This article is about the original Aquaman. For the second, see Kaldur'ahm, and the third, see La'gaan.
Orin is the former High King of Atlantis, Poseidonis, and the Seven Seas.[6] As Aquaman, he was a founding member of the Justice League and the former mentor of Aqualad and Lagoon Boy. He retired as Aquaman to concentrate on his duties as King, but decided to return to his heroic career after passing the crown to his wife, Mera Nereus.
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.[7] However, he seems to have his soft spots, and he allows disagreement with his command to some degree, if it carries wisdom.[8]
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.[3] After the Team defeated Blockbuster, he changed his mind.[8]
Physical appearance[]
Aquaman resembles a tall, muscular Caucasian male with short blond hair, a blond beard, and aqua blue eyes. 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.[7]
History[]
Early life[]
Aquaman battles Ocean-Master.
Orin is the half-brother of Orm, born to the same mother.[4] Orin was raised in a lighthouse,[5] separate from Orm, but at some point he came to live in Atlantis and their mother tried to make them a family.[9]
He started his career as Aquaman in 2001.[10]In February[11]2003,[12] Aquaman worked together with six other heroes[13] to defeat an Appellaxian invasion, and eventually drove them off the planet.[14]The seven assembled heroes then formed the Justice League,[11] with them as the founding members.[3]
In 2006,[15] the Joker tricked Lucas Carr into leading him to the Justice League's secret headquarters. After invading the cave and subduing Carr, Joker set a trap for the League: a large surprise giftbox. When Flash went to open it, it burst open with monkey clowns. Aquaman arrived with other Leaguers mid-battle. The exact resolution of the encounter is unknown, but the Leaguers all survived.[16]
During a battle against Ocean-Masterin 2008,[17] 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.[7]
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 to fight the sorcerer Wotan.[3]
Aquaman was present with the rest of the League following the destruction of Cadmus's ground-level facility. He tried to make Aqualad and the other sidekicks stand down, but was rebuffed.[18]
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.[8]
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.[7]
During the king's absence, Black Manta and his troops attacked the city. Aquaman thanked his friends and family for guarding the city as best they could, and protecting the queen.[7]
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.[20]
After the Team defeated the central control plant, the Justice League turned their attention to the Injustice League and helped the Team take them into custody.[22]
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 constructs.[24]
Aquaman was present at a League meeting to discuss the induction of new members. He opposed Red Arrow's inclusion, citing his disrespectful behavior. Aquaman also questioned Captain Marvel's suitability after it was revealed that he was really a 10-year-old boy.[25]
Aquaman, Green Arrow, and Flash pursued Red Arrow after the young archer escaped the Watchtower. In the end, Red Arrow escaped via a drainage pipe.[27]
With Green Arrow and Flash, the mind-controlled Aquaman fought their younger protégés. Although the mentors were far stronger, they were hampered by Klarion's control over them and did not fight with their full abilities. The three Leaguers were defeated when Aqualad opened the airlock. They were sucked towards the exit, and knocked unconscious when they slammed against the closing door.[27]
Aquaman was present at the debriefing of Red Arrow.[27]
2011-2015[]
At some point, Orm was revealed to be Ocean-Master and imprisoned for six years before escaping. During those six years, Orin went to visit his brother sixteen times, but left each time without seeing him.[9]
Aquaman traveled to Santa Prisca to investigate high levels of toxic metals in the soil and water.[28] He stumbled upon a digging expedition by the Light near Atabey's Shrine, but before he could alert anyone, he was captured by Bane. Lex Luthor and Black Manta imprisoned him in a special stasis field in the docks. They removed his buckle to use as a lure.
Aqualad and his allies, who were on the island to investigate LexCorp, defeated Black Manta and freed Aquaman. Manta tried a last ditch effort, and lamented what had happened to Kaldur'ahm. He also revealed Aquaman had kept secrets from his protégé. Aquaman quickly changed the subject.
