Kaldur'ahm

Last updated
Aquaman
AqualadYJustice.jpg
Aqualad as he appears in Young Justice
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
First appearance Young Justice
"Independence Day (November 26, 2010)"
First comic appearance Brightest Day #4 (August 2010)
Created by Brandon Vietti
Greg Weisman
Phil Bourassa
In-story information
Alter egoKaldur'ahm
Species Atlantean/Human hybrid
Place of origin Atlantis
Team affiliations Young Justice
Justice League
The Light
Partnerships Wyynde
Notable aliasesKaldur
Aqualad
Aquaman II
Abilities
  • Atlantean physiology grants him superhuman strength, adaptation to underwater environments, enhanced senses, and can swim at superhuman speed levels.
  • Proficiency in magic; allows for mystical hydrokinesis, hydrokinetic constructs, bio-electric energy blasts, and other magical abilities.
  • Natural-born leader and planner
  • Master strategist
  • Master of deception and duplicity

Kaldur'ahm, or Kaldur for short, is the superhero codenamed Aqualad and Aquaman in media published by DC Entertainment. The character was created by Brandon Vietti, Greg Weisman and Phil Bourassa for the television series Young Justice , and voiced by Khary Payton. [1] [2] His name is a reference to the character Cal Durham (the character's foster father), formerly a henchman of the supervillain Black Manta (the character's biological father) who was sent to infiltrate Atlantis, but defected to the Atlanteans. While originally developed for television, DC quickly adapted the character to its mainstream comic books, with Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis re-interpreting the character. [3] For television, creators were able to tell a story where Aqualad had known and worked with Aquaman for many years, while the comic book version had to be introduced to Aquaman and readers at the same time, meaning aspects of his backstory had to be changed.

Contents

Debuting under the name Jackson Hyde in Brightest Day #4 (August 2010), months ahead of his television debut, the character's history and background differ from the animated counterpart. In the comics, Jackson (birth name Kaldur'ahm) was originally born to an unnamed Xebellian woman and Black Manta in the Kingdom of Xebel, the young infant was granted powers due to extraordinary circumstances. As an infant, he is saved by a younger Mera, who leaves him on the surface and arranges for him to be adopted. When forces from the extradimensional realm target him and his adoptive family, Aquaman protects him and his family. When he learns his true origins, he decides to help Aquaman. Eventually, he adopts the Aqualad name and becomes a sidekick of Aquaman and a member of the Teen Titans.

In 2016, years after The New 52 and during DC Rebirth , Jackson Hyde was reintroduced as an openly gay teenager and is the son of Black Manta and Lucia, a Xebellian elite and former member of Xebel's honor guard who was once seduced by Black Manta with promises of a life outside Xebel. The character would begin working as a member of Teen Titans, adopting the Aqualad alias (per a request from Tempest) similar to his prior comic version. [4] Later, the character sought mentorship in Aquaman and began working alongside him and Mera while being supported by his mother. In Aquaman: The Becoming, the character would first use the Aquaman codename concurrently with Arthur Curry, the two are depicted as partners.

Fictional character biography

Young Justice

Aqualad is the protégé of Aquaman and a founding member of the Team. In between the first and second seasons, he learns that he is the son of Black Manta. [5] [6] The episode "Downtime" reveals that Aquaman recruited Kaldur'ahm after he and Garth rescued him during a battle with Ocean Master. Garth was also offered to become Aquaman's sidekick, but remained in Atlantis to continue his studies in sorcery.

In the second season, Invasion, Kaldur works undercover within the Light to uncover who the Light's partner is. He is exposed, but reveals the Light's betrayal of the Reach via a hologram.

