Warning: Spoilers for Aquaman #1Like a very long time in the past DC Comics reader, I used to be moved when AquamanHis new solo sequence was introduced final yr. I've been ready for the possibility to see my favourite aquatic characters in motion once more, particularly Mera. Nevertheless, the primary installment of this saga left quite a bit to be desired, as a change made to Mera's establishment 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 talents at his disposal that enable him to govern water, and he reveals that he obtained 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 previous powers. It's onerous to confess, however this modification isn't dealt with very effectively right here, and I consider DC is losing Mera because of this.
Aquaman takes away Mera's hydrokinesis, rendering one in every of DC's strongest heroes powerless
Mera loses her essential superpower after the occasions of Absolute energy
The DC Universe confronted a essential energy overhaul in Absolute energy #4 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, once they tried to regain their talents after Amanda Waller stole them, however they inadvertently switched many characters' powers as a substitute of returning each to its correct host. This error brought about some heroes to lose their powers, like Barry Allen's Flash, whereas others acquired 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 previous 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 along with his hydrokinesis within the opening scene of this situation, stopping a aircraft 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 follow with these powers, even incomes Batman's respect, however Aquaman is already simply as - if no more - proficient. Therein lies my essential criticism: Mera was demoted for the only function 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 combating 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 decisions 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 could be on the floor, is subsequently the byproduct of a girl being put aside to assist a person.
Mera is without doubt one of 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 have to be intently concerned within the conferences Aquaman attends all through this situation. As an alternative, she bids him farewell whereas caring for her son, regardless of the caregivers having watched over Andrina up 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 ladies aren't at all times handled pretty
The DC Universe is stuffed with highly effective heroines, however Mera is without doubt one of 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, nevertheless, she was written as a rookie who has no management over her talents. 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, accessible 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 talents of her personal, she obtained a short lived super-speed energy increase whereas pregnant along with her and Wally West's third youngster. 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 specific some extent of disappointment over this modification, however Linda merely smiles and by no means addresses the topic once more. Simply as Linda's emotions about shedding energy are ignored to concentrate on the male superhero in her life, so too are Mera.
Mera deserves to play a extra distinguished position in Aquaman's remaining story
As Queen of Atlantis, Mera was speculated to be greater than a damsel in misery
Sadly, for now, there is no such thing as a indication that Mera's position on this sequence will likely be elevated. In truth, the occasions of the problem counsel 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 research 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 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 an important a part of Aquaman's narrative since his debut in 1963, at all times combating bravely by his facet when he wants her. Arthur and Mera are the King and Queen of Atlantis and subsequently needs to be thought-about equals. An argument on the contrary could possibly be that the story is titled Aquamanso the concentrate on 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 up 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'd 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. Finally, Mera's lack of her powers additionally stripped her of her significance on the planet. Aquaman custom, and DC Comics must appropriate this error, giving due respect to one in every of its greatest characters.
Aquaman #1 is now accessible from DC Comics.