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Ripples Through Time - 208

2010-11-03T03:00:00.001-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #284 (May 1961) - The Charge of Aquaman's Sea Soldiers!

The aquatic duo must deal with a brilliant but malevolent scientist bent on outsmarting them.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aquaman, Aqualad

Aqua-Exclamations: By King Neptune's Beard! Great Guppies! Leaping Lizardfish! Jumping Jellyfish! Great Waves! Stuttering Sea Horses! Holy Sea Cows!

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman's sea creatures become very weak in the de-salted water.

Quotefile: Aqualad, "Leaping Lizardfish! Look, Aquaman! What in the Seven Seas is that?"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman and Aqualad arrive riding on octopi. Sawfish saw the boarding plank in half, stranding the raiders on the ship. Archerfish shoot seaweed stalks at the raiders guns to disarm them. Pufferfish bail out the hold of the victim ship until it can make port. Swordfish attack the inflatable boat, punching holes in it. Flying fish net the attackers with a seaweed net. An octopus hauls the attacker aboard their targeted ship. Aquaman summons an armada of fish, but the sailfish are unable to jump aboard the deck of the boat. The octopi fall into the water from weakness. The blue whales lose strength and bump into each other. A squadron of octopi are also unable to board the ship. Aqualad ushers them out of the area once Aquaman realizes the problem. The specially outfitted fish return with Aquaman and Aqualad to attack Professor Snark's set up. Aqualad rides a dolphin, Aquaman an octopus. Whales smash the side of the de-salting machine. A batfish knocks a gun out of a thug's hand. A porcupine fish knocks over another thug. Swordfish knock over the salt bins, and octopi throw sea shells at the thugs. Aquaman and Aqualad jump aboard the de-salting barge in a whale's spout. Aquaman rides off on a dolphin, and Aqualad on an octopus.

Not really impressed with this one. Aquaman should have figured out the de-salted water thing much quicker. And the idea of outfitting the fish with scuba gear is actually very very silly. So, yeah, not my favorite. But then, we're moving into an extremely silly era of comic books, so there's worse to come.

On another note, this is Aquaman's last appearance in Adventure Comics for awhile. It'll be another 13 years before he returns to the title that he spent most of his career in.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 207

2010-10-20T03:00:00.002-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Showcase #32 (May 1961) - The Creature King of the Sea!

Aquaman and Aqualad inadvertently assist a criminal to turn into a dangerous creature that steals gold.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aquaman, Aqualad, Topo

Aqua-Exclamations: Great Sea Horses! Suffering Starfish! Great Guppies! Leaping Lizardfish! Suffering Swordfish! Great Waves! Suffering Sardines!

Captured/Knocked Out report: The creature traps a whale in the smokestack funnel of a wrecked ship, and the pair are captured when they go to help it.

Quotefile: Jed, during the rescue, "Imagine... me at the ocean bottom, breathing fresh air!"

Finny Friends Report: A giant devil ray brings a pocket of air from the surface to the trapped diver. Giant clams protect Aquaman and Aqualad from the barrage of coral. A lion fish and some hatchet fish cut the roots that attack the pair. A group of jellyfish attack the creature to allow Aquaman and Aqualad to escape. Pilot fish, lantern fish, and midshipman fish gather Aquaman's armies. Whale sharks attack first and are deflected by the creature. Swordfish try a sneak attack and are trapped in deck planks. Whales hold up the ship the creature attacks and take it back to port. A legion of octopi steal back the gold and place it on the backs of sea turtles who take it inland. A lantern fish lets Aquaman know the stealback is done. After the fish turns back into a human, fish follow him. Flying fish knock the gun out of his hand when he prepares to fire on the whales surrounding him. Sea gulls rescued Aquaman and Aqualad from the desert using blowfishes and sponges. Topo deflects the grenades, then wraps up the criminal until the Coast Guard arrives. Aqualad rides dolphins at the end of the story.

I kind of like the set up of this one, in which Aquaman's urge to help backfires. On the other hand, the whole thing about the potions belonging to the guy looking for them is bunk. Aquaman should have been a little more cautious about the whole thing. Helping people is well and good, but he's a freaking super hero, he should at least check out the guy's story first!

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 206

2010-10-13T03:00:00.004-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #282 (Mar 1961) - One Hour To Doom!

An ongoing effort to capture a smuggler turns into a lesson for Aqualad on how to survive on land with the one-hour limit.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aquaman, Aqualad, Topo

Aqua-Exclamations: Leaping Lantern Fish! Great Guppies! Holy Mackerel!

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman and Aqualad are repeatedly trapped in areas with little water, and eventually are captured and tied up by the smuggler.

Quotefile: Aquaman, "This will be an important experience for you, Aqualad! Whenever we're ashore, we're almost like fish out of water! So let's see how good you are at finding water in unlikely places!"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman and Aqualad are riding an octopus (probably Topo) and dolphin. A porpoise holds marine scientists' mail for them until they surface in their diving bell. Swordfish shred the sails of the smugglers' boat. Topo and other octopi secure the smugglers. Whales form a landing strip for the airliner in distress. Dolphins pull the sea ambulance for the injured manta ray. Topo bandages the ray, then finger-squid interns set the broken fin. Aqualad rides a dolphin and witnesses the swordfish's accident. Topo sharpens the swordfish's sword. Flying fish return garbage to littering boaters. A swordfish punctures a speeder's gas tank. Electric eels shock fishermen trolling restricted waters. Fish report on the location of the stolen sub. Octopi divert and disarm the torpedoes. A legion of sea turtles act like magnetic mines to scare the sub to shore. Whales trap one of Rowe's smuggling ships.