In the third and fourth seasons, Outsiders and Phantoms, Kaldur becomes Aquaman after Orin retires. He also becomes the leader of the Justice League and is revealed to be bisexual and in a relationship with Wyynde. [7] [8]

Comic books

Aquaman
Jackson Hyde, Aquaman The Becoming 1 Textless.jpg
Jackson Hyde as Aquaman
art by David Talaski
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
First comic appearance Brightest Day #4 (August 2010)
Created by Brandon Vietti
Greg Weisman
Phil Bourassa
In-story information
Alter egoJackson Hyde (current)
Kaldur'ahm (previous continuity birth name)
Species Xebellian/Human hybrid
Place of originXebel
Team affiliations Young Justice
Teen Titans
Justice League
Justice League Queer
Supporting character of Aquaman
Notable aliases Aqualad
Abilities
  • Xebellian hybrid physiology allows for superhuman strength, durability, enhanced senses, and ability to breathe underwater. Also inherited is the natural of hydrokinesis (create hard water constructs) and electrokinesis.
  • Skilled hand-to-hand combatant and knowledge in various weaponry.

A different version of the character debuted in Brightest Day #4 (August 2010), [3] shortly before the premiere of Young Justice. [9] [10] Although similar to his animated counterpart, the comic book incarnation of the character features key differences from the animated version, originating from the kingdom of Xebel rather than Atlantis and lacking magical abilities.

Pre-Flashpoint

Earlier life

A teenager from Silver City, New Mexico, Jackson Hyde was taught by his parents to fear water since he was young; they do not want him near it because his true parents would be able to locate him and his Atlantean abilities would awaken. Jackson has kept this secret hidden for years, lying to his girlfriend about being afraid of drowning, being unable to swim and being in the dark about the mysterious tattoos he has had since birth. Aquaman is later contacted by the Entity, which tells him to locate Jackson before a second unidentified group, which is speculated to be Siren and her Death Squad. [11] [12]

Brightest Day

During Brightest Day , Jackson's Xebellian abilities activate and he learns that Black Manta is his biological father. [13] After witnessing Jackson in the rain, his adoptive father takes him to a cottage by the sea. He tells him that Mera had given Jackson to him, asking that he keep him away from his parents, and he was given an Atlantean chest to be opened when the truth is discovered. Before the chest can be opened, Black Manta, along with Siren and her Death Squad, attacks. Jackson (defends his adoptive father, but cannot stop Black Manta from shooting a trident-shaped dart at him. Jackson's adoptive father would have died if not for Aquaman's intervention, who blocks and crushes the dart. [14]

Aquaman gets Jackson and his foster father to safety where everything is explained to them. The chest is opened, which activates a map. [15] Using the map, the two discover a sealed chest that only Jackson can open. Once the chest is opened, Jackson is shown a recording from Mera, who explains that his father and mother had been kidnapped and tortured by the people of Xebel while exploring the Bermuda Triangle, where the gateway to the colony is located. Xebel's king had ordered that the child, the first "outsider" born there in centuries, be experimented on to serve as a key that would finally free them from their exile. Fearing for the child's safety, Mera had stolen the infant and brought him to the surface world, where she subsequently gave him to the foster family that ended up raising him. She also reveals his true name; Kaldur'ahm. Once the recording is over, Jackson discovers several items which Mera had left for him, notably a soldier's uniform from Xebel and a pair of "Water Bearers", metallic constructs that help him control his water-manipulation abilities. [16]

Aquaman and Jackson end up in Miami, Florida, which Black Manta and are invading. Jackson successfully uses his waterbearers to create blades, which he uses to fight off the attacking troops, and even briefly holds his own in a duel with Siren. [17] After Black Manta severs Aquaman's right hand, Jackson attacks his father and berates him for siding with the people who killed his own wife, only for Black Manta to throw Jackson to the ground and coldly states that both he and his mother mean nothing to him. As Black Manta is about to impale his son with one of his blades, Mera arrives with Aquagirl, who saves Jackson by kicking his father in the face. After using his bio-electrical abilities to cauterize Aquaman's wound, Jackson and Mera seal Black Manta, Siren, and the rest of the invaders in the Bermuda Triangle. As the heroes celebrate, Jackson is shown to have a crush on Aquagirl. [18] Afterwards, Mera tells Aquaman that Jackson wants to continue his training. Aquaman informs her that he has already contacted the Titans. [19]

Teen Titans: Team Building

After Damian Wayne joins the Teen Titans, a vision of Jackson arriving at Titans Tower and confronting Superboy, Wonder Girl, Beast Boy and Kid Flash is shown as part of a collage of future events that will affect the team. [20] [21]

Rebirth

In the DC Rebirth timeline, the Jackson Hyde version of the character is reintroduced as a gay teenager and visually looks more like his Young Justice counterpart. It is mentioned that he displays a near-superhuman talent for swimming. [22] Aqualad joined the Teen Titans after the team encountered him while exploring the San Francisco Bay for a mission.

