Aquaman #12 (2016) – “The Deluge” Part One
🧬 Genre
Superhero, Action, Political Thriller, Fantasy
🧜♂️ Main Characters
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Aquaman / Arthur Curry – The King of Atlantis, caught in a conflict threatening both land and sea.
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Mera – Aquaman’s formidable partner and Queen of Atlantis, powerful in both strength and diplomacy.
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Black Manta – Aquaman’s sworn enemy, now commanding N.E.M.O. and manipulating global powers into war.
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U.S. Military Leaders – Representing surface world interests, misled into aggression.
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N.E.M.O. (Nautical Enforcement of Macrocosmic Order) – A covert organization pulling strings from the shadows.
✍️ Writer
Dan Abnett
A seasoned storyteller, Abnett brings nuance and depth to Aquaman’s character while blending action with political intrigue.
🎨 Artist
Phillippe Briones
Briones' dynamic artwork captures the intensity of underwater combat and the emotion in tense negotiations with cinematic flair.
🧑💼 Editor Details
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Editor: Alex Antone
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Group Editor: Brian Cunningham
Together, they guide the storyline with sharp focus and a clear direction toward global stakes.
🏛️ Publisher and Brand
DC Comics
Brand: DC Universe Rebirth
Part of DC's 2016 "Rebirth" initiative, this title seeks to restore legacy, emotional stakes, and long-term storytelling to the Aquaman mythos.
📅 Release Year
2016
📖 Brief Plot Summary
In Aquaman #12, the first installment of the “The Deluge” arc, tensions reach a boiling point. Black Manta—now the leader of the shadowy N.E.M.O.—sets a plan in motion to provoke a catastrophic war between the surface world and Atlantis. Using misinformation, false flag attacks, and calculated aggression, he manipulates both governments into preparing for war. As Atlantis is falsely blamed for violent acts, Aquaman races against time to expose the deception and prevent annihilation. What was once a diplomatic balancing act now spirals into full-blown chaos. 🌐🔥🌊
🌀 Notable Arcs or Storylines
"The Deluge"
This arc is a turning point in Aquaman's Rebirth run. It explores international diplomacy, the consequences of misinformation, and the burden of leadership under impossible odds. The story is praised for its intensity, world-building, and the moral complexities of modern warfare from a superhero lens.
🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Some fans theorize that N.E.M.O. mirrors real-world intelligence agencies, subtly critiquing how unseen powers fuel conflict for control.
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Others suggest that Black Manta’s rise as a villain-leader mirrors Lex Luthor's role in the human-political sphere, emphasizing the duality of sea and land threats in DC.
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A popular fan interpretation views Aquaman’s diplomatic struggle as symbolic of environmentalist themes, with Atlantis representing Earth's oceans fighting back against exploitation and misunderstanding.
⭐ Review Summary
Aquaman #12 delivers a politically charged, high-stakes narrative with emotional weight and thrilling action. Dan Abnett’s writing brings real-world parallels into play, raising the comic beyond traditional superhero battles. Phillippe Briones’ art is detailed and fluid, perfectly suited for undersea drama and large-scale conflict. Character interactions feel organic, and the tension builds steadily as readers are pulled deeper into the geopolitical storm. A standout entry in the Rebirth era. 📝🎨🔥
💬 “War is brewing, and Aquaman is the only voice of reason left standing between two worlds.”
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
