Aquaman and the War against Oceans: Comics Activism and Allegory in the Anthropocene

The New 52 Aquaman reimagines the character as an important figure of ecological justice, responding to the crises of the Anthropocene by visualizing and verbalizing how the oceans are beyond the projects of humanism and capitalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

The New 52's reinvention of Aquaman has elevated the character from a mere comedic figure to a significant advocate for ecological justice. In his book "Aquaman and the War against Oceans," Ryan Poll explores how this contemporary iteration of the character becomes a relatable figure for addressing the environmental injustices inherent in global capitalism. Poll argues that The New 52's Aquaman can be interpreted as an allegory that responds to the crises of the Anthropocene, where the oceans have transformed into battlegrounds and sites of mass mortality. The "Aquaman" series, which strives to connect the terrestrial and aquatic realms, takes on the role of a form of comics activism by visually depicting and verbally articulating the inherent interconnectedness of the oceans with the violent structures of capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy.

Through this lens, Poll demonstrates that The New 52's Aquaman serves as a vital tool for promoting ocean literacy, particularly, and ecological literacy more broadly. By highlighting the oceans' autonomy and their role as all-too-human geographies, the series challenges the notion of human dominance over the natural world. It underscores the urgent need for a more inclusive and sustainable relationship between humans and the ocean, recognizing the interconnectedness of our fates and the responsibility we hold to protect and preserve the marine ecosystem.

In conclusion, The New 52's reinvention of Aquaman has not only transformed the character into a more serious and meaningful figure but also provided a platform for exploring critical environmental issues. Through its allegorical narrative and visual representation, the series offers a powerful critique of global capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy, and encourages readers to develop a more progressive and inclusive ecological imagination. As we navigate the challenges of the Anthropocene, The New 52's Aquaman serves as a reminder of the importance of ocean conservation and the need to protect our planet's fragile marine ecosystems.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496225856