Ancient typo, the word "thought" lost its final "t" in the last panel on page 3.

I'm not a fan of the one hour limit. In its first appearance, it kind of made sense. After an hour out of water, Aquaman began to lose strength, but he was still alive. His powers, derived from the sea, left him as he became dehydrated. In this story, Aquaman indicates that Atlanteans will drop dead after an hour with no water. Silly and stupid. In addition they repeatedly make it clear that just physical contact with a tiny amount of water can reset the clock. It's magical and it doesn't make any sense at all except as a crutch for lazy writers.

The one-hour limit has been mentioned several times since its debut, but this is one of the first times the rules of the limit are defined. Which isn't a surprise, as the entire story is about making those rules clear to the reader by making them clear to Aqualad. If the start of the one hour limit is Adventure Comics #256, this story is the one that writes it into stone for the rest of the Silver Age.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 205

2010-10-06T03:00:00.001-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Showcase #31 (Mar 1961) - The Sea Beasts from One Billion B.C.

A stolen invention allows a crook to control giant devolved fish that terrorize the oceans.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aquaman, Aqualad

Locations: The Aqua-cave

Aqua-Exclamations: Great Whirlpools! Shades of Davy Jones! Shiver my Timbers! Great Catfish! Well, I'll be a Starfish! Great Waves! Leaping Sea Lions! Great Sea Shells! Suffering Sea Snails! Great Guppies!

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman is driven out of Cook's hiding place by fish controlled by Cook. Then Aquaman's whole army turns on him when Cook devolves them. In fact, Aquaman spends a lot of time rescuing people instead of fighting the bad guy.

Quotefile: "Shades of Davy Jones! I've been sailing the oceans for nigh on 30 years -- and this is the first time I've ever seen 'em!" Officer on a cargo ship, referring to Aquaman and Aqualad.

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman and Aqualad are riding porpoises. Aquaman uses whales' spouts to board the cargo ship, and octopi act as extra propellers to get the ship away from the sea monster. Aquaman has the fish search for John Cook, and a "pop-eyed porgy" finds his hideout. Aquaman has an army of fish attack the hideout, but Cook devolves them and sets them to attack Aquaman and Aqualad. During Cook's reign of terror, Aquaman rescues people with whales, sea turtles, and dolphins. Luminous fish help obscure Cook's attack light, allowing Aquaman and Aqualad to reach him. Manta rays and dolphins help survivors of the future fish attacks. Aquaman draws off the future fish with a flock of sea gulls, getting them in range of the military guns. Aquaman and many other fish then disrupt the aim of those guns.

Another solid long story in Aquaman's tryout issues of Showcase. There is no story decompression in this one, just a lot of different actions leading into each other one after another. Each part of the story had its own cliffhanger, and they all fit together. I loved the designs of the "prehistoric" as well as the future fish. The blowfish managed to be cute even as a giant monster threatening everyone.

And again, we get the notion that an assistant to a scientist in the DC Universe is a good gig to get if you want to turn criminal and make a lot of money before getting nailed by the super-heroes. You would think they would just focus on being scientists instead, since they must have some serious skills to be a trusted assistant on some of those projects.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 204

2010-09-29T03:00:00.004-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #280 (Jan 1961) - The Lost Ocean

Aquaman and Aqualad take the place of two striken TV stars in the popular series Sea Chase.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aquaman, Aqualad

Quotefile: Lighthouse keeper, "I know you're the king of the sea, Aquaman, but you'd have to go some to match Jim Flood's skill!"

Finny Friends Report: Electric eels short out the damaged sea monster prop that goes after Aqualad. Aquaman orders fish to swim in a circle to create a vortex that sucks the real giant egg to the surface. A school of octopi hold down the sea-centipede to make it look like it got entangled in seaweed.

I love the framing sequence with Aquaman and Aqualad sitting down to watch TV with a lighthouse keeper. I guess Aquaman would be quite comfortable with lighthouses.

Jim and Ted Flood got the bends from diving too deeply, according to the story, and are stuck in iron lungs until they recover. As far as I can determine, though, an iron lung is the wrong tool to help people with the bends, as it only helps to breathe.

I was amused that the director told Aquaman and Aqualad they didn't have to change outfits, that the special effects man would "retouch" the film to make it look like they were Jim and Ted. But considering the time and cost involved, you think they'd put on the outfits anyway.

So typical of a DC tale that they are filming a story based on The Lost World they would run across real "prehistoric" creatures on the ocean floor.

Aquaman shows his usual modesty when the lighthouse keeper raves about Jim and Ted Flood, but he and Aqualad share a wink behind the keeper's back.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 203

2010-09-22T03:00:00.002-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Showcase #30 (Jan 1961) - The Creatures from Atlantis!

A distress call from Atlantis sends Aquaman back to his mother's home to stop an alien invasion.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aquaman, Aqualad, Topo

Recurring Characters: Tom and Atlanna Curry, in flashback

Locations: Aqua-Cave, Atlantis

Aqua-Exclamations: Great Guppies! Shades of Davy Jones! Great Neptune! Great Waves! Sweet Seaweed! Leaping Sea Lions!

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman is captured as soon as he approaches Atlantis. Later, he's spotted spying on the leader of the aliens, and thrown in solitary so he can't warn the Atlanteans.

Quotefile: Atlantean, "Farewell, Aquaman and Aqualad! Henceforth, we shall look upon you both as our ambassadors to the outside world!"

