The All In era of Aquaman continues to plunge Arthur Curry into uncharted and terrifying waters. In Aquaman #6 (2025), titled “Death of the Gods”, the stakes are raised to a cosmic level as Arthur, Arion, Vivienne, and Captain Nemo inch closer to Lord Dagon’s stronghold. This issue is a masterclass in blending high-stakes action with deep, mythological world-building, culminating in a cliffhanger that brings a beloved DC staple back into the fold.
The Slaughter at the Divine Deep
The issue opens far away from our heroes, deep within the Blue at a place known as the Haven of the Divine Deep. Here, a council of sea gods from various mythologies—including Ryujin—are plotting a rebellion against Lord Dagon. They recount how they have shaped civilizations, defeated other usurpers, and stolen their power, believing they can do the same to Dagon.
However, Dagon is already one step ahead. He interrupts their plotting, mocking their desire for freedom. He views them as pets kept for his own enjoyment and notes that it has been a long time since he’s had a real challenge. Declaring that treachery spreads like a cancer and must be destroyed at its source , Dagon effortlessly slaughters the assembled deities. Standing amidst the carnage, he dismisses the “gods” as a mere trifle and wonders if Arthur Curry can rise to the challenge.
The Beast of the Blue
Meanwhile, the Nautilus is under attack. Arthur, Arion, Vivienne, and Captain Nemo are dealing with a massive, erratic beast that has gripped their ship tighter than a giant squid. Arthur attempts to use his telepathy to command the creature, but its mind is violent and it refuses to listen. Despite the terrifying situation, Arthur’s resolve remains unbroken; he vows not to stop until his people and his wife, Mera, are safe.
Arion steps up, casting a “darkness spell” (Bathabal Encentia) to confuse the monster and give Nemo a window to escape. Nemo pushes the Nautilus to its absolute limit, but the ship simply cannot outrun the persistent creature. Realizing that they have to outswim it rather than outrun it, Arthur takes matters into his own hands. He leaps into action, using his hydrokinetic powers and raw physical strength to physically push the beast away. Through sheer force of will and “fancy footwork,” Aquaman manages to fend off the monster, though he notes his muscles will be paying the price for days.
The Weight of the Crown
Back aboard the safety of the Nautilus, the adrenaline fades, leaving the crew exhausted. Arion provides Arthur with a magical concoction meant to rejuvenate them after the grueling encounter. Arthur drinks it, dryly remarking that he was hoping it would just make him drunk.
In a rare moment of vulnerability, Arthur confesses his deepest fears to Vivienne. As they draw closer to Dagon’s territory, he feels a pit in his stomach, terrified that his family might be hurt or worse. Vivienne, pragmatic and somewhat detached, replies that what happened to his family shouldn’t matter so much right now, because their own odds of surviving the journey are incredibly slim. The conversation ends with a grim but resolute toast: “To surviving”.
The Ghost Town of Gods
The Nautilus arrives at its destination: the Haven of the Divine Deep. The crew is immediately taken aback by the desolate, ruined state of the city. Arthur remarks that it isn’t fit for beggars, let alone gods. Arion deduces that Dagon is responsible for the destruction.
Despite the danger, they must stop here. It is the last kingdom with supplies before they reach Arthur’s people. Bypassing it would mean traveling leagues out of their way, increasing the risk of being intercepted by Dagon’s elite Mer-cenaries.
As they explore the ruins to resupply, Arion explains the history of the Haven. During an event known as the “Great Ebb,” sea gods from Earth’s mythology and from across space were pulled into the Blue. They gathered in this city to find a way out or to find others of their kind, but clearly, they failed. While Captain Nemo scavenges ethereal power rods for his engines , Arion stumbles upon a “Cask of Capture”—a magical artifact designed to hold extremely dangerous entities.
The Cask of Capture and a Wonder-ful Return
Before they can investigate the cask further, the shadows begin to move. The group is ambushed by the very gods Dagon slaughtered earlier, now reanimated and infected by a parasitic corruption. Arion’s magic is entirely ineffective against them , and the undead deities close in, calling our heroes “fleshlings” and “usurpers”.
With their backs against the wall, Arthur realizes that whatever was inside the Cask of Capture must be something the infected gods fear. Taking a massive gamble, they open the magical artifact. Instead of a monster, a torrent of unique water bursts forth.
The mysterious water washes over the undead gods, acting as a cleansing agent. It violently pulls the dark infection right out of their bodies. Arion is amazed, assuming Arthur is using his hydrokinesis to control the water and save them. But Arthur is just as confused as the rest of them. “No… this wasn’t me,” he admits.
Suddenly, the cleansing water begins to shift and take shape. A familiar, confident voice echoes through the cavern: “Hey, Aquaman. Long time, no see…”.
The issue abruptly cuts to black with a jaw-dropping tease for the next issue: “NEXT: WONDER TWIN POWER, ACTIVATE FORM OF WHAT THE & #?!”.
