The tides are turning for Arthur Curry in the latest DC “All In” initiative. This issue “Aquaman Vol. 1”, titled “The Dark Tide”, marks a significant shift for the King of Atlantis, blending classic heroics with a mysterious new power set and a reality-shattering cliffhanger. Here is a page-by-page breakdown of the journey.
The Hero Returns
The story opens fifty miles east of Manhattan, where a passenger plane, Metropolis 234, is losing altitude and spiraling toward the ocean. While the U.S. Coast Guard watches in terror, a figure moves through the water at an “intercept course”.
We are quickly reminded that this is not just a story of a king or a lover, but of a hero: Arthur Curry. Arthur reflects on his return to the throne of Atlantis and his seat in the Justice League following the events of Absolute Power.
A Swap of Powers
As Arthur reaches the sinking plane, we learn of a major status quo change: Arthur has swapped powers with his wife, Mera. He now possesses hydrokinesis—the ability to manipulate water—a skill he hasn’t quite mastered.
Under Mera’s mental guidance, Arthur concentrates on “pulling” the water. He successfully forms a massive water pillar to level off the plane and safely lower the passengers to the Coast Guard. Despite the success, the effort leaves him physically drained.
The Burden of the Crown
Returning to Atlantis, Arthur is immediately greeted by the demands of kingship. Jackson Hyde (Aqualad) approaches him with a strange discovery: a mysterious, magical pearl that Garth (Tempest) believes is significant. Arthur tells Jackson to keep investigating, even if it means interrupting his “endless meetings”.
The king’s daily life is depicted as a “humdrum” cycle of bickering nobles, seaweed farm disputes, and border security. Arthur shares a brief moment with his daughter, Andrina, and Mera before being called away to a new crisis.
The Water Kaiju Attack
A “fully sentient creature of water”—a water kaiju—attacks Daytona Beach, Florida. Arthur arrives before it makes landfall and attempts to use his new hydrokinetic powers to dissipate the creature. After a struggle that leaves him “embarrassingly” punched by the monster, he manages to twist and change the water until the creature vanishes.
A Kingdom Vanished
The victory is short-lived. In the aftermath of the fight, Arthur hears Mera’s voice crying out. He rushes back to Atlantis only to find a blinding light has consumed everything.
All of Atlantis is gone. The city and its people have vanished, leaving behind nothing but the mysterious pearl Jackson Hyde found earlier.
The Gate to the Blue
Desperate for answers, Arthur takes the pearl to the Justice League Watchtower. Zatanna examines the object, noting it is ancient, powerful, and seemingly hidden from the “tapestries of magic”.
The pearl leads Arthur, Batman, and Wonder Woman to a “corresponding thread” in the deep ocean. There, the pearl begins to glow and transforms into a gate. Arthur feels a call from inside the portal—a realm known as “The Blue”. With the blessing of his teammates and a final urge to “give them hell,” Arthur steps through the gate to find his family.
Next Issue: The Man on the Mountain!