Finny Friends Report:

Chapter One: Aquaman and Aqualad are riding porpoises when they spot the cargo ship on fire. Whales use their spouts as firehoses, swordfish cut open the hull so octopi can get at the poison cargo and load it onto the whales' backs. Eels form ropes to hold the cargo steady while Aqualad guides the flotilla to port. A lantern fish brings the S.O.S. from Atlantis, he orders the lantern fish to tell Aqualad where he's gone.
Chapter Two: After his capture, Aquaman gets a guppy to relay his message to the outside, where it goes from a lantern fish to mantas to swordfish that tap out a message massing Aquaman's fish to attack Atlantis. The aliens are able to repel the attack, and Aquaman has the guppy call it off. Later, the guppy tells Aqualad how to get into Atlantis. Aqualad rides a swordfish into the city disguised in seaweed, and the swordfish cuts Aquaman out of his cell.
Chapter Three: Aquaman and Aqualad ride porpoises as they follow the aliens to the surface. Octopi, including Topo, capture the alien guards when Aquaman distracts them. Octopi throw grenades, whales use their spouts to throw depth charges, and flying fish launch torpedoes at the alien ship. When those don't work, seagulls drop grenades on the ship. Electric eels attack the aliens in an underwater forest.

A highlight of this one is a four-page recap of Aquaman's origin with a little more detail and focus on the Atlantis side than we'd seen before. This is important, because this is the first time in the Silver Age that Aquaman has entered Atlantis. He indicated in his origin in Adventure #260 that he knows where it is, and even attempted to return Aqualad to the city, but in this issue he finally enters for the first time, as a prisoner. This is a theme that will continue throughout his incarnations. When his origin is revamped in The Legend of Aquaman, his first contact with Atlantis is also as a prisoner.

For Aquaman's first longer story we get just about everything an Aquaman fan might want. We get his origin again, with new artwork. We get Aqualad being responsible and on his own. We get Atlantis. We get a suitably nasty set of bad guys for Aquaman to defeat. We get a threat to the entire world that Aquaman has to deal with, not just to Atlantis. And lastly, we get a lot of awesome Aqua-exclamations. I'm particularly fond of "Sweet Seaweed!"

At the very end of this story, we get a tagline that says, "Follow the Adventures of Aquaman in Adventure Comics". Aquaman will only have three more stories in Adventure Comics in the coming year, after which he won't return to that book until 1974.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 202

2010-09-15T03:00:00.001-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #279 (Dec 1960) - Silly Sailors of the Sea!

A group of four teens take a sailboat for a joyride and Aquaman makes sure they don't do it again.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aquaman and Aqualad

Quotefile: "What shall I do? I don't know much about sailing boats! I never thought it could be so dangerous!"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman has the fish swim in a circle to cause a whirlpool. Other sea creatures hold up figureheads to create sea serpents. A school of whales causes waves, squids shoot ink into the air, and electric eels supply lightning to create an artificial storm to scare the boys. Lastly, whale raise an old ship while octopi and other fish help Aquaman and Aqualad arrange dummies to look like pirates.

A remarkably silly story. Why is Aquaman so intent on teaching the boys a lesson? Seriously, just bring them in instead of putting them through greater dangers. Maybe Aquaman secretly wants them to have a great time at sea? In any case, it gives Aquaman a chance to dress up as a pirate, so it's clearly a good thing.

Notice the final panel and the wink between Aqualad and Mr Hale. A fun little moment for the kid.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

One last note. The final page also says, "A 3-part AQUAMAN novel, including "The Origin of Aquaman" will appear in SHOWCASE #30, on sale Nov. 24!" That will be the start of Aquaman's four-issue run in Showcase, a test run for his first solo series. At the same time, he will appear in Adventure Comics three more times, then switch to being a backup in Detective Comics for a memorable 8 issue run that will conclude after the first issue of his new series starts up. In addition, as if that weren't enough, he'll start appearing as a backup in World's Finest once his run in Detective is done, with a total of 12 stories there that come out at the same time as his solo series ramps up. I'll be tackling these stories in roughly chronological order, although I'm certain to not get it exactly correct.

Ripples Through Time - 201

2010-09-08T03:00:00.001-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #278 (Nov 1960) - Aqualad Goes to School!

Aquaman decides Aqualad must attend school, but first he has to pass an entrance exam.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aqualad

Aqua-Exclamations: "Leaping Lantern Fish!"

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aqualad is hit by a capsized boat and his memory is affected.

Quotefile: Aquaman, "How is Aqualad doing?" Miss Pine, "Wonderfully, Aquaman! My review today secretly included Aqualad's test questions and he answered them all perfectly! He's sure to score 100% on his entrance exam tomorrow!"

Finny Friends Report: Aqualad dives into a target made by luminous fish. Whales lift an armored ship to remind Aqualad of the Merrimac. Sea-horses surface to remind Aqualad of the Trojan Horse. Swordfish and hammerhead sharks punch a piece of driftwood into the shape of Italy. Two octopi swim by to remind Aqualad of the number of keys on a piano. Whales blow water into the classroom to remind Aqualad of Chief Rain-in-the-Face. Sawfish and octopi free a figurehead from a sunken ship, and eels frame it to remind Aqualad of the Mona Lisa. Flying fish soar in the air in a coded pattern to remind Aqualad of Morse. Eels form a compass to give Aqualad the origin of the word "news". And the assorted fish all wink back at Aquaman in the final panel of the tale.

Miss Pine asks for an animal famed in Greek mythology, and Aqualad answers with the Trojan Horse, which wasn't an actual animal. And gets it right. Other questions are as odd. Here's the complete list of questions we see asked: "What vessel was sunk in a civil war battle between two iron-clad warships?"; "Name an animal famed in Greek Mythology!"; "Name a great country on the Mediterranean!"; "How many keys in a piano?"; "Name a famous American Indian Chief!"; "What famous portrait hangs in the Louvre museum in Paris?"; "Who invented the telegraph?"; "What's the origin of the word 'news'?"

