The 5 best Aquaman arcs: "The Trench" (Johns, 2011) for the perfect introduction, "Throne of Atlantis" (Johns, 2012-2013) for the epic, "Time and Tide" (David, 1993) for the definitive origin story, "Sub Diego" (Pfeifer, 2004) for originality, and "Andromeda" (Ram V, 2022) for modernity.

In more than sixty years of publication, Aquaman has gone through periods of glory and downturns. But the character's best arcs easily rival the best that DC has produced for its headliners. From the Shakespearean drama of Peter David to the cinematic greatness of Geoff Johns, these stories demonstrate why Arthur Curry deserves his place in the pantheon of superheroes.

This classification ofbest Aquaman story arcscombines writing quality, character impact, artistic quality, and historical significance. For each arc, we indicate the numbers concerned, the availability in TPB and the value of the single issues for collectors.

“The Trench” — Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis (2011)

Numbers:Aquaman Vol. 7 #1-6
TPB:Aquaman Vol. 1: The Trench (available)
Single issues value:#1 in CGC 9.8 around $80-120, #2-6 under $10 raw

The opening arc of the New 52 is a masterclass in character revival. Johns immediately confronts the popular mockery of Aquaman (the seafood restaurant scene has become iconic) before diving into a terrifying maritime horror story. The Trench creatures—cannibalistic abyssal predators—are some of the most effective monsters DC has ever created.

Ivan Reis delivers boards of rare intensity, with a sense of aquatic spectacle that pushes the limits of the medium. The arc sets the tone for the entire run: epic, clever, and visually stunning. A perfect entry point that requires no prior knowledge.

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“Throne of Atlantis” — Geoff Johns (2012-2013)

Numbers:Aquaman #14-16 + Justice League #15-17
TPB:Aquaman/Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (available)
Single issues value:Aquaman #14 in CGC 9.8 around $30-45

The crossover that legitimized Aquaman as a Justice League level threat. Ocean Master launches an invasion of the surface, forcing Arthur to choose between his two worlds. The stakes are colossal, the fight sequences are among the best of the New 52, ​​and the characterization of Ocean Master as a sympathetic antagonist adds an emotional depth rare for an event comic.

Adapted into a direct-to-video animated film (2015), this arc also largely inspired the first Aquaman film. The crossover issues are relatively affordable and a great investment for a major event oriented collection.

“Time and Tide” — Peter David (1993-1994)

Numbers:Aquaman: Time and Tide #1-4
TPB:Out of stock, single issues needed
Single issues value:complete lot #1-4 between $10 and $20 in NM

The definitive origin story of Aquaman, told through four eras of Arthur's life. Peter David synthesizes the character's contradictory origins into a coherent and moving story. The rejection by the Atlanteans, the solitude, the discovery of his powers – everything is treated with remarkable sensitivity and narrative intelligence.

This mini-series serves as a prelude to Peter David's main run and is essential to contextualize it. Despite its exceptional quality, it remains absurdly cheap due to high mintages and a lack of speculation during this period.

"The Death of a Prince" — Adventure Comics (1977-1978)

Numbers:Adventure Comics #452-455
TPB:Death of a Prince (available in deluxe edition)
Single issues value:#452 in CGC 9.0+ around $80-120

The darkest and boldest arc of the pre-modern era. Black Manta murders Arthur Jr., Aquaman and Mera's son, in a sequence that shocked readers at the time. The consequences — the destruction of the royal wedding, Arthur's descent into rage — defined the character for the decades to come.

For the time, the editorial courage is remarkable. This arc proved that Aquaman could carry stories of intense emotional gravity. It is also a pivotal moment in comic book history: the death of a hero's child was unprecedented.

“Sub Diego” — Will Pfeifer & Patrick Gleason (2004-2006)

Numbers:Aquaman Vol. 6 #15-39
TPB:Aquaman: Sub Diego (2 volumes, partially out of print)
Single issues value:#15 under $5 raw, full batch $20-30

An earthquake engulfs part of San Diego under the ocean, transforming its residents into aquatic beings. Aquaman becomes the protector of this new underwater city. The concept is brilliant, the execution is up to par, and Patrick Gleason delivers pages of constant visual inventiveness.

This is the most original arc in the entire history of Aquaman, the one that moves furthest away from Atlantean clichés to offer something truly new. Largely undervalued by the current market.

“Andromeda” — Ram V & Christian Ward (2022)

Numbers:Aquaman: Andromeda #1-3 (Black Label format)
TPB:Available in full edition
Single issues value:#1 in CGC 9.8 around $25-35

The Black Label series which repositioned Aquaman in the register of horror science fiction. A military submarine crew and Arthur Curry find themselves trapped in the depths with something ancient and terrible. Ram V (Swamp Thing) brings his mastery of atmospheric suspense, and Christian Ward (Invisible Kingdom) delivers psychedelic scenes that redefine what Aquaman can be visually.

Prestige format, thick paper, total narrative freedom — Andromeda is proof that Aquaman can work in any genre when it's in the right hands.

Secondary Honorable and Essential Bows

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