Jeremy Adams is no stranger to the challenge of breathing new life into iconic DC heroes. After crafting beloved runs on The Flash and Green Lantern, he now sets his sights on the aquatic powerhouse Aquaman, which launches on January 8.
But this isn’t just another chapter in Arthur Curry’s story — it’s a bold reimagining that promises to dive deep into the character’s humanity, legacy, and untapped potential. Joined by the talented artist John Timms, Adams is crafting a series that’s equally introspective and action-packed, offering a fresh take on a hero often underestimated within the DC pantheon.
Adams recently sat down with AIPT to discuss the thrills and challenges of taking the reins of Aquaman, exploring the themes, powers, and surprises that fans can expect when the King of Atlantis returns to the spotlight. From the evolving nature of Arthur’s powers to his struggles with duty and personal identity, this series promises to shake up the underwater world in more ways than one.
Courtesy of DC Comics.
“Finding the holes” in Aquaman
Taking on a character with as much history as Aquaman/Arthur Curry might intimidate some, but Adams sees it as an opportunity.
“Like everything that I do, there’s a lot of nervousness… absolute fear… just trying to get it right,” said Adams.
His strategy? Look for unexplored territory.
“I think what I try to do is look for the holes in the particular characters,” said Adams. “By holes, I mean like, where’s the continuity hole? Or where’s something they haven’t explored as much? And see if I can just dive into that section as much as I can.”
For Adams, the journey with Arthur Curry isn’t just about his powers or his throne but delving into the core of who he is.
A Hero, a King, and a Human Being
One of the defining elements of Adams’ vision for Aquaman is his exploration of Arthur’s identity beyond the trident and crown.
“He’s the king of Atlantis, but he was also a kid that lived on the surface world,” said Adams. “He rode his bike and probably misses a hot hamburger every once in a while.”
This contrast between royal duty and human longing is central to the series. Adams described the internal conflict as “Aquaman’s midlife crisis” of sorts, adding, “He’s asking, ‘Who am I? What’s my identity now? I’m a kid, I’m a husband, I’m a king, I’m a hero. What does that make me?’”
Adams promises a mix of introspection and action, balancing the quieter moments with plenty of monster battles and world-building.
“It’s going to be a lot of punching, a lot of monsters, and a lot of characters that haven’t been in DC Comics in a long time,” said Adams.
New Powers, New Challenges
Adams revealed that Arthur’s powers are evolving in this new series, giving the King of Atlantis a form of kinesis.
“It’s going to be interesting that he’s going to have some form of kinesis, and how does that manifest, and how is he going to learn to use it?” said Adams.
However, he stressed that this new ability is secondary to the larger narrative of Arthur’s personal growth.
“It’s really about taking Aquaman on a journey so that I, as a writer, and the reader can also figure out who he is,” said Adams.
Building a New Atlantis
The series begins with Arthur reclaiming his role as king, piecing Atlantis back together after the chaos caused by Amanda Waller. But ruling doesn’t come naturally to the adventurer in him.
“Being stuck on a throne has gotta be terrible,” said Adams. “There’s a yearning for freedom, and that’s something we’ll explore as the story progresses.”
Adams’ world-building extends beyond Arthur’s internal struggles. The story will introduce a new cosmological element called “The Blue,” tying water’s mystical properties to a larger DC Universe framework.
Courtesy of DC Comics.
A Creative Collaboration with Timms
Working with Timms has been a highlight for Adams, who described the artist as “the nicest human being ever.” The collaboration allows for dynamic storytelling, with Timms bringing life to both grandiose battles and intimate character moments.
“I can throw seven pounds of stuff at him, and his layouts make everything feel organic,” said Adams.
One standout moment? A massive splash page featuring a Cthulhu-like monster that showcases Timms’ ability to capture both epic scale and emotional depth.
A Journey of Legacy and Belonging
At its heart, this new Aquaman series is about reconciliation — between duty and desire, between past and present. Adams draws on universal themes of legacy, power, and belonging, using Arthur’s unique circumstances to pose bigger questions.
“There’s a lot about what he does out of duty versus what he wants to do,” said Adams. “He’s going to have to face up to what he really wants from life.”
Courtesy of DC Comics.
A Fresh Start with Big Plans
With Aquaman returning to the spotlight, Adams sees this series as both a fresh start and a continuation of threads for longtime fans.
“It’s focused on Arthur, which I think is a big draw,” said Adams. “For those reading closely, there are Easter eggs and threads tying back to past stories.”
Adams also hinted at big surprises, including a returning character in issue #2 and a long-term three-part arc for the series.
“It’s going to change Aquaman in a big way — well, at least until the next writer comes along,” said Adams. Whether or not he can tell all three arcs, Adams told me, is riding on fans purchasing and reading the series.
With Adams’ passion for character-driven stories and Timms’ stunning visuals, this new chapter for Aquaman promises to be a journey worth diving into. Issue #1 hits shelves on January 8, offering readers an epic, emotional, and action-packed tale that explores the depths of the DC Universe — and the heart of its aquatic hero.
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