I don't really think that "news" is an acronym for "North, East, West, South", that sounds like an explanation somebody added later.

Aqualad needs water every hour, and so turns his requirement into shows for the other students.

We have to presume that from this moment on, Aqualad attends school regularly and Aquaman has him assist after school hours and during breaks. This makes sense, as he later shows up in Scotland going to college. Of all the sidekicks, Aqualad is one who is actually shown to get schooling in something other than beating someone up.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 200

2010-09-01T03:00:00.003-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #277 (Oct 1960) - The Underwater Olympics!

Aquaman and Aqualad arrange an Olympic games pitting the creatures of the Atlantic Ocean against the creatures of the Pacific Ocean.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aqualad, Topo

Aqua-Exclamations: "Suffering Sea Lions!"

Quotefile: Aquaman, "The nations of the world will soon hold their Olympic Games! Why don't we arrange a series of contests where our sea creatures can compete as friendly rivals in an Underwater Olympics?" Aqualad, "Swell, Aquaman! Let's organize it now!"

Finny Friends Report: The idea for the Olympics are inspired by a Pacific Humpback whale racing an Atlantic Sperm whale. Topo is used to pick the location of the games in the baseball bat style. There is a parade of fish starting the games. The first event is a fencing match between swordfish. Then there are flying fish jumping hurdles. There is a boxing match between a walrus and octopus. Whales put out a flaming ship. Seals play a water polo game. Eels and crabs form grappling hooks for the salvage contest. A whale upsets a powerboat in the "stopping smugglers" event. Aquaman's luminous fish fail to stop smugglers. Various fish participate in an underwater tug of war. Dolphins participate in a relay race. Aquaman addresses his losing team at the end to congratulate them for their self-sacrifice.

The games are reported as the "1960 Underwater Olympics". There are thirty events and a point system would be used to decide the winner. The games are held in the Atlantic, 500 miles north of Puerto Rico. There is a very very good reason that Aquaman's Atlantic team loses to Aqualad's Pacific team.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 199

2010-08-25T03:00:00.005-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #276 (Sep 1960) - The Aqua-Thief of the Seven Seas!

When Aquaman's attempt to salvage lost diamonds comes up with an empty box, he's accused of stealing the gems.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aqualad

Quotefile: Prime Minister Vuda, "I have another theory, sire! How do we know Aquaman's telling the truth? Maybe he's pulling a trick! Maybe he intends to keep the gems for himself!"

Finny Friends Report: On the splash page, Aquaman's finny friends console him him through fish-telepathy. Aqualad, while riding a porpoise, uses electric eels to short-circuit a pirate submarine's electrical system. Whales push the sub to the mainland. Aquaman uses an octopus to help dig the chest out of the mud. A shark and two swordfish go with Aquaman to an iceberg to make fake diamonds.

The whole adventure starts with the celebration of the prince of Timtu's second birthday, at which the child will receive his weight in diamonds. We get to see the ceremony, then see the chest that contained the diamonds sinking overboard. The King tells his PM to call Aquaman.

Aqualad shows his stuff in this one by taking on a pirate submarine single-handedly as Aquaman rushes off to help the Timtu folks. The prince's nurse points seemingly randomly at the water to show Aquaman "exactly where the chest fell". Without Aqualad to back him up, Aquaman is accused of thievery when he fails to find the gems.

The speech balloons by the fish on the splash page are a little shocking. Aquaman's thought balloon indicates they are speaking to him in fish-telepathy. The scene on the splash page never happens. Aquaman's reputation is never in any real danger, and his quick thinking preserves it from whatver minor damage it might have sustained.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

UPDATE: Rob at the Aquaman Shrine spotted an audio adaptation of this story over at League of Ordinary Gentlemen Comics.

Ripples Through Time - 198

2010-08-18T03:00:00.003-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #275 (Aug 1960) - The Interplanetary Mission!

Aliens request Aquaman's help in retrieving a lost satellite under their ocean.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aqualad, Topo (not named)

Aqua-Exclamations: "Great Guppies!"

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman and Aqualad are knocked unconscious during lift-off.

Quotefile: Aquaman, attacking the aliens, "Okay! Now the fun really begins!"

Finny Friends Report: Topo helps Aquaman and Aqualad corral floating cages with the wild animals in them. Two whales tow the cages to the nearest port. Topo joins the fight agains the aliens, and whales threaten their spaceship.

While I don't like space stories, this isn't exactly your normal space story for the DCU. The aliens have an ulterior motive that Aquaman foils nicely, helping out Superman in the process. And Aquaman once again uses his brains to figure out the situation, although he seems to really enjoy the fighting once it starts.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 197

2010-08-11T03:00:00.005-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #274 (Jul 1960) - Aqua-Queen!

The sore loser of a swimming meet decides to outdo Aquaman at his aquatic feats.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aqualad

Aqua-Exclamations: "Suffering Sharks!", "Jumping Jellyfish!", "Great Guppies!"

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aqualad hits his head against Dale's underwater air supply.

Quotefile: Aquaman, "But I can't understand it! You're just a spoiled thrill-seeker who has too much money for her own good! When I last saw you, you were a below-average swimmer! How's you suddenly develop such remarkable aquatic powers?"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman's fishy friends refuse to go near the derelict, but appear to obey Dale.