Powers and abilities

Young Justice version

Kaldur'ahm is granted various powers through his Atlantean-based hybrid physiology, possessing superhuman strength, durability, enhanced senses, capability to breathe underwater and swim at fast speeds, and one mentioned to have resistance towards poisons. In addition to his natural abilities, he trained in the mystic arts in the Conservatory of Sorcery, gaining eel-like tattoos. With his magical abilities, he can generate electricity, bend and shape water at will, create hard-water constructs, and utilize spell-casting.

In addition to his powers, Kaldur is an expert combatant and is considered a capable tactician and leader, having led both the Team and later became the chairman of the Justice League. He is also duplicitious, having managed to position himself within the clandestine organization, the Light, as a double agent and was able to create and perform complex manipulations and plans to maintain his position.

Comic book version

Due to his hybridized Xebellian physiology, Jackson is capable of living and breathing underwater, possessing superhuman strength, superhuman durability, and enhanced senses (allowing him to see in the dark). Due to his Xebellian heritage, he is also capable of generating electricity in a manner similar to an electric eel as well as manipulating and shaping water at will similar to characters like Mera and Siren, his powers being telepathic in nature (unlike his Young Justice counterpart, in which are magical). [23] Sometime after adopting the Aquaman name, the character's hydrokinetic prowess is depicted as being at a higher level, being proficient enough to manipulate blood within an individual. [24]

In addition to his powers, the character is also a skilled combatant, having received training from Robin (Damian Wayne) [4] and Aquaman (Arthur Curry). [25]

Other versions

In other media

Television

Film

An alternate universe variant of Kaldur'ahm makes a cameo appearance in Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox as a member of Aquaman's army before being killed in battle with the Amazons. [2]

Video games

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aquaman</span> DC Comic book superhero

Aquaman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73. Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo comic book series. During the late 1950s and 1960s superhero-revival period known as the Silver Age, he was a founding member of the Justice League. In the 1990s Modern Age, writers interpreted Aquaman's character more seriously, with storylines depicting the weight of his role as king of Atlantis.

Aqualad is the alias of several superheroes in American comic books published by DC Comics and appearing in media published by DC Entertainment. The character was originally created by writer Robert Bernstein and artist Ramona Fradon, serving as the sidekick and junior counterpart to superhero Aquaman alongside contemporary, Aquagirl. The character's first incarnation, Garth, debuted in Adventure Comics #269. A native Atlantean unlike his mentor, Garth in both continuities has purple eyes signifying a heritage considered evil and was an outcast taken in by Aquaman. He eventually abandons the "Aqualad" role and adopts the alias, "Tempest".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dolphin (character)</span> Comics character

Dolphin is a fictional character, a superheroine in the DC Comics universe. Created by writer-artist Jay Scott Pike, she debuted in Showcase #79.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Manta</span> Comics character

Black Manta is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy, the character first appeared in Aquaman #35. He has since endured as the archenemy of the superhero Aquaman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aquagirl</span> DC Comics character

Aquagirl is the alias used by several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, typically depicted as supporting characters of Aquaman originating from the realm of Atlantis. The first two incarnations of the character, Lisa Morel (1959) and Selena (1963), were introduced as one-offs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ocean Master</span> Comics character

Ocean Master is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bob Haney and Nick Cardy and debuted in Aquaman #29. While the character is depicted as the half-brother and one of the most enduring and recognized adversaries of Aquaman, Ocean Master has been subjected to numerous revisions to his origin stories throughout his history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mera (character)</span> Fictional superhero character

Mera is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Miller and Nick Cardy, the character first appeared in Aquaman #11.

