Aquaman #3 (2025) – The Lighthouse and the Abyss

The tides of destiny are shifting violently for Arthur Curry. In Aquaman #3 (2025), the “All In” saga continues to expand the mythology of Atlantis and the cosmos, taking us from the humble shores of Amnesty Bay to the frozen, terrifying depths of “The Blue.” This issue, masterfully juxtaposes a lesson from Arthur’s past with the cosmic horror of his present, culminating in a betrayal that no one saw coming.

The Light in the Storm (Flashback)

The issue opens with a poignant flashback to Amnesty Bay, years ago. A young Arthur Curry sits with his father, Tom, in their lighthouse. Arthur is upset, revealing that kids at school have been mocking Tom’s job, calling it “lazy work for a lazy person.” Arthur questions why his father settles for this life instead of seeing the world.

Their conversation is interrupted by a violent storm. Lightning strikes the lighthouse, frying the fuse box and killing the main light. To make matters worse, the backup generator fails. Amidst the howling wind, the ominous sound of a ship’s foghorn blares nearby—it’s heading straight for the rocks.

Tom Curry springs into action, teaching Arthur a lesson that will define his heroism. They manually repair the light using oil and a Fresnel lens. Tom tells his son: “Sometimes we are called to things… To serve those out there. To stand tall in the storms and light the way home for anyone in the darkness… no matter what.” They succeed, saving the ship, and Arthur learns that true strength is standing firm when the lights go out.

The Ice Wall and the Lady of the Lake

In the present, Arthur is far from the safety of Amnesty Bay. He and the ancient sorcerer-king Arion, Vivienne, also known as the Lady of the Lake, are traversing the desolate landscapes of The Blue, a dimensional realm of water that connects all life. They have marched through mud and dried riverbeds to reach a massive Ice Wall.

Here, Vivienne reveals the terrifying truth of their situation. The “Blue” is not just water; it is magic, a cosmic thread that connects everything from the Red (animal life) to the Green (plant life). But a being known as Lord Dagon is hoarding it all. Dagon, a “god who is a thief,” has cut the Blue off from the rest of the universe, causing water to disappear and life to wither across dimensions. This is why Atlantis vanished—it was pulled into the Blue via the magical Pearl to feed Dagon’s greed.

The Prophecy of the Dark Tide

Vivienne and Arion explain that Arthur is the key to stopping Dagon. They believe he is the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy: The Dark Tide. He is described as a “vessel” capable of holding the power of a god. To defeat Dagon, who cannot be killed by mere physical force, they need to forge a weapon capable of channeling this immense power.

The cost? They need Arthur’s blood.

Arthur is hesitant. He spots an Omega symbol on the gate—a chilling reminder of Darkseid (hinting at the broader DC All In narrative). He asks if he might be a vessel for Darkseid himself. But his resolve hardens when he thinks of Mera and his lost people. He tells them, “I’d become the devil himself to save Mera.”

The Weapon and the Betrayal

While Vivienne and Arion begin the ritual to forge this god-killing weapon using Arthur’s blood, Arthur steps outside to stand guard. The atmosphere is tense. The magical energies swirl, and suddenly, the Omega Gate begins to open.

Arthur expects a monster, but instead, a familiar face steps through: Lori Lemaris.

Lori, a mermaid and Arthur’s old flame (and Superman’s ex), is supposed to be on Earth. Arthur is stunned to see her. She claims she came for him, but the reunion instantly turns into a nightmare. As she embraces him, she whispers, “I’m sorry…”

Lori injects Arthur with a “frozen poison,” paralyzing him instantly. It is revealed she is under the control of the enemy. She isn’t here to save him; she is here to harvest him. As Arthur falls, unable to move, Lori drags him toward the gate, proclaiming, “It’s time we returned home… to Lord Dagon.”

The Cliffhanger

Inside the forge, Vivienne completes her masterpiece. She exclaims that this new weapon surpasses even Excalibur or Poseidon’s Trident. She turns to present it to Arthur, expecting the hero to take up the blade and save the day.

But Arthur is gone.

The issue ends with Arthur being dragged into the darkness of Dagon’s domain, paralyzed and helpless, while the weapon meant to save him lies waiting in an empty room. The final narration echoes Tom Curry’s lesson about lighting the way “no matter what,” a haunting contrast to the utter darkness Arthur is now descending into.

Next Issue: Death Be Dagon!