Warning: Spoilers for Aquaman #1As a devoted fan of the DC Universe, I was ecstatic when the announcement for Aquaman‘s new solo series came last year. The opportunity to see my favorite aquatic characters, especially Mera, in action again was something I eagerly anticipated. However, the debut installment of this series has fallen short of expectations, particularly due to a significant alteration in Mera’s role that undermines her importance in Aquaman’s narrative and overlooks one of DC’s most underrated heroes.

Aquaman #1, created by Jeremy Adams, John Timms, Rex Lokus, and Dave Sharpe, marks the beginning of Aquaman’s new adventure, featuring an unexpected twist right from the start. Aquaman showcases newly acquired hydrokinetic abilities that allow him to manipulate water, a power he reveals has been gifted to him by Mera.

Mera’s hydrokinesis has been stripped away from her, which not only robs her of her superhero capabilities but also forces her into a passive role while Aquaman wields her former powers. This narrative shift is disheartening; it seems that DC is squandering Mera’s character potential, which is a disservice to her legacy.

Aquaman Claims Mera’s Hydrokinesis, Leaving Her Voiceless in the Story

Mera’s Main Superpower is Removed Following the Events of Absolute Power

The DC Universe underwent a significant power shift in Absolute Power #4 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, where characters attempted to reclaim their abilities after Amanda Waller’s theft. However, this backfired, leading to a confusion where many heroes ended up with swapped powers instead of restoring them correctly. This error has resulted in several heroes losing their abilities, including Barry Allen’s Flash, while others, like Aquaman, have acquired new powers from their companions. Mera is confirmed as yet another casualty of this power exchange, with her hydrokinesis now transferred to Aquaman.

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In a shocking twist, it appears Aquaman is married to Black Manta—a statement that, while it may sound like something from fanfiction, holds a surprising truth.

Aquaman not only inherits Mera’s previous superpowers, but he’s also on the verge of surpassing her abilities, which I find quite concerning. In the initial scene of this issue, Arthur undertakes a rescue mission using his hydrokinesis to avert a plane disaster over the ocean. After ensuring the plane’s safe landing, Mera remarks, “Even at the height of my powers, what you did would be…challenging.” Despite Mera’s extensive experience with these powers, even earning the respect of Batman, Aquaman has quickly matched or even exceeded her proficiency. This raises my primary concern: Mera’s character has been diminished solely to elevate Aquaman’s status.

Mera’s Loss of Powers Sheds Light on the Sexism in Aquaman’s New Narrative

Despite Her Status as a Hero and Queen, Mera is Portrayed as Inferior to Aquaman

In the ongoing narrative, while Aquaman engages in battles that Mera can no longer participate in, she finds herself relegated to taking care of their baby. Aquaman embarks on daring missions and fulfills his kingly duties without her, which can be interpreted as a narrative coincidence. However, as a reader, it is evident that these creative choices are made with intention. Though Aquaman didn’t set out to take Mera’s powers, the decision from DC to transfer her abilities to him reflects a troubling trend: the elevation of Aquaman comes at the cost of sidelining a woman.

Mera is not only one of the Justice League’s fiercest fighters, but it is also frustrating to see her being marginalized in this way. Her relegation doesn’t stop here; as the Queen of Atlantis, Mera should play a significant role in the councils and meetings Aquaman attends. Instead, she is portrayed as merely a caretaker, watching their child while Aquaman engages in royal duties. This is particularly disheartening given that Mera has been actively involved in ruling alongside Arthur in the past, both as his partner and as a sovereign in her own right. Yet here, she is depicted solely as a wife and mother.

DC Continues to Downgrade Mera as Part of a Larger Pattern of Female Heroes Being Undervalued

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