesía me quedo con un sabor agridulce en la boca. Es evidente que la mayoría de las manos por las que el personaje ha pasado han sido de pésimos escritores, dibujantes y editores que poco o nada les ha importado. Son realmente muy pocos a los que se les nota el cariño por Aquaman.
Creo que a diferencia de muchos otros superhéroes, Aquaman aún tiene mucho camino por recorrer. En las manos correctas y con el potencial que aún le queda, podría llegar a dar muchas sorpresas agradables.
¿Qué recomiendo leer de Aquaman?
Definitivamente los cómics dibujados por Ramona Fradon y Jim Aparo de los años 60´s y 70´s, la primera parte del volumen 8 (2016 a 2018) y Aquaman Andrómeda del 2022. Y si alguien se inclina además por las aventuras épicas y/o de magia entonces el primer arco del volumen 6 y las Crónicas de la Atlántida.
Hay mucha basura en los cómics de Aquaman, mucho en lo que no vale perder el tiempo, pero particularmente los volúmenes 4 y 5 no hay que leerlos. Es difícil imaginar algo tan mal escrito y tan mal dibujado.
Una petición especial: Ya maten-borren-destruyan a Black Manta. Es imperativo que el personaje salga del universo de Aquaman sin posibilidad alguna de retorno.
Aquí mis calificaciones parciales de 0 a 10 estrellas:
Aquaman 1941 - 1961 - 7 estrellas - Ingenuo en el mejor sentido de la palabra.
Aquaman Volumen 1 - 7 estrellas - El dibujo de Ramona Fradon es una joya.
Aquaman 1978 - 1983 - 6 estrellas - El dibujo de Jim Aparo otra joya a pesar de que las historias dejan mucho que desear.
Aquaman Volumen 2 - 8 estrellas - Me parece que es el volumen incomprendido de Aquaman.
Aquaman Spirit & Flesh - 6 estrellas - ¿Era necesario?
Aquaman Volumen 3 - 5 estrellas - Absurdo.
Arion, Lord of Atlantis - 4 estrellas - Muy aburrido y repetitivo.
Crónicas de la Atlántida - 9 estrellas - Una historia impecable y un dibujo a la altura.
Sea Devils - 6 estrellas - Historias que supongo funcionaron mejor en el tiempo que fueron publicadas.
Aquaman Volumen 4 - 2 estrellas - La historia y el dibujo son basura.
Aquaman Time & Tide - 4 estrellas - Absurdo, no parece escrito por la misma persona que las Crónicas de la Atlántida.
Aquaman Volumen 5 - 0 estrellas - Historias malísimas, erráticas, caóticas, absurdas y pretenciosas. El peor momento de Aquaman
Tempest - 5 estrellas - Más de lo mismo.
Obsidian Age - 6 estrellas
Aquaman Volumen 6 - 6 estrellas - Los dos primeros arcos son bastante entretenidos. El último comienza mal y termina peor.
Blackest Night - 4 estrellas - ¿Y la continuidad y coherencia con el universo de Aquaman?
Brightest Day - y estrellas - Una buena manera de reiniciar al personaje y preparar el siguiente volumen.
Aquaman Flashpoint - 5 estrellas - Aburrido.
Aquaman Volumen 7 - 5 estrellas - No me termina de gustar lo que hace Joffs con Aquaman. Me desagrada mucho la manera como reescribe la historia de la Atlántida ¿ignorancia o arrogancia? Los Otros no funcionan, son solo una colección de personajes genéricos que no aportan nada. Lo único que le aplaudo es lo que hace con Ocean Master.
Aquaman and the others - 2 estrellas - Malo, casi malísimo.
Aquaman Convergence - 6 estrellas - Ni bueno ni malo.
Aquaman 75 years - 7 estrellas - Para quien no ha leído Aquaman, es una buena manera de conocer un poco al personaje.
Aquaman Volumen 8 (Los primeros 38 números) - 9 estrellas. Creo que es uno de los mejores momentos de Aquaman.
