Aquaman

The DC superhero Aquaman has a number of superhuman powers. His powers include the ability to breathe underwater and the ability to communicate with and command oceanic life. Additionally, he possesses an enhanced resistance to injury, superhuman strength, the ability to swim at very high speeds, he can see in near total darkness and has enhanced hearing. Aquaman grows weak if he remains on land for extended periods of time.

Fast Facts

1. Creators: Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger
2. First appearance: More Fun Comics #73 (November 1941)
3. Alter egos: Orin, Arthur Curry, Arthur Joseph Curry, Joseph Curry
4. Species: Atlantean
5. Powers/abilities: Breathe underwater, telepathically communicate with and control sea life, swim at high speeds, healing factor, mystically enchanted left hand, ability to dehydrate others
6. Team affiliations: Justice League of America
7. Initially tangled with Nazi U-Boats

Origins

As with many comic book heroes, Aquaman's origins have been reshaped many times. In fact there are two people to have used the Aquaman moniker.

Aquaman I

The first Aquaman was born Orin, the son of Queen Atlanna and the mysterious wizard Atlan. Orin was abandoned as a child and left to raise himself among the sea creatures. Orin was found and adopted by a lighthouse keeper named Arthur Curry. After his adoptive father went mysteriously missing, Orin left and began his adventures as Aquaman.

Aquaman II

The second Aquaman was born Arthur Joseph Curry, son of oceanobiologist Dr. Phillip Curry. Arthur was born three months premature when his mother, Elaine, died from complications. In an attempt to keep Arthur alive, Dr. Curry injected him with a mutagenic serum that would allow him to breathe underwater. As a result, Arthur was raised in the main tank of his father's research facility.

When a massive storm ruptured the tank, Arthur was washed out to sea and contacted by the mysterious "Dweller of the Depths." It was later revealed that the Dweller of the Depths was the original Aquaman (Orin), who had given Dr. Curry a sample of his mystical water hand. This sample was the serum used to save young Arthur's life.

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