Aquaman has always had a special place in my heart. It started by watching the OLD Aquaman cartoon. I was always fascinated with his and Aqualad’s adventures. It was Aquaman that lead me into the desire to seek a career in Marine Biology (that totally changed after my first art class). I still care, and I am still fascinated by the world’s oceans. I love every incarnation of Aquaman - the over the top heroic Aquaman to the brooding and dark Aquaman.

Living

“What has gotten into you man?! Alanna is alive! Rann is alive! You’re alive! And where there is life there’s always Hope.” - Aquaman *

Arthur Curry (Aquaman), the Sovereign of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis seizes every opportunity of life. With many forces against him he still finds a way to live and hope. His mother a royal resident of Atlantis was exiled and found solace in an air-breather. The two fell in love and they gave birth to Arthur. When Arthur was a youngster, his parents died, and Arthur found life in the 7 Seas. Eventually he regained his birthright and became Aquaman. Over the years, Aquaman protects his kingdom from polluting corporations, villainous archenemies, and crazy random acts of nature. He has also married and divorced (and remarried) Mera and they have had children. Then on top of everything Aquaman lost his hand to Piranhas. Through magic and science hand eventually grew back. Through it all Aquaman always finds hope that everything will work out in the end.

As President Obama said, “As we breathe we hope.” These are important and strong words. Just like a superhero we can never give up. No matter what lays in front of our path we can always go around every obstacle. We know every day the sun will be there, and it will shine warmly. But we also know change is inevitable. There is no way to fight change. Let it happen naturally. The act of faith knows something, or someone is always available. We find the hope we need in every breath. We find the courage with every cup of coffee shared with our best friends who are always there for us.

Aquaman
First Appearance: More Fun Comics #73, Nov. 1941

Creators: Mort Weisinger (script), and Paul Norris (art)

* Batman: The Brave and the Bold, “Mystery in Space”, 13 March 2009 (Season 1, Episode 14)