Aquaman has made several appearances in numerous adaptations since his comic book debut in 1941. The character has also been referenced beyond the scope of traditional comics entertainment.

The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure is a Saturday morning Filmation animated series that aired on CBS from 1967 to 1968. Premiering on September 9, 1967, this 60-minute program included a series of six-minute adventures featuring various DC Comics superheroes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lagoon Boy</span> Comics character

Lagoon Boy is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. His name and appearance are references to the title character from the classic horror feature film Creature from the Black Lagoon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siren (DC Comics)</span> DC Comics character

Siren is the name of two supervillains, both appearing in books published by DC Comics. The first character to use the name is Hila, the identical twin sister of Mera. Originating from the same underwater sub-realm as her sister, Hila was the younger twin and considered the black sheep of the family. She eventually makes herself an enemy of both Mera and Aquaman. The second Siren was a minor Lwa resembling a mermaid. An eco-terrorist, the second Siren joined forces with Vandal Savage and becomes an enemy of the Teen Titans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Garth (comics)</span> Fictional superhero from DC Comics

Garth is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Robert Bernstein and artist Ramona Fradon, He first appears in Adventure Comics #269. The character is commonly associated with both Aquaman and the Teen Titans alongside the team's various incarnations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlantis (Aquaman)</span> Fictitious place in DC Comics

Atlantis, sometimes also called the Kingdom of Atlantis or the Atlantean Empire, is a fictional civilization appearing American comic books published by DC Comics based upon the mentioning of the island within Plato's works Timaeus and Critias. First appearing in More Fun Comics #87, the setting is often associated with the hero Aquaman. Within the DC Universe, Atlantis houses various aquatic-based human lifeforms whose biological adaptations often originate from both environmental changes when Atlantis sunk in a cataclysmic event within its history and influence from its magical origins. A nation considered a superpower, it is often stated to be among the oldest and most sophisticated civilization within the fictional universe throughout its collective history and possess significant technological and magical capabilities. Historically a hereditary monarchy, many stories involving Atlantis as a setting focuses on conflicts regarding its succession of leaders, diplomatic relations with the global world, and its fictional cultural heritage.

Topo is the name of several characters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, notable as a loyal sidekick to Aquaman.

<i>Brightest Day</i> 2010–11 crossover storyline published by DC Comics

Brightest Day is a 2010–2011 crossover storyline published by DC Comics, consisting of a year-long comic book maxiseries that began in April 2010, and a number of tie-in books. The story is a direct follow-up to the Blackest Night storyline that depicts the aftermath of the events of that storyline on the DC Universe.

Young Justice is an American superhero adult animated television series developed by Brandon Vietti and Greg Weisman for Cartoon Network and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television. The show, instead of a direct adaptation of Peter David, Todd Dezago and Todd Nauck's Young Justice comic series, is an original story set in the DC Universe with a focus on teenage and young adult superheroes.

Nuidis Vulko, or simply Vulko, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character is a recurring supporting character of Aquaman within the realm of Atlantis's politics. In his original portrayal, he often served under Aquaman as Atlantis's Chief Science Advisory, considered known for his loyalty, leadership and brilliant mind that enabled him to later serve as Aquaman's regent. Following the 2011 New 52 continuity reboot, Vulko is reintroduced as the chief royal advisor under Queen Atlanna. After Atlanna's supposed death, Vulko falls from grace when he claims her son, Orm Marius, is responsible. Cast out in disgrace, Vulko seeks to avenge her death by helping Arthur Curry, Atlanna's half-human elder son, gain the throne over Orm. However, Vulko's actions betray Aquaman's trust, making him a criminal and a reluctant ally for a period of time.

Stephen Shin is a fictional character appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. He is a supporting character of Aquaman who debuted during "The New 52" reboot. Stephen Shin first appeared in Aquaman #2 and was created by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arthur Curry (DC Extended Universe)</span> DC Extended Universe character

Arthur Curry, also known by his superhero moniker Aquaman, is a fictional character in the DC Extended Universe based on the DC Comics superhero of the same name. He is portrayed by American actor Jason Momoa. Originally appearing as a cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Curry had a prominent role in the film Justice League and its director's cut, and is later the subject of his own film Aquaman. Momoa also cameoed in the first season finale of the HBO Max series Peacemaker and the film The Flash. The DCEU marks Aquaman's first portrayal in cinema, with his character having been re-imagined as compared to his comics counterpart.

