Warning: Spoilers for Aquaman #1As a longtime DC fan, I used to be thrilled when AquamanHis new solo collection was introduced final 12 months. I've been ready for the possibility to see my favourite aquatic characters in motion once more, particularly Mera. Nonetheless, the primary installment of this saga left rather a lot to be desired, as a change made to Mera's established order diminishes her significance to Aquaman's story and disrespects one in every of DC's most underrated heroes.
Aquaman #1 by Jeremy Adams, Jeremy Adams, John Timms, Rex Lokus and Dave Sharpe kicks off Aquaman's subsequent journey, and there's a shocking twist proper from the beginning. Aquaman has new hydrokinetic skills at his disposal that permit him to control water, and he reveals that he acquired this energy from Mera.
Mera now not has her hydrokinesis, robbing her of her superhero potential and forcing her to face nonetheless whereas Aquaman makes use of his outdated powers. It's onerous to confess, however this modification isn't dealt with very properly right here, and I imagine DC is losing Mera consequently.
Aquaman takes away Mera's hydrokinesis, rendering one in every of DC's strongest heroes powerless
Mera loses her predominant superpower after the occasions of Absolute energy
The DC Universe confronted a crucial energy overhaul in Absolute energy #4 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, once they tried to regain their skills after Amanda Waller stole them, however they inadvertently switched many characters' powers as an alternative of returning each to its correct host. This error precipitated some heroes to lose their powers, like Barry Allen's Flash, whereas others bought new ones that they borrowed from their counterparts. Mera is formally confirmed to be one other sufferer of this modification, as her hydrokinesis was taken from her and given to none apart from Aquaman.
Not solely does Aquaman possess Mera's outdated superpowers, however he's additionally near surpassing her, and I can't say I'm a fan of this improvement. Arthur carries out a rescue mission together with his hydrokinesis within the opening scene of this concern, stopping a airplane from crashing into the ocean. After touchdown safely, Mera says: "Even on the top of my powers, what you probably did could be...difficult." Mera has had a long time of observe with these powers, even incomes Batman's respect, however Aquaman is already simply as - if no more - proficient. Therein lies my predominant criticism: Mera was demoted for the only real goal of upgrading Aquaman.
Mera's lack of energy exposes the sexism on the coronary heart of Aquaman's new period
Regardless of being a queen and a hero, Mera is handled as inferior to Aquaman
With Aquaman preventing battles that Mera is now not able to, she is relegated to watching her child whereas Aquaman embarks on daring missions and royal duties. In-universe, the position reversal is a coincidence, however I perceive, as a reader, that real-life storytellers make these selections consciously. Aquaman himself didn't intend to steal Mera's powers, however DC selected to steal her powers from Mera and provides them to Arthur. Aquaman's energy, as thrilling as it might be on the floor, is due to this fact the byproduct of a lady being put aside to assist a person.
Mera is among the Justice League's greatest fighters, so it's irritating to see her sidelined a lot, and her powerlessness isn't the place the mistreatment stops. As Queen of Atlantis, she should be intently concerned within the conferences Aquaman attends all through this concern. As a substitute, she bids him farewell whereas caring for her son, regardless of the caregivers having watched over Andrina prior to now in order that Mera may take time to rule alongside her husband. Mera has served as queen of Atlantis with and with out Arthur over time, however right here she is portrayed solely as a spouse and mom.
DC demoting Mera continues its pattern of losing feminine superheroes
From heroes to like pursuits, DC's girls aren't all the time handled pretty
The DC Universe is filled with highly effective heroines, however Mera is among the many who isn't handled in addition to she deserves. For instance, Carol Ferris is a personality with spectacular superpowers like Violet Lantern. Since she returned as Star Sapphire in Inexperienced Lantern #12, nonetheless, she was written as a rookie who has no management over her skills. In truth, Star Sapphire helped Inexperienced Lantern save the world in Blackest evening occasion, and this story is way from the one time she used her Energy Ring for good. She is now much less expert in order that Inexperienced Lantern can outshine her, and the identical is occurring with Mera.
Star Sapphire joined the Justice League in DC's All In period, lastly dwelling as much as her heroic potential. To see what she's to date, try Justice League Limitless #1 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, obtainable now from DC Comics!
One other instance harking back to this disappointing portrayal of Mera is Linda Park-West, the Flash's spouse. Though Linda historically has no skills of her personal, she acquired a short lived super-speed energy enhance whereas pregnant together with her and Wally West's third baby. She grew to become a superhero alongside the Flash Household till she gave start in The Flash #798 and misplaced velocity. Most could be written to precise a point of unhappiness over this modification, however Linda merely smiles and by no means addresses the topic once more. Simply as Linda's emotions about dropping energy are ignored to give attention to the male superhero in her life, so too are Mera.
Mera deserves to play a extra distinguished position in Aquaman's closing story
As Queen of Atlantis, Mera was speculated to be greater than a damsel in misery
Sadly, for now, there isn't any indication that Mera's position on this collection can be elevated. In truth, the occasions of the difficulty recommend that Mera won't have a lot prominence within the coming months. On the finish of Aquaman #1, Arthur discovers that Atlantis has been destroyed and his household – together with Mera – has disappeared with it. Her absence fuels Aquaman's grief and drives him to analyze a mysterious pearl in hopes of bringing again his fallen kingdom, lowering her to a "damsel in misery." With Mera gone, any hope of her rising to prominence has been dashed – for now, at the very least.
Mera's lack of her powers additionally took away her significance in Aquaman's lore, and DC must proper this mistaken by giving one in every of its greatest characters the respect he deserves.
Mera has been a significant a part of Aquaman's narrative since his debut in 1963, all the time preventing bravely by his aspect when he wants her. Arthur and Mera are the King and Queen of Atlantis and due to this fact ought to be thought-about equals. An argument on the contrary could possibly be that the story is titled Aquamanso the give attention to him is justified, however Mera doesn't must steal Arthur's thunder to play a pivotal position. Merely put, I really feel there are higher instructions to take her than draining her powers for Aquaman's profit and tossing her apart.
If this story can't exist with out Aquaman taking over Mera's powers, then there are nonetheless methods for her to be included in his adventures. Along with letting her fulfill queenly duties, Adams may discover her emotional response to the lack of hydrokinesis. For instance, I might like to see a glimmer of jealousy or longing as she watches Arthur carry out feats she as soon as achieved, thus affirming that she has maintained her depth. In the end, Mera's lack of her powers additionally stripped her of her significance on the earth. Aquaman custom, and DC must proper this mistaken by giving one in every of its greatest characters the respect he deserves.
Aquaman #1 is now obtainable from DC Comics.