The three essential Aquaman runs: Peter David (1994-1998) for the radical reinvention of the character, Geoff Johns on the New 52 (2011-2013) for the rediscovered legitimacy, and the Haney/Aparo tandem of the 70s for the golden age of the king of Atlantis.
Aquaman has long suffered from an unfair reputation as a minor hero. However, some authors have been able to transcend the character and deliver runs that rival the best DC series. From the tragic fallen king to epic underwater adventures, these storylines have redefined Arthur Curry for every generation of readers.
For the discerning collector, Aquaman runs represent a still-accessible segment of the DC market, with keys that have yet to reach the speculative heights of other franchises. Now is the perfect time to build a cohesive collection around the king of the seven seas.
Top 1 — Peter David (Aquaman vol. 5 #1-46, 1994-1998)
Screenwriter:Peter David |Designers:Martin Egeland, Jim Calafiore
Peter David accomplished the impossible: transforming Aquaman into a credible anti-hero. Severed hand replaced by a harpoon, beard and long hair, warrior attitude – this reinvention left a lasting mark on the character. The run explores Atlantean mythology with unprecedented depth and offers complex political intrigue.
Key numbers:#1 (new management), #2 (loss of hand), #0 (Zero Hour tie-in).Current rating:#1 in NM: €25-40, #2: €15-25.
Top 2 — Geoff Johns (Aquaman vol. 7 #1-25, 2011-2013)
Screenwriter:Geoff Johns |Designer:Ivan Reis, Paul Pelletier
Johns rehabilitated Aquaman by directly confronting public mockery within the story itself. “The Trench” arc is a masterpiece of aquatic horror, while “Throne of Atlantis” delivers a major event crossover with the Justice League. Ivan Reis delivers sumptuous boards that magnify the seabed.
Key numbers:#1 (New 52 launch), #14-16 (Throne of Atlantis).Current rating:#1 in NM: €20-35, #14: €10-15.
Top 3 — Bob Haney & Jim Aparo (Aquaman #40-56, 1968-1971)
Screenwriter:Bob Haney |Designer:Jim Aparo
The founding run which gave the character its credentials. Aparo delivers dynamic and expressive cutting which remains a visual reference. The Arthur Jr. death arc (in Adventure Comics #452) remains one of the most poignant moments in the DC Universe. Bronze Age numbers increasingly sought after.
Key numbers:#40 (start of Aparo), #56 (last issue of original series).Current rating:#40 in VF+: €80-150, #56: €40-60.
Top 4 — Kelly Sue DeConnick (Aquaman vol. 8 #43-65, 2019-2021)
Screenwriter:Kelly Sue DeConnick |Designer:Robson Rocha, Miguel Mendonca
An amnesiac Arthur stranded on a mysterious island — DeConnick offers a mythological and poetic approach, mixing marine folklore and the quest for identity. The "Unspoken Water" arc is a bold reinvention reminiscent of Grant Morrison's best stories. A run still undervalued on the market.
Key numbers:#43 (DeConnick debut), #47 (Namma reveal).Current rating:#43 in NM: €5-10.
Top 5 — Dan Abnett (Aquaman vol. 8 #1-42, 2016-2019)
Screenwriter:Dan Abnett |Designers:Brad Walker, Philippe Briones
Abnett constructs an ambitious Atlantean political saga, exploring the tensions between surface and depth. The “Underworld” arc repositions Aquaman as an exiled king struggling to reclaim his throne. A solid run, perfect for readers who enjoyed the 2018 film.
Key numbers:#1 (Rebirth launch), #25 (Underworld beginning).Current rating:#1 in NM: €8-12.
Top 6 — Shaun McLaughlin (Aquaman vol. 4 #1-13, 1991-1992)
Screenwriter:Shaun McLaughlin |Designer:Ken Hooper
Short but influential series that laid the groundwork for modernizing the character before the Peter David era. A darker Aquaman, confronted with pollution and ecological issues. Affordable and often overlooked by collectors — an opportunity worth seizing.
Key numbers:#1 (raise).Current rating:#1 in NM: €5-8.
Top 7 — Nick Cuti & Jim Aparo (Adventure Comics #435-455, 1974-1977)
Screenwriters:Steve Skeates, Paul Levitz |Designer:Jim Aparo
A continuation of Aparo's work in Adventure Comics, with more mature stories including the tragic death of Aquaman's son. This segment represents the emotional peak of the character in the Bronze Age and remains very popular with collectors of this era.
Key numbers:#452 (death of Arthur Jr.).Current rating:#452 in French: €60-100.
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