Aquaman Volumen 8 (El resto del volumen) - 6 estrellas - Drowned Earth y Suicide Squad me parecen completamente fallidas y lo demás solo relleno.
Mera Queen of Atlantis - 7 estrellas - Un buen complemento a la primera parte del volumen 8.
Mera Tidebreaker - 6 estrellas - Una aproximación curiosa al personaje y al universo de Aquaman.
Aquaman Future State - 4 estrellas - No sé si los multiuniversos funcionan con otros superhéroes, en Aquaman definitivamente no.
Aquaman Deep Dives - 3 estrellas - Historias genéricas de relleno que en realidad no cuentan nada.
Aquaman The Becoming - 5 estrellas - No me parece la forma adecuada de hacer más “complejo” a un personaje.
Aquaman Andromeda - 8 estrellas - Una propuesta interesante.
Aquaman & Green Arrow - Deep Target - 2 estrellas - Este cómic es el triste resultado de mezclar a un escritor mediocre y sin talento y a un editor que no lee lo que publica.
Aquamen - 0 estrellas - Quien escribió esta historia no tiene idea el universo de Aquaman.
Aquaman 80 Anniversary - 3 estrellas - Un número de aniversario no lo puedes llenar de historias sosas
Black Manta - 0 estrellas - La única oportunidad que han tenido para reivindicar y explicar al personaje y la desperdiciaron por completo.
Aquaman & The Flash - Voidsong - 3 estrellas - ¿Cómo es posible que sigan escribiendo este tipo de historias en 2023?
Aquaman Lazarus Planet - 5 estrellas - A la espera de ver como se desarrolla la historia.
Aquaman and the Lost Kindom - 0 estrellas - Ni como “preludio” a la película funciona.
Historias de Aquaman fuera de sus volúmenes - 5 estrellas - Es evidente el desdén del personaje por la editorial.
En resumen, Aquaman 1941-2023 - 6.5 estrellas.
April 14, 2025
OK, so right off the rip, I hated this comic. But I hated it in two unrelated, very specific ways.
First off, what I learned from this volume was that I don't really like Aquaman. This book is a 75-year retrospective, kind of an 'Aquaman's Greatest Hits' volume, and it seemed, to me, to be an efficient way to learn a lot about a character I knew next to NOTHING about. What I learned was that a merman is not a hero that I particularly resonate with, and stories that take place exclusively in the ocean can be pretty excruciatingly boring. It's also worth noting that Marvel's take on an Atlantean prince, Namor, the Sub-Mariner, is like 10 times more interesting. But that's not the reason for the low rating. Complaining that Aquaman is in Aquaman-style stories seems unfair, after all. Clearly, he has SOME fans, because they've been making the comic for 75 years, so maybe it's just not for me.
No, the problem with this book was the way the stories were selected. What I was anticipating was an anthology that presented GREAT AQUAMAN STORIES. As I said before, a Greatest-Hits-type compilation. This was not that. This was a selection of stories that hit the major milestones of his life: his (various) origins, his wife Mera, the genesis of side-characters like Aqualad, Aquagirl, and Aquababy, the death of Aquababy, the loss of his hand, his ascension to the throne of Atlantis, him losing that same throne, etc. Most villains from his rogue's gallery got a single appearance. The problem with this is that no attention was paid to whether ANY of these stories worked as a stand-alone. This wasn't a problem with the earlier stories, since that was how comics were written back then, but it was a HUGE issue in every story from the late 70's on. You'd join a narrative in media res, see a single chapter of it, see some major milestone in Aquaman's saga, and end on a cliffhanger, before skipping forward 5 more years.
