Highlights
- Aquaman’s inner circle is small due to the many people who want to use his powers for personal gain.
- Aquaman trusts his allies fully and works closely with them to protect Atlantis and the world.
In the DC Comics universe, Aquaman serves as the King of Atlantis. This royal position forces Arthur Curry to keep his inner circle incredibly small. With so many people looking to use Aquaman’s powers for their personal gain, it can be difficult to see who is a true friend and who is an ally of convenience.
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While Aquaman joined the Justice League in DC Comics continuity, he continued to be guarded with whom he allowed to become a close friend. Still, when he found someone he believed he could trust, Aquaman would trust them fully as one of his closest allies.
7 Dolphin
First Appearance in Showcase #79
Dolphin may be presented in different ways depending on the version, but she has always been accepted by Aquaman. The original Dolphin was a woman who had been part of an experiment. She eventually made her way to Atlantis where she would quickly become an ally of Arthur Curry and the Paramore of Tempest.
The newer iteration of Dolphin was born in Atlantis but relegates to a lower class because rampant use of magic has mutated her. Aquaman rescues her, and she begins helping him in battle as Aquaman works to regain his throne.
6 Atlanna
First Appearance in Adventure Comics #260
Atlanna may not have spent time with Aquaman during his formative years, but Arthur Curry’s mother would later help him try to make the world a better place. From an early age, Aquaman always believed his parents to be dead. However, it was revealed that Atlanna faked her death after killing her abusive husband.
RELATED: DC: Best Legion of Super-Villains MembersAfter learning of the existence of his mother, Aquaman tracked her down and spent a long time convincing her that he was her son. Eventually, the pair began working together and Aquaman got to experience a true mother-son relationship.
5 Martian Manhunter
Teamed Up in The Justice League
Aquaman’s list of close allies within the Justice League is incredibly small, but one who earned their way into that group is Martian Manhunter. J’onn shares a unique connection to Arthur Curry as they both feel like outsiders within the larger group of heroes.
Aquaman’s life as a child of two worlds makes it hard for him to fit in anywhere. Meanwhile, Martian Manhunter feels like he’s too alien for the group, despite Superman also being an alien. Both Aquaman and Martian Manhunter are telepathic as well, giving them another unique connection as they bond over delving into the minds of others.
4 Vulko
First Appearance in The Brave and the Bold #73
Nuidis Vulko has long served the Atlantean Royal Family. In current continuity, Vulko was advisor to Aquaman’s mother until he accused Orm of murder. This led to Vulko being forced to flee Atlantis, after which he went to land and found Arthur Curry.
It was Vulko’s work that led to Aquaman challenging his brother and becoming the King of Atlantis. While that ascent to the throne led to some distrust between the pair, Mera and Aquaman kept Vulko around following the Civil War. He also becomes a trusted advisor to Mera.
3 Wonder Woman
Teamed Up in The Justice League
One of the few members of the Justice League Aquaman allowed to get closer than just being a teammate, as Wonder Woman’s royal lineage led to them bonding. Arthur Curry, the King of Atlantis, and Diana, the Princess of Themyscira. They both come from more historically important bloodlines than other members of the Justice League, at least on Earth.
While Wonder Woman may not have as much responsibility in Themyscira as Aquaman does in Atlantis, Arthur Curry still respects Diana’s position. These two often work together on Justice League missions, because both have more experience with magic than other members of the team.
2 Tempest
First Appearance in Action Comics #269
Aquaman has had close friendships with Tempest in every version of DC Comics continuity. Both Arthur and Garth are believed to be dangerous and left to die at birth. The two share that connection, and it allows them to grow and evolve together, especially as Aquaman essentially adopts Tempest, who becomes Aqualad.
RELATED: DC: Best Body Swap StoriesIn some stories, Tempest was taught magic by Aquaman’s father, while in others he was a student at a school for magical Atlanteans. Either way, he learns magic in his early years and works well with Aquaman, who has his own familiarity with the magic arts.
1 Mera
First Appearance In Aquaman #11
Mera and Aquaman began on opposite sides of a war. She was a soldier of Xebel who attempted to kill Aquaman. Eventually, she wound up falling in love with Arthur Curry becoming a major player in the Atlantean Royalty in her own right.
Aquaman develops enough trust in her to both marry her and make her Queen of Atlantis due to the constant turmoil surrounding his reign. Aquaman’s trust in Mera is so great that he recommends her to serve with the Justice League in his occasional absence.
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