Few members of the Justice League have caught as much flack as Aquaman. Arthur Curry is a half-Atlantean and half-human hero who, thanks to his name and flamboyant costume, has often been degraded as a useless hero who is an active detriment to the Justice League. These jokes were popularized by Family Guy (also Dragon Ball Z Abridged for the internet-inclined).
However, Aquaman is far more powerful and capable than these jokes would imply. Aquaman has a long history in DC Comics for a reason, and he shouldn't be simply cast aside as a useless water-based hero.
10 He's Super-Strong On Land, Too
A common misconception about Aquaman is that he only has superpowers when underneath the water, and that's not the truth.
Among other things, Aquaman has immense physical strength while on land as well. He has great stamina, durability, and fighting skills. The fact that he is weakened when dehydrated isn't unique to Atlanteans either; most human begins are physically weak and delirious when dehydrated.
9 He's A Founding Member Of The Justice League
Aquaman was one of the original seven members of the Justice League alongside Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, and Martian Manhunter. He was one of the heroes that fought Starro the Conqueror in Brave and the Bold #28 and Despero in Justice League of America #1.
Aquaman was there at the beginning when Earth-1 got its first superhero team, and he's been a regular member since. He was also a founding member when the team relaunched in the New 52 and Martian Manhunter was replaced with Cyborg.
8 That Orange Shirt Is Bulletproof
Despite how absolutely dazzling Aquaman's traditional costume is, many people like to make fun of his bright orange fish scale shirt and the tight green pants. Some people just have no taste in fashion, but Aquaman does.
In addition to being downright gorgeous, Aquaman's orange shirt is also bulletproof, as was shown in Aquaman #1 from the New 52 reboot. A criminal tries to shoot Aquaman, but the bullets bounce harmlessly off of the orange shirt. It's practical and fashionable, a rare combination.
7 He Had One Of The Best Comics From The New 52
Speaking of New 52 Aquaman, it was one of the best titles of the reboot. While there were other shining stars such as Swamp Thing, Animal Man, and Batman, Aquaman was considered one of the absolute best new books of the reboot. Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis made something truly special in this relaunch of Aquaman that included the likes of Black Manta, Ocean Master, the Trench, and a new group of superheroes called the Others.
Aquaman had a boon in the Rebirth relaunch as well, enjoying a strong new start for the title with creators Dan Abnett, Brad Walker, and Phillipe Briones.
6 His Trident Is A Powerful Magic Artifact
Aquaman's trident is as part of his ensemble as the orange fish scale shirt and tight green pants. However, it's more than just something with which to hit and jab enemies. It's also a powerful magical weapon.
The Trident of Neptune, once possessed by Atlan himself and made of Nth Metal, can destroy magical enchantments, shoot lightning, control water, and manipulate the weather. The fact that it's Nth Metal means that it's also near-indestructible.
5 He Used To Have A Magical Water Hand
Prior to Flashpoint, Aquaman had one point lost his hand in a fight with Charybdis. Aquaman at first replaced it with a trident, but he was later gifted the Waterbearer Hand by the Lady of the Lake. This was a magical prosthetic made of water that gave Aquaman even greater power.
The Waterbearer Hand could turn into weapons and even become hyper-dense, it could manipulate water, and it could even dehydrate foes by sapping the water out of their system.
4 He Doesn't Have Conversations With Fish
Another revelation from Aquaman #1 in the New 52, Aquaman doesn't actually just chat with fish. Fish are still animals and not really capable of higher conversation. They just understand and comply with the commands given by Aquaman.
It's also a telepathic process, so "talking" isn't even really involved.
3 He Can Control More Than Just Fish
Furthermore, Aquaman can control more than just fish. It's rather well-known know that he can control sharks, whales, dolphins, and other larger sea creatures.
He's also been able to issue commands to mythical sea monsters, Krakens, and other manner of beasts from the deep. This allows Aquaman to unleash true devastation should the need ever arise.
2 He Is A King
It's also important to remember that Aquaman is the King of Atlantis. His mother was Atlanna, an Atlantean Queen who abdicated the throne, and Arthur was destined to ascend. In fact, he was king for some time and worked hard to better relations between Atlantis and the surface world.
This was undermined by the likes of his half-brother, Ocean Master, and an Atlantean fundamentalist by the name of Corum Rath.
1 He Abdicated His Throne For The Good Of His People
Monarchies aren't an ideal political system. Regardless, Aquaman still tried to be a god and caring king, but circumstances arose that meant it was best for Atlantis for Arthur to abdicate the throne. This was partially due to the debacles that arose when Aquaman tried to connect Atlantis and the surface world as well as the fact that Aquaman isn't a full-blooded Atlantean.
Thankfully, another worthy successor took the throne. This was Mera of Xebel, Aquaman's wife. She is a powerful warrior capable of natural hydrokinesis. She became Atlantis' new queen and tried to continue Aquaman's work to bridge the undersea kingdoms with the nations above the waves.