Luthor had escaped on a series of hovercrafts. While the Team made their way across them, Aquaman swam around them, slowing them down. Aqualad returned his king's buckle, but indicated they needed to talk.[29]
Back at the Cave, Aqualad reiterated his need for truth. Aquaman held it off at first, but finally conceded. He only revealed that Calvin Durham wasn't his true father, which was enough for Kaldur to conclude that Black Manta was his father. He ran away angry, while Aquaman tried to reason with him.[29]
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.[14] He did not know Aqualad was under deep cover within Black Manta's organization.[30]
Aquaman joined the members of the League and the Team in neutralizing Krolotean bases around the world. After Gamma Squad saved the hostages from the Kroloteans' main base, Aquaman arrived on the scene with the rest of the Justice League members and the Team.[31]
After the League learned of the location of the last Krolotean stronghold, they set up a plan of attack. Aquaman and Lagoon Boy were assigned to 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 plasma beams at them, but they evaded them. They leaped out of the water to stop the Manta troopers 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 protégé under the mask. Orin and Nightwing tried to reason with Aqualad, but Lagoon Boy saw only enmity and Kaldur'ahm rejected reconciliation. 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.[14]
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.[33]
Aquaman was present for a briefing from Captain Atom on an object approaching Earth. As it passed Rhea, it became clear the object was massive, far dwarfing the moon.[34]
Aquaman and Nightwing stood by as Captain Atom hailed the Warworld to negotiate. After the Warworld's assault began and Atom left to join the defense, Nightwing confirmed to Aquaman that the Team had boarded the alien vessel undetected.[34]
The Watchtower May 26, post-07:35EDT
After Mongul unleashed a saturation missile attack, Aquaman relayed the Watchtower's projections on the effectiveness of Earth's military' defenses.[34]
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.[36]
When magnetic field disruptors planted by the Reach threatened the Earth, Aquaman joined 39 other heroes of Earth in a briefing in Metropolis. 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.[37]Aquaman was assigned to Eta Squad, and worked alongside Tempest.[38] Within thirty minutes, all squads had succeeded in their mission.[37]
When the Team was summoned to the mission room for a face-to-face meeting with members of the League, Aquaman was among the leaguers present. Batman informed them that they would now operate side by side with the Justice League from the Watchtower. Not because Mount Justice was destroyed, but because they earned the right to do so. The League then left the Team to its own devices.[37]
2017[]
In 2017,[41] Orin retired from his heroic duties as Aquaman to focus on his royal responsibilities as High King of Atlantis. He passed on the mantle to his former protégé, Kaldur'ahm, as he had always planned.[42]
Kaldur'ahm introduced Orin to a meta-human girl who had just moved to Atlantis as she could not longer breathe on land. When the girl refused to reveal her name, Orin assured her that she would chose a new name for herself when she was ready. Orin explained why he was no longer Aquaman, and expressed pride in Kaldur's performance in the role.[42]
Orin opened the annual conference between representatives of the eight Atlantean city states. After introducing his cabinet and having the delegates introduce themselves, the meeting ended somewhat abruptly after it became clear that Xebel had failed to send a representative, though Orin assured the delegates he was sure someone would be there for the start of proper talks the next day. He urged Mera to contact her father to get him to send someone for the start of proper talks the next day. Orin then went outside to collect Artur, who had been playing with La'gaan.[43]
The conference resumed with the arrival of Bishop Beluga representing Xebel. The delegates discussed recent conflicts between states, the effects of climate change on ocean food chains, and the wealth gap between Poseidonis and the other city states. As Orin acknowledged the delegates concerns, the conference, and Poseidonis as a whole, came under attack by Ocean-Master. Empowered by Neptune's Trident, Ocean-Master proved a superior foe even while greatly outnumbered, and easily swatted back attacks by Kaldur, Orin, Mera, the delegates and the palace guards. Ocean-Master was finally defeated by a hooded stranger with powerful magic, causing Ocean-Master to quickly flee. The stranger disappeared before the others could recover. Mera mentioned the seemingly relevant prophecy, but Orin urged her not to speak of it. Orin and Mera looked out over the devastated city.[43]
At the ruined conference center, Kaldur reported to Orin on his failure to locate Ocean-Master. Orin was unsurprised, all too familiar with Orm's slipperiness, and discussed his confusion at the lack of apparent motive for the attack. Kaldur suggested revenge for his imprisonment, but Orin wondered why it took him so long. La'gaan reported on the unrest in the other city states, with people upset that repairs to Poseidonis were being given high priority. Orin bemoaned the problem of perception, noting the repairs were paid for by Poseidonis, not Atlantis's treasury.