The point of this anthology isn't to present a selection of terrific Aquaman stories. It feels like something put together for a undergrad-level college class on Aquaman, where the point isn't to delight and entertain, but to inform. Like, I feel pretty prepared for a final exam on the subject of Aquaman's life, but I didn't have much fun reading it. Presenting literature as a thing to be learned about, rather than a thing to entertain, is the WORST think you can do to it. Making me feel like I was having an epic adventure spoon-fed to me, piece-meal, by an editor that wasn't concerned whether I liked it, as long as I learned the course material, is about the worst thing a comic book can do.
One of the worst bound-editions I've ever read of any comic, ever.
First off, what I learned from this volume was that I don't really like Aquaman. This book is a 75-year retrospective, kind of an 'Aquaman's Greatest Hits' volume, and it seemed, to me, to be an efficient way to learn a lot about a character I knew next to NOTHING about. What I learned was that a merman is not a hero that I particularly resonate with, and stories that take place exclusively in the ocean can be pretty excruciatingly boring. It's also worth noting that Marvel's take on an Atlantean prince, Namor, the Sub-Mariner, is like 10 times more interesting. But that's not the reason for the low rating. Complaining that Aquaman is in Aquaman-style stories seems unfair, after all. Clearly, he has SOME fans, because they've been making the comic for 75 years, so maybe it's just not for me.
No, the problem with this book was the way the stories were selected. What I was anticipating was an anthology that presented GREAT AQUAMAN STORIES. As I said before, a Greatest-Hits-type compilation. This was not that. This was a selection of stories that hit the major milestones of his life: his (various) origins, his wife Mera, the genesis of side-characters like Aqualad, Aquagirl, and Aquababy, the death of Aquababy, the loss of his hand, his ascension to the throne of Atlantis, him losing that same throne, etc. Most villains from his rogue's gallery got a single appearance. The problem with this is that no attention was paid to whether ANY of these stories worked as a stand-alone. This wasn't a problem with the earlier stories, since that was how comics were written back then, but it was a HUGE issue in every story from the late 70's on. You'd join a narrative in media res, see a single chapter of it, see some major milestone in Aquaman's saga, and end on a cliffhanger, before skipping forward 5 more years.
The point of this anthology isn't to present a selection of terrific Aquaman stories. It feels like something put together for a undergrad-level college class on Aquaman, where the point isn't to delight and entertain, but to inform. Like, I feel pretty prepared for a final exam on the subject of Aquaman's life, but I didn't have much fun reading it. Presenting literature as a thing to be learned about, rather than a thing to entertain, is the WORST think you can do to it. Making me feel like I was having an epic adventure spoon-fed to me, piece-meal, by an editor that wasn't concerned whether I liked it, as long as I learned the course material, is about the worst thing a comic book can do.
One of the worst bound-editions I've ever read of any comic, ever.
July 13, 2018
Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years is a compilation of some of the best representative of Aquaman stories over the years to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary debut of the King of the Seven Seas (2016). This collection features Aquaman in all his many guises throughout the years.
This anthology is divided into four sections or more precisely comic eras. The sections are: Golden Age, Silver/Bronze Ages, Modern Age, and Rebooted Age of Comics. It was rather interesting to see how Aquaman's evolution through the years from King of Atlantis to Atlantean Warrior and everything in-between.
As a whole, Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years is a somewhat balanced book, while there are more issues from the Golden Age of Comics – they are typically shorter so it evens out. This anthology served its purpose – giving the reader a nice perception of each era that Aquaman has appeared in – a reflection of the times.
Story selection must have been difficult to say the least. Aquaman has a long and varied history and has been featured or cameos in many stories over many titles and it is no easy feat to pick out the best or favorite from the masses. The thing is those measuring sticks are subjective and will never reach perfect consensus. Actually, we all can agree that in an anniversary collection like this, we could all agree on one story: More Fun Comics #73 – the first appearance of Aquaman – the rest is debatable.
Regardless, I think the editors picked a somewhat nice selection, would I swapped some stories out for others – sure I have my favorites, but it is difficult if not impossible to please everyone, since everyone is different. On the whole I was really happy of which stories were presented.
