Who is Your Favourite Underrated Character from Aquaman's Comic Books?

There are many great characters to discuss when it comes to Aquaman's comic books. From the playful and charming Dolphin to the deadly and ferocious King Shark, these characters all have their unique charm and significance. If you desire to delve more into these characters, The Ninth Tride offers a platform dedicated to exploring them. However, the question of 'underrated' can refer to both power levels and how engaging the character is. In this article, I will highlight two characters who are underrated in different ways.

Arthur 'Joseph' Curry - Aquaman

First, I will discuss a character who is underrated in terms of both power and how interesting they are. Arthur 'Joseph' Curry, a replacement for the original Aquaman, Joseph went down less well with fans compared to other replacements like Jean Paul Valley as Batman or Artemis Grace as Wonder Woman. While these characters can be equally intriguing, it’s challenging to replace classic fan favorites with new ones, and there was significant backlash for Joseph, leading to him being phased out of DC comics.

Joseph’s story has plenty of intrigue. He was born with a life-threatening condition, making it difficult to breathe, and his father, a marine biologist and Orin's adoptive father's brother, infused him with Orin's DNA to grow gills. When Joseph ultimately died, his father called on Aquaman to provide a blood sample for more advanced experiments to resurrect his son. The father covertly used the living water of the Secret Sea to save Joseph, but this process also caused the mystical forces to damage his soul, leading to a blend of Orin's DNA and Joseph's unique self.

Joseph’s transition into a unique identity was almost haunting. At times, he felt partially disconnected from himself, sharing Orin's DNA and soul. He chose to go by 'Joseph,' taking on the burden of the 'real Aquaman's' death and suffering imposter syndrome. Despite his immense potential, the narrative opportunities for Joseph were limited, leaving fans wanting to see more of his intriguing and powerful abilities.

Garth of Shayeris - Tempest

On the other hand, Garth of Shayeris, known as Tempest, is a character who has tapped into his immense power and become an ultimate badass. 'I may be young, but I have more experience in the hero business than half the JLA.' These words from Garth himself sum up his character perfectly. As one of the founding members of the Teen Titans alongside Wally and Dick, he has a rich background in DC comics, and his power level is unbeatable.

Tempest is virtually indestructible, supremely fast, has an extraordinary sense of smell, and can breathe water and air. He can create force fields, manipulate temperature, generate optic blasts hot enough to melt Metallo, and much more. His power has caught the attention of heroes and gods alike, proving his unmatched capabilities.

Garth’s character is far more than just raw power. He is a relatable and complex figure. He tends to argue against Batman and Superman, showing a rebellious streak and reluctance to follow rules. His unfiltered nature and willingness to break rules resonate with readers. He is also unapologetic about killing his enemies, positioning himself above many other superheroes.

However, Tempest has his struggles. His immense power can be both a blessing and a curse, leading to unpredictable consequences. The time he displaced Atlantis 3000 years into the past is a prime example. Additionally, the mysterious death of a loved one during his time at the Silent School adds to the layers of his character. Despite these challenges, Garth’s resilience and determination to move forward make him an unforgettable figure in DC comics.

Whether it's his overwhelming power or his compelling persona, Tempest deserves a more significant spotlight in the DC universe.

Key Takeaways: Joseph Curry (Aquaman) is interesting and powerful, yet limited by the narrative. Garth of Shayeris (Tempest) is one of the most powerful characters with an intriguing backstory and complex personality. Balancing power and relatability in characters is crucial for their appeal and engagement.

Conclusion: Both Joseph and Garth showcase the depth and complexity that can be found in Aquaman’s comic books. Despite their unique challenges, they remain undeniably compelling and deserving of more attention and development.