DC Comics Reveals the Surprising Reason Batman Respects Mera, Proving the Heroine’s True Power

Warning! Spoilers for Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #2The Justice League‘s expanded roster opens the door for many forgotten heroes to get some long-awaited recognition, and one underrated icon is strong enough to have earned Batman‘s attention. Mera, the Queen of Atlantis and wife of Aquaman, has pulled off an impressive feat that reveals why Batman respects her so much as a fighter.

In Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #2 by Jeff Parker, Lukas Ketner, Michele Bandini, Marcelo Maiolo, and Pat Brosseau, the Justice League go missing after an encounter with monsters serving the Silent Knight. During their battle, Mera feigns weakness and acts as if she’s been defeated. Superman tries to help her, but Batman stops him with three words: “Let her finish.”

Unlike Superman, Batman can tell that Mera is more than capable of handling herself in a fight, and he’s proven right shortly after. Mera’s hydrokinetic powers cement her as one of the Justice League’s strongest fighters, and other heroes should follow Batman’s example and pay her some respect.

Batman Recognizes Mera as a Major Justice League Powerhouse

Mera’s Powers Are No Joke, And Even Batman Knows It

The goal of Mera’s strategy is to trick the Draug into believing she’s been afflicted with the Knight’s Mark, which weakens her Justice League allies. However, unbeknownst to the Draug, her surrender is merely an act to gain the upper hand over them. Once her opponents have let their guards down, Mera strikes using her hydrokinesis, slamming two of their heads together and making quick work of them. As she attacks, she declares, “I am a monarch of Atlantis. I sleep at ocean depths that would crush you!” Mera’s empowered words solidify her as a force to be reckoned with, and Batman knows it.

Batman’s position as one of the greatest detectives in DC lore makes him an excellent judge of character, as he has the ability to read people with ease. He can see right through Mera’s facade when even Superman can’t, after all. This moment isn’t the first time he’s shown his respect for Mera, either; in Justice League #24 by Dan Abnett and Ian Churchill, Batman invites Mera into the Justice League’s ranks for the first time after he witnesses her in action. Batman sees this overlooked hero’s potential, and it’s about time the rest of the Justice League did the same.

Mera Deserves Respect as One of the Justice League’s Strongest Members

Mera’s Royal Status and Power Feats Make Her a Hero to Watch Out For

Long before her Justice League initiation, Mera was originally trained as an assassin and given the sole purpose of killing the king of Atlantis. Then, her plans were derailed when she fell for Aquaman, and she’s since given up the assassination plot in favor of pursuing a romance with him. Her status quo later undergoes a critical shift in the Mera: Queen of Atlantis miniseries by Dan Abnett and Lan Medina. After defeating Aquaman’s half-brother in combat, Mera becomes the Queen of Atlantis, and to this day she rules over the legendary kingdom of Atlantis by Aquaman’s side.

Mera’s royal status isn’t the only quality of hers that warrants more widespread praise. Her powers surpass even Aquaman’s, as well as plenty of her fellow Justice League members. Like most Atlanteans, Mera possesses the ability to breathe underwater, in addition to superhuman strength and durability. What sets Mera apart from other Atlanteans is her hydrokinesis, which allows her to manipulate water into any shape at will. Using this power, she can create Green Lantern-like constructs made of water, or she can attack directly by forming weapons. Mera’s latest feat in this issue demonstrates just how devastating her hydrokinesis can be.

Aquaman’s Upcoming Era Can Give Mera a Much-Needed Spotlight

Mera Will Star Alongside Aquaman in an All-New Series from DC Comics

Despite the immense power at Mera’s disposal, she hasn’t been given enough of a focus in recent memory. Luckily, her time to shine may at last be drawing near as Aquaman gears up for a brand-new series in DC’s All In era. Mera appears in a preview for Aquaman #1, drawn by series artist John Timms, as well as an eye-catching variant cover by Tula Lotay. Clearly, the Queen of Atlantis will be featured as a prominent presence in Aquaman’s upcoming series, which means Mera will be granted ample opportunities to show the DC Universe what she’s made of.

Mera deserves to be regarded as more than half of a Justice League romance, and this next chapter of her husband’s story is the perfect chance for her to ascend to stardom. Aquaman’s return to glory has been a long time coming, and if he can win back fans’ interest after years of being sidelined, then so can Mera. Now that she’s shown what she’s capable of as a member of the Justice League, Mera is ready to make a splash alongside Aquaman in his new series, and Batman won’t be the only hero who admires her once she does.

Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #2 is available now from DC Comics.