This story appears to reuse the script from Adventure #187 (April 1953) - The Queen of the Sea. Ok, not really "appears" so much as matches almost word for word. In fact, in order to really show you just how close these two stories are, I'm going to do some panel by panel comparisons.

Our story starts with a swim meet for charity...

Aquaman is informed that the girl who protests his pick is a wealthy heiress (Ann Collins in 1953, Dale Conroy in 1960)...

Later, Aquaman has to chase down something for the Navy, but someone else arrives...

There is a new sequence added to the 1960 version where Dale Conroy challenges Aquaman to command his fish into a derelict. This was not in the 1953 version. But both versions of the tale move on to the same underwater challenge...

Eventually Aquaman figures out how Ann/Dale is cheating. The last discovery is how she swims so fast...

Aquaman sees one last act that decides how he's going to react to the cheating...

And the final explanations. Note how the artwork makes Aquaman's final words mean something different in each story.

Of course, there's a lot more to the story than this, but it's very strange to see the script dusted off and reused so completely. In the around the world story, the challenges were changed dramatically. This was a mild rewrite. Still, because of the change in artwork (though not artist) the stories seem very different in many significant ways.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 196

2010-08-04T03:00:00.004-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #273 (Jun 1960) - Around the World in 80 Hours!

Aquaman and Aqualad swim around the world in 80 hours for charity.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aqualad

Quotefile: The newspapers report on Aquaman's journey:

Aquaman's estimated time between bodies of water!

From San Francisco to the Panama Cancel..... 10 hours
From Panama Canal to the Mediterranean Sea..... 17 hours
Through Mediterranean Sea to the Suez Canal..... 6 hours
From Suez Canal to Indian Ocean..... 4 hours
Across Indian Ocean to Pacific Ocean..... 20 hours
Across Pacific Ocean to San Francisco..... 23 hours

This is set over a map showing the route.

Finny Friends Report: Giant squid squirt ink at planes attacking Aquaman and Aqualad. Flying fish form an SOS to summon a military task force to deal with an attacking submarine. Sharks and sawfish prepare sheets of lead to wrap the pair and protect them from atomic fallout. Octopi wrap the pair in lead.

A story with this plotline was published in More Fun #86 (December 1942). While the plot is the same, Aquaman racing across the world, the events are different. In the Golden Age tale, Aquaman goes to Hollywood and the project is for a charity film, and he has seven days. In the older tale, he faces water covered in oil and set on fire, bombs and depth charges, drugged water (and is actually captured by the Japanese), a muddy channel where he is attacked by Japanese bombers, and finally fake cameramen with guns. He makes it in less than six days. In this tale, Aquaman and Aqualad are attacked by planes in a shallow area (similar to the muddy channel), torpedoed after they leave the Panama Canal, have to get through a radioactive Indian Ocean, enter a minefield, and have to cross an arid island.

Aquaman carries waterproof matches and capsules of oxygen and hydrogen in his belt kit so he can make water if he needs it. Which no doubt he will, since he announces his one hour weakness on international news.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 195

2010-07-28T03:00:00.003-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #272 (May 1960) - The Human Flying Fish!

Recognizing that Aquaman is too powerful in the sea, a doctor proposes turning a man into a flying fish so he can rise above Aquaman's domain.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aqualad, Topo (not named)

Aqua-Exclamations: "Suffering Sharks!"

Quotefile: Dr Krill, "All we need is someone with powers greater than Aquaman's! See those Flying Fish, Bragg? How'd you like to be like them... able to escape any pursuer by flying into the air?"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman summons whales to stop a group of smugglers. Aquaman's sea patrol attempts to stop the Human Flying Fish but fail. A group of whales help Aquaman to salvage an ancient idol from a sunken temple. A giant octopus throws Aquaman into the air after the Human Flying Fish. A grid of electric eels block the Human Flying Fish's escape route and shock him. Sailfish attack the helicopter and pierce the fuel tank.

The Human Flying Fish is not the first to be augmented to face off against Aquaman, but the design and effort is somewhat different from what has come before. Usually the augments attempt to recreate Aquaman's abilities exactly (and his look for some reason). This effort started out good but Aquaman quickly used his intelligence to stop the threat.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 194

2010-07-21T03:00:00.005-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #271 (Apr 1960) - The Second Deluge!

Captain Noah predicts a second great deluge and collects animals while violent storms happen in his vicinity.

Glove Color: Green from here on out.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aqualad, Topo (not named)

Quotefile: Aquaman, "He's a kindly old soul! But he's off his rocker! When he sees he's wrong, I'm sure he'll put his ark in dry dock!"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman's sea patrol alerts the pair to a strange vessel. Aquaman has a school of whales form an airstrip for a plane having trouble in the storm. Octopi bail out a ship having trouble in a storm. Puffer ship hold up a ship that has a hole. Sawfish free another ship entangled in seaweed. Another ship is guided by pilot fish to the nearest port after fog closes in. Aquaman orders octopi onto Noah's ship. Drumfish alert Aquaman and Aqualad to looting in a storm hit resort town. Needlefish stitch the thieves' clothes together to immobilize them. Aquaman brings whales to push Captain Noah's ship into the three-mile limit so he can be arrested for causing the storms. The octopi were actually spies. Aquaman and Aqualad ride off on the octopi.

A nice little tale with Captain Noah collecting all kinds of animals. I don't care how much gold he's managing to extract from sea water, the care and upkeep of those animals has to be really expensive. They've got lions, monkeys, giraffes, and a whole bunch of sea life that they shouldn't really need. While Noah claims that all life not on his ship will be destroyed, it's a freaking flood. What does Aquaman or his finny friends have to worry about?

