Review of Aquaman in the 70’s

2.0 rating
Reviewed by Brett in ,
  • AuthorDavid Michelinie, John Costanza, Neal Adams, Paul Kupperburg, Steve Skeates
  • PublisherDC Comics

***Contains Spoilers***

The late ‘70s Aquaman series (issues #40–63) is best remembered for its pivotal arcs—Search for Mera, Deadly Waters, and The Death of a Prince. These storylines explore Aquaman’s personal tragedies, his battles with Ocean Master (Orm) and Black Manta, and his eventual exile from Atlantis. The series ultimately set the stage for modern interpretations of the character, but its execution left much to be desired.

What stood out to me was the foundational work these issues provided for Aquaman’s development. It was compelling to see the cracks in his kingship and how he grappled with the consequences of exile. The showdown with Aqualad in The Death of a Prince was particularly intense, showing just how far Aquaman would go to protect his son—a moment that scarred both characters. These moments carried emotional weight and helped establish future storylines, even if their impact was diluted by rushed pacing.

Unfortunately, the series suffers from a dated narrative style and uneven pacing. Much of the storytelling felt heavy-handed, with key moments—like Aquababy’s death—rushed into a few panels, robbing them of the emotional depth they deserved. Aqualad’s departure from Aquaman’s side, another significant shift, also felt underexplored. Additionally, the heavy focus on battles with Ocean Master and Manta, while necessary, often dragged on, making some issues a slog to get through.

Aquaman, Aqualad, and Mera
Aquaman #63 art by Don Newton and Dave Hunt

In the end, this run is more important for its historical context than its readability. While The Death of a Prince is essential for understanding Aquaman’s later stories, most of the key points are often recapped in future runs. I’m glad I read it for the context, but I wouldn’t revisit it. Rating: 2 stars.

Feature Image Aquaman #62 cover art by Jim Aparo