Aquaman has officially joined the ranks of the few Justice Leaguers To get a compelling ‘science-based’ explanation for his powers, especially his super strength. Previously, Arthur Curry’s incredible strength was only attributed to his Atlantean heritage. While this new development is undeniably cool, the more I scrutinize the statement, the more flaws I uncovered. So, where do you stand on this debate: Is DC’s science fiction grounded or is it as porous as a sea sponge?
To clarify, the statement about Aquaman’s super strength was revealed indirectly by Aqualad. Aqualad, also known as Garth, is famously recognized as Aquaman’s Atlantean Sidekick and a member of the original Teen Titans lineup.
In Mark Waid and Emmanuela Lupacchino World’s Finest: Teen Titans #3, fans discover that Aqualad’s super strength is a byproduct of the high-pressure environment of living underwater. Since Aquaman is part Atlantean and shares similar abilities and a similar physiology as Aqualad, the explanation Garth proposes for the origins of his own super strength can also be applied to Arthur’s.
Ocean-bottom pressure creates Aquaman’s super muscles
Aqualad reveals why Atlanteans are abnormally strong
The explanation for Aqualad’s – and by association Aquaman’s – superstrength is presented in World’s Finest: Teen Titans #3, where the Titans, except Robin, attend a fan convention held in their honor. However, the lively atmosphere soon takes a turn for the worse when the excitement of the fans spirals out of control, resulting in a crowd that crosses boundaries, such as attempts to remove the Titans’ masks. Kid Flash quickly finds himself overwhelmed, but Aqualad comes to his rescue. Wally remarks on how he forgot just how powerful Garth is, to which Aqualad replies, “Ocean-bottom pressure makes for mussels.”
Aqualad’s response provides a succinct yet scientific explanation, suggesting that the underwater stress he endures almost daily contributes to his superstrength. This statement holds some validity, considering that deep-sea creatures that inhabit the ocean floor are among the most durable and adaptable on the planet, surviving in an environment that would be inhospitable to most land creatures, especially surface-dwellers. This unique environment leads to physiological differences, including variations in muscle structure, which align with the logic used by DC To explain Atlantean superstrength. However, from my perspective, this explanation still has its flaws.
DC’s Science Behind Atlantean Muscles Doesn’t Actually Make Sense – But Aquaman Might Be The Exception To The Rule
The adaptability of deep-sea creatures to high pressure does not mean that they are necessarily ‘stronger’
As previously mentioned, the high-pressure environment would likely result in variations in muscle structure for Atlanteans. This can lead to proteins responsible for muscle contraction and energy production operating more efficiently. However, this efficiency would probably be limited to high-pressure conditions, as the muscles have specifically adapted to the environment. Therefore, it is unlikely that the differences in muscle structure and operational efficiency would translate well above water. In fact, from a scientific perspective, Aqualad should be weak on the surface since his muscle proteins would likely need to adapt to maintain optimal performance in a new environment.
When applying this logic specifically to Aquaman, however, the end result could still provide a solid explanation for his superstrength. Arthur’s unique physiological makeup combines human and Atlantean traits, allowing his muscles to adapt to both environments. As a result, the limitations that would affect a true deep-sea dweller, such as Garth, may not apply to him. The science-based explanation carries more weight when considered in the context of Arthur Carey’s hybrid behavior. However, since Atlanteans are fictional, this scientific reason can never be 100% accurate. Ultimately, a bit of comic book logic must be embraced to fully appreciate the nuances of Aquaman’s abilities.
Does DC’s explanation for Aquaman’s superstrength make sense to you?
I call on all science lovers to weigh in on this Aquaman power debate
I do not claim to have absolute authority on the inner workings of the biology of sea creatures or Atlanteans. Therefore, I invite my fellow science enthusiasts who may have more expertise on the subject to weigh in on the discussion and provide their insights on whether this is a plausible science-based explanation for Aquaman’s powers, even if a bit of comic book logic needs to be Added to make it work. If enough people share their thoughts in the comments below, it will be interesting to see which side garners more support: does DC’s explanation for Aquaman Powers keep under control, or does it have enough holes to rival a coral reef?
Related
World’s Finest: Teen Titans #3 Available now from DC Comics!
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WORLD’S FINEST: TEEN TITANS #3 (2024) |
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