The “All In” era of Aquaman has been nothing short of a cosmic odyssey, but Aquaman #7 (2025) brings the journey to its most emotionally devastating and action-packed chapter yet. In this issue, titled “Death by Demon Dagon,” the high-fantasy adventure in the realm of “The Blue” shifts from a rescue mission to a tragedy of epic proportions. From time-warping reunions to the arrival of a god-king, this issue sets the stage for a final battle that could redefine Arthur Curry forever. Here is a page-by-page breakdown of the story, covering everything from the first page through to the shocking cliffhanger.
The Wonder Twin’s Lament
The story picks up immediately after the shocking reveal of Zan (of the Wonder Twins) in the previous issue. We find Zan in Crustacea, a city within the Blue, feeling less than heroic. He grumbles about the indignity of his recent past, having been “cooped up in that bottle” like a genie.
Zan provides some much-needed context: just a short time ago, he was on Earth fighting an “out-of-control genius-level wombat” alongside his sister, Jayna, before being ripped into this magical dimension. His dialogue is a mix of classic DC humor and genuine worry for his sister, Jayna, whom he fears is “worried sick” back home. His companion (implied to be part of Arthur’s group) tells him to be quiet as they prepare for an ambush.
Assault on the Slavers
The action explodes as Arthur’s ragtag crew—Arion, Vivienne, and Captain Nemo—launch a surprise attack on Dagon’s forces. Dagon’s enforcers are rounding up slaves, shouting that their master “requires slaves, and slaves he shall have!”. Arthur crashes the scene, demanding their surrender, while Arion uses his ancient sorcery to handle the reinforcements.
The combat highlights Arthur’s new status as the “Warrior King,” utilizing his hydrokinetic powers and tactical brilliance. Despite the chaos, the crew remains focused on their goal: reaching the Nautilus and heading toward the location where the Atlanteans are believed to be held.
The Secrets of the Nautilus
Once safe aboard the Nautilus, the crew catches their breath. Arthur questions Captain Nemo about the strange grimoires in the ship’s library. Nemo reveals he found them in an ancient shipwreck at the bottom of the sea, noting that magic has changed significantly since Arion’s time.
The tension between the companions is evident. Vivienne, the Lady of the Lake, warns Arthur that his constant provocations of Lord Dagon will have consequences. She points out that Dagon is a god, and Arthur has spent the entire journey “finding ways to anger him”. Arthur, driven by desperation, retorts that he is “mad as hell” and plans to stomp Dagon out of existence once they find out how he is hoarding the magic of the Blue.
The Flowway and the Shock of Decades
Nemo directs the Nautilus into a “Flowway,” a massive underwater current that acts as a highway across dimensions. As they ride the turbulent waters, Arthur prepares for a reunion he expects to be only a few weeks in the making.
They arrive at a hidden refuge within a sea of seaweed, which Nemo calls “Lost Atlantis”. Arthur leaps from the ship, calling out for Mera. However, he is immediately halted by a young, fierce warrior woman. She demands to know who he is and “what do you want with my mother?”.
The truth hits Arthur like a tidal wave. While he has been gone for what felt like a month or two, decades have passed in this part of the Blue due to time dilation. The young woman is his daughter, Andrina, now a grown warrior.
The Heartbreak of the Queen
The most emotional moment of the series follows as Arthur is taken to see Mera. Instead of the vibrant queen he left behind, he finds an elderly woman, withered by time and the siphoning power of Dagon. Mera is ashamed of her appearance, telling him, “Don’t look on me, my heart… I am just an old woman”.
In a display of his true character, Arthur kneels and tells her she is as beautiful as the day they met. Mera introduces him to their daughter, Andrina, calling Arthur “the finest man I have ever known”. The reunion is short-lived, however, as Mera warns him that she is “short for this world” and that Dagon is already coming.
The Arrival of Dagon
The sky (or rather, the water above) darkens as Lord Dagon himself arrives at the refuge. He mocks the “interlopers” and “blasphemers,” specifically calling for the “False King”. Dagon’s cruelty is on full display; he tells Arthur he wants to see his face as he realizes “everything he has loved is withering to dust”.
Arthur tries to comfort the dying Mera, promising to “have his head separated from his shoulders” and return to hold her hand forever. Mera, in her final moments, begs Arthur to save their daughter and take her home. Arthur rises, his grief transforming into a cold, murderous resolve. He declares, “The mourning can wait… only one other will die this day… and by my hand”.
The Final Stand
In the issue’s final moments, it is Arthur who delivers the terrifying ultimatum. As he lunges for the killing blow, he screams: “PREPARE… DIE!”.
The story ends on this high-octane cliffhanger, promising a conclusion that will shake the foundations of the Seven Seas.
NEXT: “TO KILL A KING!”
Read: Aquaman #6 (2025) – Death of the Gods and a Wonder-ful Surprise