All in all, I think Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years is a wonderful selection of stories over the three-quarters of a century that the King of the Seven Seas has been around. It is a good anthology for both the avid and subdued fan alike. However, for the newly initiated I would recommend a collection that is more substantial and cohesive.
This anthology is divided into four sections or more precisely comic eras. The sections are: Golden Age, Silver/Bronze Ages, Modern Age, and Rebooted Age of Comics. It was rather interesting to see how Aquaman's evolution through the years from King of Atlantis to Atlantean Warrior and everything in-between.
As a whole, Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years is a somewhat balanced book, while there are more issues from the Golden Age of Comics – they are typically shorter so it evens out. This anthology served its purpose – giving the reader a nice perception of each era that Aquaman has appeared in – a reflection of the times.
Story selection must have been difficult to say the least. Aquaman has a long and varied history and has been featured or cameos in many stories over many titles and it is no easy feat to pick out the best or favorite from the masses. The thing is those measuring sticks are subjective and will never reach perfect consensus. Actually, we all can agree that in an anniversary collection like this, we could all agree on one story: More Fun Comics #73 – the first appearance of Aquaman – the rest is debatable.
Regardless, I think the editors picked a somewhat nice selection, would I swapped some stories out for others – sure I have my favorites, but it is difficult if not impossible to please everyone, since everyone is different. On the whole I was really happy of which stories were presented.
All in all, I think Aquaman: A Celebration of 75 Years is a wonderful selection of stories over the three-quarters of a century that the King of the Seven Seas has been around. It is a good anthology for both the avid and subdued fan alike. However, for the newly initiated I would recommend a collection that is more substantial and cohesive.
January 16, 2019
I HAVEN'T FINISHED THIS BOOK YET, BUT I WANTED TO USE THIS JOURNAL ENTRY AS A WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF THE MANY ISSUES INCLUDED IN THIS COLLECTION.
PART 1:
More Fun Comics issue #73 (1941) - Aquaman's first appearance in a story called "The Submarine Strikes"
More Fun Comics issue #89 (1943) - "The Streamlined Buccaneers"
Adventure Comics issue #120 (1947) - "Aquaman Goes to College"
Adventure Comics issue #174 (1952) - "The Whale That Was Wanted for Murder"
Adventure Comics issue #220 (1956) - "The Coward and the Hero"
Adventure Comics issue #260 (1959) - "How Aquaman Got His Powers"
Adventure Comics issue #266 (1959) - "Aquaman Meets Aquagirl"
Adventure Comics issue #269 (1960) - "The Kid from Atlantis"
PART 2:
Aquaman issue #1 (1962) - "The Invasion of the Fire Trolls"
Aquaman issue #18 (1964) - "The Wife of Aquaman"
Aquaman issue #40 (1968) - "Sorcerers of the Sea"
Adventure Comics issue #444 (1976) - "And Death Before Dishonor"
Adventure Comics issue #452 (1977) - "Dark Destiny, Deadly Dreams"
Adventure Comics issue #475 (1980) - "Scavenger Hunt"
Justice League of America Annual #2 (1984) - "The End of the Justice League"
PART 3:
Aquaman #3 (1986) - "The Day of the Ocean Master"
Aquaman #2 (1994) - "Single Wet Female"
Aquaman #34 (1997) - "One on One"
Aquaman #4 (2003) - "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"
Aquaman #17 (2004) - "American Tidal Part Three"
PART 4:
Aquaman #1 (2011) - "The Trench Part One"
Aquaman #43 (2015) - "Gospel of Destruction"
PART 1:
More Fun Comics issue #73 (1941) - Aquaman's first appearance in a story called "The Submarine Strikes"
More Fun Comics issue #89 (1943) - "The Streamlined Buccaneers"
Adventure Comics issue #120 (1947) - "Aquaman Goes to College"
Adventure Comics issue #174 (1952) - "The Whale That Was Wanted for Murder"
Adventure Comics issue #220 (1956) - "The Coward and the Hero"
Adventure Comics issue #260 (1959) - "How Aquaman Got His Powers"
