The Art and Making of Aquaman Reveals the Secrets of Atlantis

CBR

EXCLUSIVE: Art and Making of Aquaman Reveals Gladiator Armor Concept Art

By Stephen Gerding

Published Dec 5, 2018

Pages from The Art and Making of Aquaman reveal early concept art for Arthur's armor, and explains the genesis of the massive sea dragons.

WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Warner Bros.' Aquaman, in theaters December 21.

Ahead of Aquaman's arrival in theaters later this month, CBR has an exclusive look inside The Art and Making of Aquaman, a 178-page hardcover filled with concept art and commentary on the film from its creators and cast.

The first spread from the book details the Ring of Fire, the film's big gladiatorial fight scene which pits Aquaman against his half-brother Orm for control of Atlantis. The sequence takes place in an active underwater volcano (hence the name), fitting both Aquaman and Ocean Master in special gladiator armor.

The second excerpt from the book showcases the film's massive seas dragons, the underwater animals ridden by Atlantis' military. As you might have suspected, the creatures were inspired by the giant sea horse Aquaman rode in older comics, as well as the classic DC superhero cartoons. According to Visual Effects Supervisor Kelvin McIlwain, director James Wan had a very clear vision for the dragons, and thus the design was settled on early in the moviemaking process, allowing the creative team to focus on fleshing out the rest of Atlantis' architecture, fashion and creatures.

The Art and Making of Aquaman arrives in stores December 21 from Insight Editions. The oversized hardcover comes with a suggested retail price of $45.00.

Directed by James Wan, Aquaman stars Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Amber Heard as Mera, Patrick Wilson as Ocean Master, Willem Dafoe as Nuidis Vulko, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta, Temuera Morrison as Thomas Curry, Dolph Lundgren as Nereus, and Nicole Kidman as Queen Atlanna. The film opens on December 21.