Mera Writer Explains Why Aquaman's Wife is a 'Vastly Underrated' Superhero

She is once again queen of the seven seas on the comics page, but DC Comics superhero Mera may soon reach even greater heights thanks to her impending debut on the silver screen.

But the co-star of Aquaman is doing much to shed her “co” status with a number of publishing moves that place Mera out on her own. Next year will see her first YA original graphic novel, Mera: Tidebreaker, through the DC Ink label. However, leading the way in Mera’s renessaince is the main DC monthly comics line with her first original miniseries, Mera: Queen of Atlantis, seeing its fifth and penultimate issue arriving this week.

CBR spoke with longtime Aquaman writer Dan Abnett about Mera’s path both on the page and off. Below, the scribe digs into her self-titled series with artist Lan Medina that sees her clash with her Xebel roots while teaming with Ocean Master and how her ascension to Queen of Atlantis without Aquaman makes her a force to be reckoned with. Plus, an exclusive first look preview at Mera #5, and insight into Aquaman’s own future battling the Suicide Squad.

Exclusive art from this week's *Mera* #5 by Lan Medina.

CBR: Mera has been around for over 50 years, and as close as I can tell this is the first time she's headlined so much as a one-shot let alone a miniseries. Part of this story seems to be solving the "problem" of Mera no longer Aquaman's wife at the advent of the New 52, which earned some notice from fans at the time. How have you hoped to build her role without necessarily relying on marriage to a male character to define her?

Dan Abnett:I’ve come to see she’s one of the strongest characters in the DCU, and one of the most underrated. I think it’s high time she got the exposure she deserves, certainly as more than Arthur’s “partner” or wife. Throughout my run on Aquaman(and in Justice League) I’ve tried to build her into a true character in her own right. This is the culmination of that process: A story focused on Mera, and her dreams and ambitions.

That said, the men in this series have proven to be powerful as antagonists. Ocean Master has made his comeback for the first time since "Throne of Atlantis." Why was now the time to finally bring him back on stage, and do you think he's a different character now in an honest sense?

Orm is a great character, and he’s been out of the books for a while for many reasons. I don’t see him as a genuine “supervillain,” more as a man who is the victim of his own personality. It was really nice to see him almost reach a point of redemption, because if any bad guy in the DCU is capable of it, it’s him. But he can’t forego his true character. And I thought it would be particularly effective to bring him back here – he’s Aquaman’s greatest foe, but on this occasion it has to me Mera who deals with him.

After issue #4, it's been revealed that the "big bads" of this series are the ruling elite of Mera's homeworld of Xebel – particularly her former betrothed Nereus and the Queen Mother. How does having her own rogue’s gallery complicate Mera’s story?

Indeed. You can take the girl out of Xebel, but…Nereus and Lammia hold all the cards right now. Mera needs their help, but she may not be able to cope with the demands that are attached.

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When the curtain lowers on this series, what do you hope to achieve for Mera and her world? What's the message for fans discovering her for the first time this year?

I want to place her permanently in the upper firmament of DC characters. She’s vastly underrated, and I think is ready made as one of the strongest female characters in the DCU. This is her showcase, a chance to demonstrate how she can hold a book on her own and be a character we can all get behind. I hope I’m doing her justice.

Your current Aquaman story of rebellion is reaching its zenith – the second one of your tenure on the book! Are you fully closing this chapter?

It is coming to its epic conclusion soon. It’s been a blast to write, to build up the world and culture of Atlantis, to show the ruthless machinations and intrigue. And I’ve been blessed with superb artists to tell it.

The latest issue of the main series had some pretty big revelations with the introduction of Abyssal Dark as the real power behind corruption in Atlantis for centuries. How does this change the direction of the fantasy sweep of the series?

The whole series is very “fantasy.” I think this revelation is a great twist, but simply deepens the rich world building. It’s organic.

Looking to the future, you've got a big crossover with the Suicide Squad in the works. This is...not a pairing I think a lot of folks would expect at first blush. What's at the heart of your and Rob Williams' story? Why is this crossover needed at this time in the overall story of Aquaman?

It doesn’t seem likely, does it, but the story makes so much sense. It’s kicked off by a massive event in the upcoming Aquaman storyline that I won’t spoil. And it really works too - we’ve collaborated closely to make sure this isn’t just a crossover that shoves two sets of characters together for the inevitable misunderstanding and fight. This story has huge connection to the ongoing character threads of both books. It’s not just a bit of fun - regular readers will really engage and get a kick out of what happens.

Like I said, the incoming movie is raising interest in Aquaman to its greatest level ever. How does that impact what you're doing on the book? Do you feel the pressure to match what you've seen of the film in any way? Or is there a way that the two are complimentary?

I’m excited for the film, but I’m very much driving the book forward along the plans we’ve made. I want to be true to the ongoing dynamic of the comic. But, hey — I gave him a beard, didn’t I? [Laughs]