Adventure Comics issue #266 (1959) - "Aquaman Meets Aquagirl"
Adventure Comics issue #269 (1960) - "The Kid from Atlantis"
PART 2:
Aquaman issue #1 (1962) - "The Invasion of the Fire Trolls"
Aquaman issue #18 (1964) - "The Wife of Aquaman"
Aquaman issue #40 (1968) - "Sorcerers of the Sea"
Adventure Comics issue #444 (1976) - "And Death Before Dishonor"
Adventure Comics issue #452 (1977) - "Dark Destiny, Deadly Dreams"
Adventure Comics issue #475 (1980) - "Scavenger Hunt"
Justice League of America Annual #2 (1984) - "The End of the Justice League"
PART 3:
Aquaman #3 (1986) - "The Day of the Ocean Master"
Aquaman #2 (1994) - "Single Wet Female"
Aquaman #34 (1997) - "One on One"
Aquaman #4 (2003) - "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"
Aquaman #17 (2004) - "American Tidal Part Three"
PART 4:
Aquaman #1 (2011) - "The Trench Part One"
Aquaman #43 (2015) - "Gospel of Destruction"
June 17, 2019
Pretty good. One of the stories, though, about two-thirds of the way through (in which Aquaman was suddenly tasked with recruiting new members to an all new Justice League), was one of the worst issues of any comic book I've ever read. Other than that, believe it or not, Aquaman's earliest adventures were much more interesting, and a whole lot less corny in many ways (well... aside from Aquaman's occasionally cheeky, aqua-themed one-liners), than some of the earliest appearances of Superman and Batman.
Even the vintage 1941 artwork in 'More Fun Comics #73' (wherein Aquaman first began his undersea adventures) is a good deal sharper than the much, much more iconic debut of Superman in the first issue of 'Action Comics,' just three years earlier in 1938. Aquaman has long been a terribly underrated superhero, though I'm pretty sure that that has begun to change a great deal in recent years.
Even the vintage 1941 artwork in 'More Fun Comics #73' (wherein Aquaman first began his undersea adventures) is a good deal sharper than the much, much more iconic debut of Superman in the first issue of 'Action Comics,' just three years earlier in 1938. Aquaman has long been a terribly underrated superhero, though I'm pretty sure that that has begun to change a great deal in recent years.
June 24, 2019
In the beginning Aquaman/Arthur Curry was your everyday comic book superhero who solved all the world's problems with his fists while making endless fish puns. Was he a knockoff of that other son of Atlantis, Prince Namor the Submariner? Well, yes. But Aquaman endured and got his own action flick. Can Namor say the same? No. (At least not at the time of this writing.) Aquaman had Aqualad, Aquagirl, and Aquababy. What did Submariner have? Thank goodness no one with these silly names.
Things were going along okay until the Seventies hit. Oh dear, did the Seventies hit hard. Matters didn't improve as time went on. The writing got weaker and the artwork was so junked up I had a hard time understanding what was going on.
I would recommend this book, and Aquaman, for his early days when he was a simple, straight forward, clean cut hero.
Things were going along okay until the Seventies hit. Oh dear, did the Seventies hit hard. Matters didn't improve as time went on. The writing got weaker and the artwork was so junked up I had a hard time understanding what was going on.
I would recommend this book, and Aquaman, for his early days when he was a simple, straight forward, clean cut hero.
September 26, 2025
When considered as a sampler or entry point for new readers into the world of Aquaman, this collection does a fine job. But when thinking of this as a collectable item for seasoned reader it does fall a bit short as it misses some of the classic or legendary issues.
Readers will mostly get an introductory idea about the characters and setting of the world of Aquaman and some information regarding some of the noteworthy runs featuring Arthur. Some of the art from the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Age is quite charming and beautiful. And the primers from the modern comics also pique interest regarding these storylines.
