Aquaman’s Dark New Nickname Proves He Should Be DC’s Next ‘Batman-Level’ Star

Although Aquaman is a core member of the Justice League, he has long struggled to match the popularity of Batman, Superman, and the rest of the ‘Big Seven.’ But a darker reimagining of Arthur Curry, including a powerful new nickname, presents the perfect road map to elevate Aquaman to Dark Knight status, and with the launch of the Absolute Universe, there’s no better time than now to redefine the King of Atlantis.

Ram V. and Christian Ward’s Aquaman: Andromeda redefines Arthur Curry, presenting the darkest and most intriguing version of Aquaman yet, with a narrative that feels like a fever dream unfolding beneath the ocean’s depths. While Aquaman himself appears sparingly, his presence looms large, haunting every page, leaving an indelible mark on the story.

This approach elevates Arthur to the status of myth, rather than just a man, and with his dark new title, “The King Beneath the Sea,” the potential for him to rival Batman’s allure is undeniable—an otherworldly force, despite his earthly origins.

“The King Beneath the Sea”: Aquaman Debuts Dark New Nickname

Arthur Curry Finally Gets a Batman-Level Badass Nickname

Aquaman is first called “The King Beneath the Sea” in issue #1 of the series, and this title echoes throughout the narrative, occasionally altered to “The King Under the Sea.” While both versions convey the same eerie essence, “The King Beneath the Sea” carries a more poetic weight. Though it’s just five words, this nickname reshapes the character’s tone, evoking the image of a sunken king resting at the bottom of a lightless ocean. It redefines Aquaman from his sometimes-goofy portrayal into a darker, grittier, and more mysterious figure.

This nickname is arguably Aquaman’s most badass moniker, and as any comic fan knows, a powerful nickname can shape how a character is perceived. Batman’s titles—like the Dark Knight and the Shadow of Gotham—cement his image as a creature of the night, an unseen protector, something almost beyond human. In the same way, “The King Beneath the Sea” does for Arthur what those names do for Batman: it adds depth, darkness, and allure. Thanks to Ram V.’s brilliant storytelling, this evolution feels organic, proving that Aquaman’s transformation is both powerful and necessary.

“I Am Only a Story. Best Untold.”: DC’s Black Label Aquaman Embodies the Best Version of Batman

Arthur Curry Is More Myth Than Man In Aquaman: Andromeda

Ram V. crafts Arthur in a way that presents him as more myth than man, reminiscent of some of Batman’s “Year One” stories where Bruce, just starting out as the Dark Knight, was perceived as something “other.” While many factors contribute to Batman’s popularity, it’s this mysterious, dark, and otherworldly persona that has defined him for decades and made him so beloved by fans. In Aquaman: Andromeda, Ram V. portrays Arthur in a similar light but with a deep-sea twist that highlights his oceanic origins and keeps his character intact.

Aquaman’s new nickname plays a significant role in establishing him as a darker, more mysterious, and serious character. However, it’s not just the name—Arthur’s own dialogue and how other characters perceive him contribute to this transformation. In one notable scene, Aquaman describes himself, saying: “I am only a story. Best untold.” This line firmly places Arthur in the realm of myth, a tactic often used in Batman’s narratives to elevate his legendary status. Furthermore, just as Batman’s deep connection to Gotham enhances his supernatural aura, Aquaman’s bond with the sea similarly adds to his cryptid portrayal.

Arthur’s connection to the ocean is emphasized in lines like, “The water… It remembers…” Here, he speaks for the sea itself, showcasing a supernatural relationship with the water that further enhances his mythical status. Another powerful moment comes when two characters discuss Aquaman, with one asking, “Does he… Really exist? Was he… Real?” The other replies, “As real as any story written on water can be, my dear.” This exchange reinforces the perception of Arthur as something beyond human, blurring the line between legend and reality in the eyes of others.

Arthur Curry is Long Overdue for a Major Character Revamp

Reimaging Aquaman in a Darker Light Could Make Him DC’s Next Breakout Hero

The King of Atlantis is long overdue for a character overhaul that will reignite fan excitement, and through the Black Label mini-series Aquaman: Andromeda, Ram V. demonstrates a way to elevate Arthur Curry, capturing the same mystique that has helped make Batman one of the most iconic characters in pop culture. If what Ram V. achieved in Andromeda were integrated into mainstream continuity, there’s a strong possibility that Aquaman could reach Batman-level stardom—or at the very least, be taken more seriously by fans and be deserving of his own new ongoing solo series.

The New ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE Is the Perfect Place to Explore a Darker Arthur Curry

While it may seem like a difficult or nearly impossible task to redefine a character with over 83 years of comic history, there’s no better time to take on this challenge than now. On October 2, 2024, DC launched their ALL IN initiative, which brought continuity-altering changes to the DCU. Among these changes was the introduction of the Absolute Universe, a world born from Darkseid’s death and rebirth, saturating the new reality with his energy. As a result, this world features darker, grittier versions of DC’s heroes, with more intense and hardcore origin stories.

This is the perfect setting to introduce an Arthur Curry similar to Ram V.’s portrayal in Aquaman: Andromeda. While there has been no mention of an Absolute Aquaman yet, it’s only a matter of time before one appears in future narratives. Whether DC has already developed this version or not remains uncertain, but if they are still crafting their Absolute Arthur Curry, they should seriously consider drawing inspiration from Ram V.’s interpretation. This could be a surefire way to revitalize Aquaman and make him DC’s next breakout star—something he has long deserved.

Aquaman: Andromeda #1 is available now from DC Comics!