Orin met with Mera in the throne room. They discussed the unrest caused by those who felt The Prophecy of the One True King was coming to pass. Orin had Mera recite the exact wording of the prophecy, and noted that events might have fit too well, suggesting Orm might have set up the saviour to appear to fulfil the prophecy. He ordered Mera to have the Widowhood make the search for the stranger their top priority.
Orin, like all of Poseidonis, was shocked when a great pillar of fire appeared just outside the city. Orin and Kaldur rushed out to find that Mera was already responding, having been alerted by Madame Xanadu. The pillar was a creation of a new Chaos Lord, and it was generating red waters that killed anything it touched. Orin used his telepathy to warn away the sealife, then ordered his people to keep clear of Poseidonis and to have the city portals sealed. As Mera attempted to quell the pillar and Kaldur created a protective shield, Orin left to help Blubber escape the red water. Once he got Blubber to safety, Orin caught sight of Ocean-Master, who was there to help. Orin was forced to keep back as Mera and Orm fought the pillar. Even Ocean-Master's help was not enough, but then the hooded stranger arrived, and together the three extinguished the pillar. Ocean-Master immediately attacked Kaldur and Mera, knocking Kaldur out, but the stranger prevented further attack, and took the trident. Orin then easily apprehended Orm. As a crowd gathered whispering of a prophecy, the stranger reluctantly revealed himself to be Arion. The crowd quickly began chanting Arion's name.[44]
At the Science Center, Orin oversaw the tests to confirm Arion's identity. Though the magic and DNA testing was not conclusive, it was consistent with his story. They discussed the possibility of recovering Arion's crown, but Arion felt it must be buried beyond reach beneath Xebel.
With increasing civil unrest in Arion's name, and being unable to conclusively prove his identity, Orin tasked Kaldur with a covert mission to explore a pocket ocean detected underneath Xebel by the Watchtower, in search of Arion's crown.[9]
Orin visited Orm in prison. He asked his brother how long he had been plotting against him, but was surprised when Orm spoke of 16 prior visits. Though Orin had gone to the prison before, he never spoke to Orm.
Suspicious, Orin ordered Blubber to examine Ocean-Master's helmet to determine if the Orm they had captured was really him. Orin then left the kingdom in Mera's hands as he left in search of answers.
He went to a seedy bar in Ninth Tride. Though M'Chiste tried to intimidate Orin into leaving, Orin had brought a group of lemon sharks with him to allay any trouble. Inside, he found Danuuth, who admitted that he had spent a month with Ocean-Master prior to his recent capture, but found that his memory of events since his first imprisonment was poor and thus concluded he was an impostor.
Orin returned to the palace and spoke with Mera in the throne room. He explained the evidence for his doubts about Orm, which were confirmed when Blubber arrived with DNA test results confirming this Orm was a clone. Orin did not believe that the appearance of the Orm clone and Arion at the same time was a coincidence, and wished to speak with Arion again, but Mera informed him that he and Chian had disappeared while he was gone.[9]
Orin confronted Orm with the fact he was a clone. Orm vehemently denied it, and Miss Martian confirmed Orm was telling the truth as best he knew it.[5]
As public unrest grew, Orin, Mera, Lori Lemaris and Nanaue Sha'ark went to the palace in Xebel to discuss the growing crisis. Ryus Nereus blamed Orin and Mera, claiming that their failure to govern outside of Poseidonis had led to public discontent. Orin countered that Nereus had sown dissent among his own people and should not be surprised that they had turned against him too.
With the other representatives calling in, Orin opened the Conference of Delegates. It quickly became clear that they intended to elect a new High King, just as Arion and Chian arrived at the palace. Though Mera urged him not to allow it, Orin stated he was not a dictator, but noted that the delegates were willing to hand the crown to someone they barely knew in order to keep their own grip on power. With all the other delegates voting for Arion, save Nereus who voted for himself, Orin reluctantly agreed to transfer power.