I would have loved to read or experience some of the other specific legendary issues, like silver age introduction of Thanatos or some of the other extravagant Peter David issues beside the mid blowing 'Single Wet Female'.
Overall score - 3.5 stars from me, mostly due to some unfortunate omissions.
For more reviews and stuff check out my blog -
http://ihate00critics.blogspot.com/
Readers will mostly get an introductory idea about the characters and setting of the world of Aquaman and some information regarding some of the noteworthy runs featuring Arthur. Some of the art from the Golden, Silver, and Bronze Age is quite charming and beautiful. And the primers from the modern comics also pique interest regarding these storylines.
I would have loved to read or experience some of the other specific legendary issues, like silver age introduction of Thanatos or some of the other extravagant Peter David issues beside the mid blowing 'Single Wet Female'.
Overall score - 3.5 stars from me, mostly due to some unfortunate omissions.
For more reviews and stuff check out my blog -
http://ihate00critics.blogspot.com/
Want to read
May 12, 201775 Jahre Aquaman, und nie ist er besonders populär gewesen. Geoff Johns bringt es in seinem Neustart gleich auf den Punkt, als ein aufdringlicher Gast Aquaman im Lokal fragt:
"How´s it feel to be nobody´s favorite super-hero?"
Mir ist klar, dass jede Anthologie in der Zusammenstellung etwas willkürliches hat, aber hier frage ich mich, ob man das Zufallsprinzip per Los darüber entscheiden ließ, welche Hefte in die Sammlung aufgenommen werden. Aquaman #40 ist enthalten, #41 leider nicht; und das, obwohl die beiden Hefte zusammen gehören und im zweiten Heft die Story zum Ende geführt wird, die im ersten begann. Die tolle Artwork von Aparo wäre ein zusätzlicher Grund gewesen, nach "The Trial of the Ring" auch "Death Lurks in The Trail of The Ring" unbedingt mit aufzunehmen.
"How´s it feel to be nobody´s favorite super-hero?"
Mir ist klar, dass jede Anthologie in der Zusammenstellung etwas willkürliches hat, aber hier frage ich mich, ob man das Zufallsprinzip per Los darüber entscheiden ließ, welche Hefte in die Sammlung aufgenommen werden. Aquaman #40 ist enthalten, #41 leider nicht; und das, obwohl die beiden Hefte zusammen gehören und im zweiten Heft die Story zum Ende geführt wird, die im ersten begann. Die tolle Artwork von Aparo wäre ein zusätzlicher Grund gewesen, nach "The Trial of the Ring" auch "Death Lurks in The Trail of The Ring" unbedingt mit aufzunehmen.
September 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this collection of Aquaman comics. Some were extremely campy and others did a great job at showing the depth of his character. I especially loved the #1 issue of The New 52 series where Aquaman has to listen to all of these stereotypes that he has faced over the years. It’s pretty funny and gives him a great sense of self awareness. I do wish Mera and Black Manta were in this collection a bit more. I feel like I didn’t get a huge sense of either character throughout the stories that were told and they’re both a huge part of Aquaman’s history and storyline. I was pretty fond of Topo though, the octopus side kick. How awesome and random! Too bad we’re probably not going to see him in the Aquaman film.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2018
Having read the 75 years celebration of Batman, I know these collections are great as an introduction to characters for those who havent read any of the comics. This was perfect for me to get to know Aquaman; and man do I feel he's underrated. I actually enjoyed the comics, even the cheesy ones from the 40s. The 90s and early 2000s were definitely a rough patch for him though. He's been through so much tragedy and deserves so much more recognition for his abilities. I'm glad he has his own movie now.
July 1, 2018
Interesting
First, count me in as one of those fans of comics who never really had any use for Aquaman. Now count me in as someone who didn't know he'd been around since the 40s! I thought he was, at best, a late 50s, early 60s hero, perhaps created just for the JLA. This collection changed my mind a bit, and i did like him in the JL movie. So does reading this make me an affirmed Aquaman fan? No, but it did give me more respect for the character.
