When magnetic field disruptors planted by [[the Reach]] threatened the Earth, Aquaman joined 39 other heroes of Earth in a briefing in Metropolis City. The heroes would use a computer virus provided by [[Lex Luthor]] to safely disable the disruptors. The heroes were paired off with another into twenty squads: one member would run interference against weapons guarding the disruptors, allowing the other to get close enough to plant the virus.<ref name=e220>{{ep ref|220}}</ref> {{CIT|Aquaman was pairedoffwith [[Garth]], as Eta Squad.}}<ref name=qid>[[Greg Weisman|Weisman, Greg]] (2013-3-18). [http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?qid=1032 Question #]. ''Ask Greg''. Retrieved 2013-3-18.</ref>
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When magnetic field disruptors planted by [[the Reach]] threatened the Earth, Aquaman joined 39 other heroes of Earth in a briefing in Metropolis City. The heroes would use a computer virus provided by [[Lex Luthor]] to safely disable the disruptors. The heroes were paired off with another into twenty squads: one member would run interference against weapons guarding the disruptors, allowing the other to get close enough to plant the virus.<ref name=e220>{{ep ref|220}}</ref> {{CIT|Aquaman was assigned to Eta Squad, and worked alongside [[Garth|Tempest]].}}<ref name=rid1032>[[Greg Weisman|Weisman, Greg]] (2013-3-18). [http://www.s8.org/gargoyles/askgreg/search.php?rid=1032 Ramble #1032]. ''Ask Greg''. Retrieved 2013-3-19.</ref>
Within thirty minutes, all squads had succeeded in their mission.<ref name=e220>{{ep ref|220}}</ref>
Within thirty minutes, all squads had succeeded in their mission.<ref name=e220>{{ep ref|220}}</ref>
Aquaman (real name King Orin[1]) is King of Atlantis, Poseidonis and the Seven Seas.[3] He is a founding member of the Justice League, the former mentor of Aqualad and the current mentor of Lagoon Boy.
Aquaman can be described as bold and calm headed. As King of the Earth's oceans, he behaves in a very regal and formal manner, especially in his own home.[1] However, he seems to have his soft spots, and he allows disagreement with his command to some degree, if it carries wisdom.[6]
Aquaman seems to respect the abilities of his protégé Aqualad, and even the abilities of his teammates. However, he can at times behave patronizing towards them, though not in an intentionally rude manner. Like many of his Justice League colleagues, Aquaman takes the view that the younger generation is not ready to join the League just yet.[5] After the Team defeated Blockbuster, he changed his mind.[6]
Physical appearance
Aquaman resembles a tall, muscular, bearded Caucasian male, with short blond hair, a beard, aqua blue eyes and a strong build. As Aquaman, he wears an orange scale-mail tunic and dark green leggings. At his waist is a gold belt that is clasped with a stylized letter "A", which has a built-in communicator. He also wears golden gauntlets on his wrists, and dark green greaves.[1]
History
Early life
Orin started his career as Aquaman in 2001.[7] He co-founded the Justice League as its 6th member.[5] During a battle against Ocean-Master, Aquaman was aided by two students named Garth and Kaldur'ahm. He was so impressed he offered both the opportunity to become his protégé. Garth turned down the offer but Kaldur'ahm accepted and became Aqualad.[1]
They traveled together to the Hall of Justice in Washington, D.C.. After Speedy stormed out, Aquaman insisted that the three remaining sidekicks would eventually be allowed to accompany the League on missions when they were ready. He then joined the League in fighting the sorcerer Wotan.[5]
Aquaman was present with the rest of the League following the destruction of Cadmus' ground-level facility. He tried to make Aqualad and the other sidekicks stand down, but was rebuffed.[8]
On their way to Atlantis, Aquaman told Aqualad that he did not hold his apprentice's disobedience against him, and was interested in the idea of a team.[6]
Aquaman welcomed his apprentice back to Atlantis after an absence of two months, and invited him over to dinner. At the banquet, Orin revealed that Queen Mera was expecting a child. He was not able to finish the banquet, as Superman alerted him to an emergency in Tokyo Bay.[1]
During the king's absence, Black Manta attacked the city. Aquaman thanked his friends and family for guarding the city as best they could, and protecting the queen.[1]
When Orin returned home from another mission with the League, he was pleased to see Aqualad and Orm had defeated Ocean-Master, and foiled the murder of Mera.[10]
Aquaman fought alongside his protégé on a flying air fortress that blanketed part of the United States with snow. He led the charge against one of the fortress's cannons, giving Aqualad the cover needed to strike it with his water-bearer.[14]
Aquaman was present at a League meeting to discuss the induction of new members. He opposed Red Arrow's nomination, citing his disrespectful behavior. Aquaman also attacked Captain Marvel's position after it was revealed he was really a 10-year-old boy.[15]
With the other two mentors, Aquaman took on their protégés. They were far stronger, but held back by Klarion's control over them. The three Leaguers were defeated when Aqualad opened the airlock. They were sucked towards the exit, and slammed unconscious when they hit the closing door.[17]
January 2011
The Watchtower January 1, post-00:00, ESTTime Zone
Aquaman was present at the debriefing of Red Arrow.[17]
2011-2015
Aquaman did not witness the betrayal of his protégé, and only learned from Nightwing that Aqualad joined his father, Black Manta. He could not bring himself to believe it, and blamed himself for withholding the information of his true parentage.[18] He did not know Aqualad was under deep cover within Black Manta's organization.[19]
After the League learned of the location of the last Krolotean stronghold, they set up a plan of attack. Aquaman and Lagoon Boy were Beta Squad. They infiltrated Malina Island from the sea, prying open an underwater door and spying in the docks with a periscope. Kaldur'ahm discovered them, and shot his helmet lasers at them, but they could evade it. They leaped out of the water to stop the Manta men that had started to fire on them.