As Arion gave a public address, Miss Martian contacted Orin to inform him that she had recovered the Orm clone's true memories, and that Arion was also a clone with the memories and personality of Orm. Orin felt that he could not go public with the information as no-one would believe him. After Kaldur and his squad arrived with Arion's crown, Arion took it. Orin warned him not to wear it, but Arion-speaking as Orm-dismissed him. Arion put on the crown, and was immediately disintegrated by the Lords of Order. Mera took this as proof that Arion was not the One True King, and crowned her husband once more. But Orin refused the crown, believing that it was Mera who satisfied the prophecy. The Atlantean crowds quickly agreed, as did the delegates. Orin explained that the crown had never sat well on him, but that Mera had been born and raised to rule.
Later, Orin spoke with Kaldur about his plans. As well as raising his son and supporting his wife's rule, he planned on returning to the Justice League. When Kaldur offered to relinquish the Aquaman title, Orin was sure the League could accommodate two Aquamen, or even three, offering the title to La'gaan as well.
Orin went to the prison as Miss Martian finished deprogramming Orm. Orin then set him free, returning Ocean-Master's mask. The clone could not be held accountable for the original Orm's crimes, nor for those he committed while under the Light's control. Orin wanted to give this Orm a second-or really first-chance.
Later, Orin relaxed in the throne room, with Mera on the throne and Artur on her lap.[5]
Orin was present when Miss Martian arrived at Black Lightning's request to make psychic contact with the Kaizer-Thrall. He was horrified to learn a meta-human boy named Danny Chase had been turned into the box. They were interrupted by a call from J'emm J'axx, who believed Superboy might still be alive. J'emm and Phantom GirlZeta'ed aboard. After Phantom Girl explained her story, she and M'gann set out to try to find Conner in the Phantom Zone, but failed. Danny told them that he knew the trans-dimensional frequency of the Zone. This was of no use to Phantom Girl, but they could try a Motherbox. Orion came with a Motherbox and a plan to open a boom tube on Trombus. Orin was left to man the Watchtower as the rest headed out.[45]
Powers and abilities[]
Atlantean attributes: Atlanteans, although Human, have through scientific and sorcerous means[46] developed several abilities which allow them to live comfortably under the sea:
Underwater breathing: All Atlanteans are capable of surviving the aquatic atmosphere under the sea. Some accomplish this without the presence of visible gills.[7][46]
Temperature resilience: Resistant to low temperatures[23] and the effects of freezing,[3] although notably hindered by high temperatures.[47]
Orin is married to Mera Nereus, 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 Orin worked as a hero on the surface world, Mera ran the Conservatory of Sorcery in Atlantis, and was one of their head instructors. During the year 2010, the two were expecting their first child.[7]
Aqualad was Aquaman's protégé, who Orin intended to replace him as Aquaman eventually, allowing Orin to focus on ruling Atlantis.[42] 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,[18] and in return Aquaman respected Aqualad's right to free expression.[8] However, Aqualad broke off his ties when he went under cover.[30] Aquaman did not know, and thought he himself was partly to blame, because he knew, but chose not to tell his protégé of, the identity of his biological father.[14]
Following the revelation of Aqualad's successful undercover mission, Aquaman warmly welcomed his protégé back, and congratulated him when Nightwing returned leadership of the Team to him.[36]Around a year later,[41] Orin retired as Aquaman, knowing Kaldur was ready to take on the role as he had always planned.[42]
Prince Orm is Aquaman's half-brother.[4][5] It appears they get along well;[7] Aquaman did not initially know about his brother's double life as his nemesis Ocean-Master.[46] The secret was eventually uncovered, and Orm spent six years in prison before escaping. During those six years, Orin went to visit his brother sixteen times, but left each time without seeing him. He would go on to wonder how long Orm had hated him, but Orm's non-answer inadvertently clued Orin that his brother had been replaced by a clone.[9]
Aquaman sporting longer hair in early promotional footage.
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.[50]
Early in the show's run, Greg Weisman had considered Orin having a version of his marine telepathy that only worked on marine mammals.[51] This was rethought by season four, where Orin's telepathy was shown to affect a wide variety of sealife.[44]