The last time we saw a full ark in Aquaman was in More Fun #87 (January 1943), when Aquaman himself gathered animals to show to the Atlanteans. Another similar theme was explored in Adventure #109 (October 1946), but that was sea life only.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 193

2010-07-14T03:00:00.003-07:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #270 (Mar 1960) - The Menace of Aqualad!

After a fortune-teller predicts that Aquaman will be replaced, Aqualad is hit on the head and starts acting odd.

Glove Color: Yellow, last yellow gloves in Aquaman solo tales.

Regular Supporting Cast: Aqualad, Topo

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aqualad is hit on the head by a sinking schooner. Aquaman is entangled in Aqualad's net.

Quotefile: Fortune-teller, "Alas! I see great danger for you, Aquaman! Someone new has come into your life who may imperil you... and replace you!"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman and Aqualad are riding whales to the mainland. Aquaman dives into shallow water at an exhibit only to have the whales lift him with their water spouts. Topo alerts the pair to a sinking schooner. Aquaman has eels weave together to form life rafts. Aqualad has squids squirt ink to allow him to get away from Aquaman. Aqualad sends luminous fish to help Aquaman defeat thieves. Aqualad has luminous fish lighting up the new Aquacave. A parade of fish celebrates Aquaman's birthday.

A narwhal, incorrectly identified as a "narwhale", attacks Aquaman as soon as he wakes up and accidently entangles himself in Aqualad's net. It does not respond to his commands, so he thinks it is maddened, but we never learn why.

A navy ship intercepts Aquaman in order to present him with a birthday cake, so Aquaman's birthday is known among his surface friends. Aquaman and Aqualad eat the cake while riding on the backs of whales. I love the sneaky look that Fradon puts on Aqualad's face in this story. From the moment the schooner hits Aqualad's head, he changes completely in attitude.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 192

2010-07-07T03:00:00.004-07:00

Ok, I took a hiatus. My fandoms tend to ebb and flow, and it's just natural that sometimes I'll find doing things like reviews a little more difficult at times. But I'm coming back to this, and I hope you'll enjoy the continuing Ripples Through Time, starting where I left off...

I'm (still) reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #269 (Feb 1960) - The Kid From Atlantis!

Aquaman helps an exile from Atlantis overcome his fear of fish.

Glove Color: Yellow.

Regular Supporting Cast: Topo, the introduction of Aqualad!

Quotefile: Aquaman, "Purple eyes! *gasp!* Now I know where you come from! Atlantis! That's why you can converse with me! You have the telepathic power possessed by all of Atlantis' inhabitants... to understand and speak any language!"

Finny Friends Report: Topo and a swordfish find the capsule with Aqualad and summon Aquaman. He has eels become a rolling hoop and stick for Aqualad to play with. A whale's spout becomes a water slide for Aqualad. Topo treats Aqualad to a merry-go-round. A manta ray is used as a makeshift sail for stranded sailors. Pilot fish guide a freighter around reefs. Aqualad orders luminous fish to create a landing strip for a plane in distress. Swordfish take Aqualad's place entering Atlantis. Aquaman idly orders eels to make hoops and sticks when he misses Aqualad. The two ride off on Topo.

This is the famous introduction of Aqualad, who is only referred to as "Aqualad" in the next issue box at the end of the story. This story confirms that every Silver Age Atlantean had all of Aquaman's powers. And this story has a LOT of use of Atlantean powers. This story also continues the theme of Atlantis as a sealed community. While they live with fish, they don't generally leave the city. Aquaman assumes that once Aqualad re-enters the city, he's not going to be able to come back out and visit. Fradon draws Aqualad as a young boy, which isn't how we're generally used to seeing him, but he looks very much like a child and not just a small adult.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 191

2008-01-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #268 (January 1960) - The Adventures of Aquaboy!

Aquaman has trouble convincing a blind man that Aquaman is real, which causes him to reflect on his past as Aquaboy.

Glove Color: Yellow.

Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.

Captured/Knocked Out report: A seaquake somehow manages to hurt Aquaman so he can't move his arms.

Quotefile: Captain Harte, "So you're an Aquaman, eh? I don't believe you! A man such as you describe couldn't exist in the past, present, or future!"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaboy puts his head in a shark's mouth to prove his powers. Aquaman rides Topo. Aquaboy got sperm whales to support Captain Harte's ship into port. Aquaboy rode a dolphin to lead archaeologists to a wreck. Aquaman calls up one of the sperm whales that saved Harte's ship in the past to save Harte in the present.

This story establishes that the Silver Age Aquaman was active as a child. The Golden Age Aquaman didn't appear much at all, and only as an adult.

I love Aquaboy's Dutch adventure. Heh.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 190

2008-01-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #267 (December 1959) - The Manhunt on Land!/The Underwater Archers!

Escaping prison, "Shark" Norton pledges to avoid the sea and Aquaman while "The Wizard" Kates pledges to avoid the land and Green Arrow.

Glove Color: Green.

Regular Supporting Cast: Topo. He's the star of both stories, in fact!

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman collapses into the water while being told about Shark Norton's new career on land, thanks to his one-hour limit. *sigh*

Quotefile: Coast Guard officer, "Yes! Everybody knows that if you're out of water for an hour, you gasp for water like a dying fish! But the police feel you alone have the know-how to catch "Shark"!"

