DC Comics is best known for superheroes, and that’s what they consistently deliver. Luckily, the superhero genre is flexible enough to include elements of many other types of stories, like horror, comedy, and even soap operas. However, we don’t often see long, detailed political dramas in comics – stories that explore the complex power struggles and inner workings of a government, similar to shows like *Game of Thrones*. While political themes and opinions are common in comics, full-length stories focused on political intrigue are less so. *Aquaman* is a great example of when DC *does* successfully venture into that territory.
Aquaman is far more than just someone who communicates with marine life or a superhero team member; he’s the ruler of Atlantis. This position naturally lends itself to stories about politics and governing, and Aquaman consistently delivers. Atlantis is full of power struggles, conspiracies, and competing groups, but the people involved are surprisingly relatable and driven by real emotions. Aquaman’s adventures in Atlantis offer compelling, high-stakes interpersonal drama centered around the challenges of ruling a kingdom.
A Kingdom Is More Than a King
Aquaman isn’t just a figurehead ruler of Atlantis. The underwater kingdom is actually a collection of many smaller nations, each with its own customs and ambitions. These nations often clash with one another, and they haven’t always supported Aquaman and Mera – they’ve even overthrown them on occasion, and Atlantis has sometimes functioned as a democracy. Internal conflicts are common, with kingdoms frequently warring or threatening to war with each other as they compete for power or try to influence who rules. The one thing most Atlanteans agree on is a deep distrust of the surface world.
The core appeal of a great Aquaman story lies in the natural conflict between the underwater world of Atlantis and the surface world. The 2016 *Aquaman* comic series exemplifies this well. Early issues center on Aquaman’s efforts to build relationships between the two worlds, but both sides actively work against him – sometimes for strategic gain, and sometimes simply out of distrust. He faces opposition not only from world governments looking for an excuse to attack Atlantis, but also from his own people who fear interaction with land dwellers. Add to that political rivals and established enemies like Ocean Master and Black Manta, and Aquaman is constantly forced to navigate a volatile situation where everyone seems determined to be unhappy. This creates a fantastic opportunity to explore the differing viewpoints and motivations of all involved.
Drama, Both Personal & Political
The conflicts in Aquaman stories come from both power struggles between different groups and the personal motivations of individuals. The series features a large cast of characters – enemies, family, citizens, and political leaders – each with their own unique goals and beliefs. Like all compelling political dramas, Aquaman is rooted in genuine human emotion. Aquaman’s own mixed heritage – being the son of a human lighthouse keeper and the queen of Atlantis – adds to this, as he feels like an outsider in both worlds while also belonging to both. He strives to bridge these two sides of himself. This internal and external conflict makes Aquaman a particularly rich character to explore, as he constantly battles for his place as king – a crown that changes hands frequently.
Aquaman’s stories often explore political conflicts and prejudices as much as they focus on typical superhero adventures. Atlantis is a complex and well-developed city with diverse cultures and strong traditions, which creates plenty of dramatic tension, especially when Aquaman tries to bridge the gap between the underwater world and the surface.
Is Aquaman’s world as epic and complex as *Game of Thrones* in the comic book universe? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-10-15 22:16