Aquaman quickly sought out his main foe, but Kaldur'ahm shot him in the shoulder. While he recovered, Lagoon Boy took down Krolotean Mechs. Aquaman recovered, but found himself surrounded by Mechs. Delta Squad destroyed them for him.
Lagoon Boy, in his inflated form, stormed at Kaldur'ahm, giving Aquaman the opportunity to attack him from the flank. Manta's helmet was thrown clear, and Aquaman was shocked to see his former friend. Orin and Nightwing tried to reason, but Lagoon Boy and Kaldur'ahm saw only enmity. Kaldur escaped, but did notify them of a bomb that was set to go off. Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl swooped in to carry the two Atlanteans back to the Bio-Ship. They managed to outrun the blast.
After the explosion, Aquaman hauled the injured Superman from the water. While the rest discussed what had happened, he could only stare out of the window, lost in thought.[18]
Captain Atom and Nightwing were discussing the threat of the Reach, and thought it best to make their presence known to the public. Aquaman revealed to them the Reach had already gone public themselves.[22]
Aquaman congratulated Aqualad when Nightwing returned command of the Team back to him. He knelt down by Black Canary when she dropped out of a boom tube with Black Lightning and Captain Marvel. Aquaman looked out as the Warworld was being activated and headed into space.[24]
When magnetic field disruptors planted by the Reach threatened the Earth, Aquaman joined 39 other heroes of Earth in a briefing in Metropolis City. The heroes would use a computer virus provided by Lex Luthor to safely disable the disruptors. The heroes were paired off with another into twenty squads: one member would run interference against weapons guarding the disruptors, allowing the other to get close enough to plant the virus.[25]Aquaman was assigned to Eta Squad, and worked alongside Tempest.[26]
Within thirty minutes, all squads had succeeded in their mission.[25]
Powers and abilities
Atlantean attributes: Atlanteans, although Human, have through scientific and sorcerous means[27] developed several abilities which allow them to live comfortably under the sea:
Breathe underwater: All Atlanteans are capable of surviving the aquatic atmosphere under the sea. Some accomplish this without the presence of visible gills.[1][27]
Temperature resilience: Resistant to low temperatures[13] and the effects of freezing,[5] although notably hindered by high temperatures.[28]
Superhuman Strength:He is far stronger than most other Atlanteans.[31]
Telepathy: Aquaman possesses a form of telepathy that affects marine mammals.[32]
Multilingualism: He can speak both English and Atlantean.[1]
Relationships
Queen Mera
Aquaman is married to Mera, making her Queen of Atlantis. They seem to be an extremely loving couple, who share a bond of mutual respect for the other and their duties. While Aquaman works as a hero on the surface world, Mera runs the Conservatory of Sorcery in Atlantis, and is one of their head instructors. During the year 2010 the two were expecting their first child.[1]
Aqualad
Aqualad was Aquaman's protégé. Although they worked together, Aqualad respected Aquaman as his King and as his mentor. However, Aqualad was not afraid to speak his mind when he felt strongly,[8] and in return Aquaman respected Aqualad's right to free expression.[6] However, Aqualad broke off his ties when he went under cover.[19] Aquaman did not know, and thought he himself was partly to blame, because he knew, but chose not to tell his protégé of his father.[18]
Following the revelation of Aqualad's successful undercover mission, Aquaman warmly welcomed his protege back, and congratulated him when Nightwing returned leadership of the Team to him.[24]
Prince Orm
Prince Orm is Aquaman's brother. It appears they get along well;[1] Aquaman does not seem to know about his brother's double life as his nemesis Ocean-Master.[27]
Appearances
Background in other media
This is Aquaman's seventh animated appearance. He first appeared in his solo series in the 60s, Aquaman. Later, he became a founding member of the Super Friends. He also appeared in the DCAU (Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League and Justice League Unlimited), Justice League: The New Frontier, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold.
Early promotional images for Young Justice showed Aquaman with longer hair rather than the shortly cropped style he currently sports.[33]