Finny Friends Report: In the splash page (not in the story itself), Topo releases a number of fish from a railroad water tank to help Aquaman. Aquaman rides Topo at the beginning of the tale. Aquaman gathers a large group of fish in a tank-truck to help him on land. When the crooks shoot out the headlights on the truck, luminous fish spotlight them for a swordfish attack squad. Topo uses four bows and arrows to capture two crooks. A sea porcupine launches quills and punctures the escape balloon. Electric eels shock one bad guy, a seal gooses another, and a crab handcuffs a third in the aquarium. Shark Norton himself gets nabbed by a shark. In the Green Arrow story, Topo appears in time to rescue GA and Speedy from a fire-breathing sea monster.

This is one of those stories that's been reprinted a few times, but always with the Green Arrow story. If you have the Aquaman Archive and Showcase, you know that "The Underwater Archers" is reprinted in both. And, amusingly, Topo is seriously the hero in both stories. He's the hero in the Aquaman splash page and uses bow and arrows in the Aquaman tale, and Green Arrow would've been monster chow if Topo hadn't helped him out.

Aquaman's one-hour limit is now common knowledge. And he even falls over while a Coast Guard officer is talking to him... while he's IN the sea. He's gone from being able to survive out of water indefinitely to one-hour exactly. The writers clearly think it's a nifty plot device, but any reader will tell you it's a pretty stupid one.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 189

2008-01-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #266 (November 1959) - Aquaman Meets Aquagirl!

Lisa Morel suddenly discovers she has all of Aquaman's powers, and is determined to join him in his sea patrols.

Glove Color: Yellow.

Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman starts the story trapped by a giant clam.

Quotefile: Lisa Morel, "Migosh! According to my waterproof wristwatch, I've been down here sixty minutes! And I feel as if I could last hours!"

Finny Friends Report: A giant clam apparently is holding a grudge against Aquaman, as it refuses to release him until Lisa burns it. Lisa orders seals to save her father's trophy. Aquaman rides on Topo. Topo plays "Happy Birthday" on a piano, drum set, bass, banjo, and xylophone. Lisa has whales destroy the top of an iceberg. Aquaman has luminous fish light up the remainder of the iceberg to save the ship.

Oh, where to start with this one? There's a lot happening in here. First off, we're given Aquaman's origin again, but it's been changed already. In it, Atlanna admits she's from Atlantis while still living and vibrant, not on her deathbed. Aquaman implies that his parents died at the same time. And he mentions his mother's diary, which he promises to read to Lisa.

Aquaman states "But now I must return to the Sea! I can only exist for an hour out of water!" This is the first time the one-hour limit has been described as such. And Lisa suffers from it as well, and had to sleep in the swimming pool!

Aquaman doesn't explain to Lisa why he thinks she's in danger. WHY?!??? I mean, seriously, that's a bit obnoxious of him. Can't he just say, "There's a possibility your powers may vanish as suddenly as they've come, so I'd rather you don't go out on patrol with me"??? Why be a jerk? He doesn't have to say that Lisa's father lied about her birth.

We later learn that Atlanna's diary explains it all. Children in Atlantis born with purple eyes are exiled to the surface world because they cannot survive underwater. This fact is to become important in a few more stories, as another character with purple eyes will be introduced.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 188

2008-01-15T20:00:00.000-08:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #265 (October 1959) - The Secret of the Super-Safe!

Aquaman is summoned to dump a giant safe into the ocean.

Glove Color: Green.

Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.

Quotefile: Aquaman, "With Topo's sensitive tentacles wrapped around your body, your slightest tremor will be felt by Topo and transmitted by sea-creature telepathy to me!"

Finny Friends Report: Various fish bring Aquaman messages from Mr Roxroyd. Aquaman rides Topo to the island. Topo acts as a lie detector to make sure Roxroyd isn't lying about what's in the safe. Whales push an iceberg to the island. Octopi create a ramp to get the safe onto the iceberg. Whale push the iceberg to the proper location. Swordfish force the diving bell to the surface. Eels explore the ooze under the safe and discover lead plates. Whales bring the safe back to show Roxroyd.

Another fairly basic story. Aquaman employs his finny friends very well in this story. I particularly like Topo as a lie detector.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 187

2008-01-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #264 (September 1959) - Aquaman and his Sea Police!

On a visit to New Venice, flooded six months ago, Aquaman takes over police duties.

Glove Color: Green.

Regular Supporting Cast: Topo (Aquaman is riding an octopus at the beginning of the story, but Topo is not named).

Quotefile: Aquaman, "The job is finished! New Venice is saved! Now it can remain forever a city of canals!"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman rides Topo at the beginning of the story. Slinky the Seal puts seaweed into the propellers of speeders to foul their engines and stop their boats. When Slinky fails due to a more powerful motor, a whale lifts the speeding boat out of the water. An octopus detective catches a pickpocket. Aquaman rides behind two dolphins. Sea gulls bombard the litterers with litter. Swordfish pick up all the litter in the canals and then put junk on fishermen's fishing lines. Sharks threaten the robber. Various sea creatures fill the crack in the sea to prevent New Venice from draining.

Ah, New Venice. This town will become more important in the future, but this story is just a nice little Silver Age tale. The town is adjusting to their new reality, which they like, but the regular police haven't quite adapted to having canals for streets yet. Aquaman visits, and breaks some bad habits people have formed. Simple and very Silver Age. There is no indication of the role this place will later take.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 186

2008-01-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #263 (August 1959) - The Great Ocean Election!

Vic Wake is trying to become governor of Comstock, to replace the corrupt Big Jim Mason, but Big Jim has other ideas.

Glove Color: Yellow.

Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.

