Arthur Curry

Born to a human lighthouse keeper and an Atlantean queen, Arthur Curry discovered his extraordinary hybrid heritage as he grew up — granting him superhuman strength, the ability to survive the ocean's crushing depths, and a telepathic command over all sea life. He would eventually claim his birthright as King of Atlantis and become Aquaman, defender of both land and sea.

Few characters in the DC universe have proven as enduringly vital as Arthur Curry, who first surfaced in Adventure Comics #250 in 1958, brought to life by Joe Millard and the legendary Ramona Fradon right at the crest of the Silver Age. Nearly seven decades of continuous publication and 649 catalogued appearances speak to a staying power that few heroes can match — and with 19 key issues to his name, collectors have had plenty of reasons to pay attention. His most prominent stomping grounds include Justice League of America, Detective Comics, and Super Friends, where he regularly shares the page with the absolute cream of the DC pantheon: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and their civilian counterparts Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent. That's rarefied company, and it tells you everything about where Arthur Curry stands in the hierarchy of DC's greatest heroes.