First, count me in as one of those fans of comics who never really had any use for Aquaman. Now count me in as someone who didn't know he'd been around since the 40s! I thought he was, at best, a late 50s, early 60s hero, perhaps created just for the JLA. This collection changed my mind a bit, and i did like him in the JL movie. So does reading this make me an affirmed Aquaman fan? No, but it did give me more respect for the character.
August 6, 2020
Aquaman has always been a favourite of mine. I especially love the Silver Age. The colour and imagination in those books and the animated series are just wonderful.
Aquaman has had so many stops and starts, and reimaginings that putting together a cohesive collection to celebrate his 75th would have been extremely difficult. This book gives the reader some highlights, but there are a few stories that are incomplete. I would have appreciated it if they'd included a bit more.
Aquaman has had so many stops and starts, and reimaginings that putting together a cohesive collection to celebrate his 75th would have been extremely difficult. This book gives the reader some highlights, but there are a few stories that are incomplete. I would have appreciated it if they'd included a bit more.
May 20, 2019
Only half of the stories here are good, the rest was just average. Also, one thing I noticed is that different writers gave Arthur different personalities in which there some likable & some just straight up jerk. Not many interactions with his arch-nemesis Ocean Master & Black Manta. Still, this is a good collection of comic issues for first-time Aquaman readers.
May 3, 2021
The early stuff is the best, sea puns and all.
The stuff in the middle is decent, with the exception of the cringy forming of a new Justice League section which is bad and has racist characters, fun.
The newer stuff is generic/bad.
Overall, it's a fine collection of Aquaman but I wish they had selected some better issues for the second half of this collection.
2.5/5
The stuff in the middle is decent, with the exception of the cringy forming of a new Justice League section which is bad and has racist characters, fun.
The newer stuff is generic/bad.
Overall, it's a fine collection of Aquaman but I wish they had selected some better issues for the second half of this collection.
2.5/5
January 23, 2018
Such an underused character over the years. I enjoyed a look back at his origins in the 1940's and the milestones of his storied career (meeting Aqualad, marrying Mera, losing his son, re-forming the Justice League in Detroit and his multiple recent transformations).
August 13, 2023
Almost the best ever collection. I feel it's missing some signature work, especially one of the recent issues written by Jeff Parker. Needed maybe one fewer from the '40s and '50s for another from the '60s and '70s, but then I am biased.
I didn't actually read this book for an entire month...
I didn't actually read this book for an entire month...
April 14, 2018
For anyone wishing to learn more about DC Comics' King of the Seven Seas, this book is a must-read. Aquaman may be underappreciated, but he's still an awesome superhero and one of my favorites.
October 2, 2018
I can’t rate this higher than a 3 due to the silliness of the earliest stories. The Fradon and Cardy artwork were beautiful to behold, but man alive....
February 1, 2019
Great overview of how DC's Sovereign of the Sea worked his way up to becoming a breakout star over 75 years.
Want to read
January 5, 2017Okay -- I haven't read this yet but I did crack open the plastic today to see which issues are collected and to have a look at the quality of the book. This anniversary series has been hit or miss with me. Missing mostly down to poor editorial choice of story selection.
It's a lovely book. Though under the dust jacket the art printed directly onto the book could have used a bit more umph. I'm very familiar with most of the material selected and they are very good choices. I'm very delighted to find a couple of early stories that I've not read as there never was a Golden Age archive edition of Aquaman. (Sadly.)
Looking forward to reading the bits that are new to me and will furnish a real review when done.
It's a lovely book. Though under the dust jacket the art printed directly onto the book could have used a bit more umph. I'm very familiar with most of the material selected and they are very good choices. I'm very delighted to find a couple of early stories that I've not read as there never was a Golden Age archive edition of Aquaman. (Sadly.)
Looking forward to reading the bits that are new to me and will furnish a real review when done.
December 22, 2016
Arthur Curry owns my soul.
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