Aqua-Exclamations: "Great Neptune"

Quotefile: Opening text box, "Sinister forces are at work to prevent an honest election in the sea-bound country of Comstock, and Aquaman temporarily deserts his own domain to help elect honest Vic Wake!"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman rides on Topo at the beginning of the story. Aquaman has electric eels form a giant billboard for Vic. He has octopi toss shells with Vic's election message on them into town. Topo comforts Vic when that effort fails. Sea gulls carry a banner through town announcing the gala fish show. Seals and octopi balance beach balls with "Elect Vic Wake" written on them. A swordfish takes the knock-out pills out of Big Jim's hands. Whales and octopi create spouts to knock Big Jim and his spear gun down. Topo holds up Big Jim as he confesses his crimes to the people of Comstock.

I adore the look on Topo's "face" in the third panel on page six, as he holds up Big Jim. It's notable that Big Jim is threatening to poison the fish in the opening splash page, but later on he is using knock-out pills.

The country of Comstock is described as an island nation. But we have no idea where it is. Everyone apparently speaks English, and they wear normal clothing of the era. Comstock is big enough to have a navy, as we see the battleship. The Department of Sanitation also runs around armed for some reason. I have to wonder if this country didn't later change its name to Cerdia.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 185

2008-01-10T20:00:00.001-08:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #262 (July 1959) - The Undersea Hospital!

Aquaman opens a hospital after Topo sprains a tentacle, and his kindness to the fish pays off when he is himself injured.

Glove Color: Yellow.

Regular Supporting Cast: Topo.

Aqua-Exclamations: "Great Goldfish"

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman is shot by pirates, and is unconscious until his fishy friends patch him up.

Quotefile: Aquaman, after being shot, "T-this's the end! I can't swim a stroke! *GASP!*... I-I'm losing consciousness! No one can help me now! No one... No one..." Melodramatic Much?

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman binds Topo's tentacle to relieve the pain. He has octopi, swordfish, and whales help him build his clinic. His first patient is a seal with a broken flipper. Then a shark with a toothache. Aquaman uses a lobster to pull the shark's tooth. An ambulance "manned" by Topo, pulled by dolphins, with eels for wheels brings in a sick dogfish. Topo puts the dogfish into a tank. Aquaman uses a swordfish to pry a turtle's head from where it's stuck in it's shell. A cutlass fish cuts a length of rubber sheeting for Aquaman to wrap around an electric eel that cannot control it's discharges. Aquaman puts a whale with a high fever into a tank of ice from a glacier.

After Aquaman is shot, all his finny friends help guide him to the clinic. Octopi act as stretcher-bearers with eels acting as the poles of the stretcher. Lantern fish illuminate the operating room, electric eels shock Aquaman for anesthetic. Octopi create tourniquets, and swordfish remove the bullets. Sucker fish suck out the lead, and jelly fish apply healing balm. Sharks and crabs make bandages from old sail cloth. A whale creates a sun deck for Aquaman to recuperate on. Flying fish shade him from the hot sun.

Aquaman's first stint at the medical profession was in Adventure #188, when he has to set up a quarantine. In that tale, Aquaman already has an established undersea clinic for treating his finny friends.

This story has a tiny link with Adventure #119, due to the floating observatory. While the idea doesn't seem too fantastic, the problem with creating any sort of successful observatory that floats is that you have to keep the platform absolutely still. Even an inch of change would completely mess up your observing. But clearly the idea appealed to the writers of Aquaman... more than once.

The pirates shoot Aquaman with what appears to be a tommy gun. It seems worth noting that, although Aquaman is described as being "riddled with bullets", the artwork shows no injuries, and the coloring shows no blood.

Have you read this story? What do you think?

Ripples Through Time - 184

2008-01-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #261 (June 1959) - Aquaman Duels The Animal-Master!

Gustave the Great, an animal trainer, vows revenge after Aquaman stops his getaway after a daring robbery.

Glove Color: Yellow.

Regular Supporting Cast: none. Although an octopus appears, Aquaman does not ride it nor call it Topo, so I call generic on it.

Quotefile: Aquaman, "You're wasting your breath, Gustave. That buffalo won't listen to you! Only to me! I gave him a telepathic order to tilt the raft!"

Finny Friends Report: Aquaman rides a whale. Aquaman swims up the whale spout to attack Gustave. The whale takes the stolen money sacks back to port. Aquaman says he will summon giant squid to keep a plane afloat until help arrives, but the action happens 'off-camera'. A year later, Aquaman gets Gustave's phony SOS messages from an octopus, an eel, a swordfish, and a flying fish. Electric eels attack the gorilla without direct orders from Aquaman. Luminous fish beam a light into the elephant's eyes to spook it away from Aquaman. The octopus goes up against a lion and manages to muzzle it completely. A swordfish battles Gustave and wins the swordplay. Aquaman orders the water buffalo that Gustave had trained to dump the bombs, and Aquaman punches out Gustave. Flying fish carry Gustave to jail.

Aquaman specifically refers to his power as telepathy in this story. He also claims dominion over all water animals, including those that just spend time in the water. Animals do not have to breathe water for Aquaman to control them. This idea is later taken much further, as later writers will suggest that Aquaman's abilities are full telepathy with a block that prevents him from controlling land animals... but that's off in the future.

Fradon's art on this one is just wonderful. There are some fantastic action shots, particularly the last panel on page two. While the story itself is fairly silly, the animals are well-drawn and Aquaman has some great poses. I particularly like Ramona's cats.

Aquaman stutters at the start of every thought and speech balloon on page five. As a bonus, he stutters twice in the only speech balloon.

Like the last story, this story can be found in the excellent reprint volumes currently in print from DC. I checked my library system and found that they have the Showcase, so if you live near a library you might see if they carry it too.

Have you read this story? What do you think?