References

  1. ↑ Toner, Allison (2010-10-11). "NY Comic-Con 2010: Young Justice Preview". Poptimal. Archived from the original on 19 October 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-14.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Aqualad / Kaldur'ahm Voices (Aquaman)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved December 1, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  3. 1 2 "Opening the Vault - A Live-action Blue Beetle?" (Press release). DC Comics. 2010-06-15. Archived from the original on 22 July 2010. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  4. 1 2 Percy, Benjamin (2018). Teen Titans. Vol. 2, The rise of Aqualad. Khoi Pham, Pop Mhan, Jim Charalampidis, Corey Breen. Burbank, CA. ISBN   978-1-4012-7504-4. OCLC   987325969.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  5. ↑ "NY Comic-Con 2010: Young Justice Preview". Poptimal.com. 2010-10-11. Archived from the original on 2010-10-21. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  6. ↑ "NYCC 2010: Young Justice Animated". Titanstower.com. 2010-10-11. Archived from the original on 2012-05-15. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  7. ↑ Christian Holub. "'Young Justice' showrunners tease the climactic second half of 'Phantoms'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  8. ↑ Adams, Tim (August 8, 2019). "Young Justice: Aquaman's Boyfriend, Wyynde, Explained". Comic Book Resources . Retrieved December 1, 2024.
  9. ↑ "BRIGHTEST DAY EXCLUSIVE: WHO IS THE NEW AQUALAD?". DC Comics. 2010-06-11. Retrieved 2010-12-26.
  10. ↑ "New Aqualad to debut in Brightest Day, Young Justice cartoon". Comic Book Resources. 11 June 2010. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  11. ↑ Brightest Day #7 (October)
  12. ↑ Brightest Day #9 (September 2010)
  13. ↑ "Green Arrow vs. Martian Manhunter?". DC Comics. 2010-08-30. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
  14. ↑ Brightest Day #10 (September 2010)
  15. ↑ Brightest Day #11 (October 2010)
  16. ↑ Brightest Day #16 (December 2010)
  17. ↑ Brightest Day #19 (February 2011)
  18. ↑ Brightest Day #20 (February 2011)
  19. ↑ Brightest Day #24 (April 2011)
  20. ↑ Teen Titans (vol. 3) #88 (October 2010)
  21. ↑ Krul, J. T. (2011). Teen Titans: team building. Fabian Nicieza, Nicola Scott, Doug Hazlewood. New York: DC Comics. ISBN   978-1-4012-3256-6. OCLC   709682505.
  22. ↑ DC Rebirth #1
  23. ↑ Scott, Melanie (2019). DC ultimate character guide (New ed.). New York. ISBN   978-1-4654-7975-4. OCLC   1089398386.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  24. ↑ Aquamen #2 (May 2022). DC Comics.
  25. ↑ Thomas, Brandon (2022). Aquaman: the becoming. Diego Olortegui, Scott Koblish, Daniel Sampere, Wade Von Grawbadger, Norm Rapmund, Adriano Lucas. Burbank, CA. ISBN   978-1-77951-645-9. OCLC   1293665669.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  26. ↑ Red Robin #19 (March 2011)
  27. ↑ Injustice 2 #10 (2016)
  28. ↑ "YOU BROUGHT ME THE OCEAN". DC Comics. 2019-11-27. Retrieved 2020-06-19.
  29. ↑ YOU BROUGHT ME THE OCEAN.{{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  30. ↑ "DC's Aqualad Getting His Own HBO Max Series Courtesy of Charlize Theron". 8 April 2022.
  31. ↑ "HBO Max to Develop Aqualad Origin Story 'You Brought Me the Ocean', Charlize Theron to Produce". Variety. 2022-04-08. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.