Aqualad
Aqualad | |
---|---|
Publication information | |
Publisher | DC Comics |
First appearance | Garth: Adventure Comics #269 (February 1960) Jackson Hyde: Brightest Day #4 (August 2010) |
Created by | Garth: Robert Bernstein Ramona Fradon Jackson Hyde: Brandon Vietti Greg Weisman Phil Bourassa |
In-story information | |
Alter ego | Garth Jackson Hyde |
Species | Atlantean |
Team affiliations | Teen Titans Aquaman Family |
Notable aliases | Son of the Seven Seas |
Aqualad is the alias of several superheroes in American comic books published by DC Comics and appearing in media published by DC Entertainment. The character was originally created by writer Robert Bernstein and artist Ramona Fradon, serving as the sidekick and junior counterpart to superhero Aquaman alongside contemporary, Aquagirl. The character's first incarnation, Garth, debuted in Adventure Comics #269. A native Atlantean unlike his mentor, Garth in both continuities has purple eyes signifying a heritage considered evil and was an outcast taken in by Aquaman. He eventually abandons the "Aqualad" role and adopts the alias, "Tempest".
The second incarnation of the character, Kaldur'ahm, originally was set to debut in 2010, created for the Young Justice animated television series by Brandon Vietti, Greg Weisman and Phil Bourassa. Several months prior to the launch of the cartoon, an altered version of the character, introduced as Jackson Hyde, was brought into comic books by writer Geoff Johns and artist Ivan Reis. Both versions of the character, sharing the common quality of Aquaman's half-human heritage, are protege of Aquaman whose half human heritage originates from their father, Aquaman villain Black Manta. While sharing similar designs, both versions of the character possess different backgrounds and inherent abilities.
The Garth version of Aqualad made his live-action debut in the television series Titans, played by Drew Van Acker.[1]
Fictional character biography
Garth
Years ago, King Thar and his wife Queen Berra became the reigning monarchs of Shayeris, the capital of a group of Idyllist colonies in the Hidden Valley. Radical Idyllists deposed and murdered King Thar and banished his pregnant wife Queen Berra to Poseidonis, the capital city of
Jackson Hyde
Jackson Hyde first appeared in Brightest Day #10 (September 2010).
In other media
Television
- Aqualad's first animated appearance was alongside Aquaman in The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure, as well as in the Teen Titans shorts that were part of the series. The Aquaman cartoon series of 1968 was a repackaged 30-minute version featuring primarily (but not exclusively) Aquaman and Aqualad. He was voiced by Jerry Dexter.
- Aqualad has also appeared in Speedy, and the twins Más y Menos.
- Aqualad also makes eight appearances on the comic series based on the show. In his first appearance in Speedy. In issue #48 an alternative version of him as Tempest appeared in a group called the Teen Tyrants.
- Aqualad appears in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, voiced by Zack Shada as a teenager and by Zachary Gordon as a child. Here, Aqualad is shown to be in his late teens and is very resentful of the praise lavished upon Aquaman, eventually telling him off in the episode's final scene.
- Garth appears in the Tula (Aquagirl), who was formerly involved with Kaldur. A reference to his Tempest identity is made during a battle with Black Manta, with Garth shouting "I summon the power of the tempest!" while conjuring a cyclone. As of Season 3, Garth has taken the role as Ambassador for Atlantis in the UN.
- Aqualad appears in Young Justice, voiced by Khary Payton.[6] His name is Kaldur'ahm, but he goes by the nickname Kaldur. Within the series, he is the son of supervillain Black Manta, and the leader of Young Justice. In the episode "Alienated", Kaldur leaves the team to join his father. He blames the team for Aquagirl's death on a mission and Aquaman for not telling him who his real father was. He dons a similar outfit to Black Manta.[7] While confronting the team, he appears to murder Artemis. However, this is an elaborate ruse to go undercover in Black Manta's organization, gaining information on the Reach and the Light. Between Seasons 2 and 3, Kaldur takes up the role of Aquaman, as Orin chooses to become King of Atlantis full-time. In Season 4, after completing a mission to find the crown of Atlantis' former King Arion, Orin decides to split the role of Aquaman alongside himself, Kaldur, and La'gaan, and Kaldur decides to take a leave of absence.
- The Kaldur’ahm version of Aqualad appears in Teen Titans Go!, again voiced by Khary Payton. The Garth version of Aqualad also appears, once again voiced by Wil Wheaton, and resembling his design from season one of Young Justice.
- The Garth version of Aqualad appears in season 2 of the DC Universe series Titans, portrayed by Drew Van Acker.[8]
- The Garth version of Aqualad appears in DC Super Hero Girls, voiced by Jessica McKenna. This incarnation is much younger than other versions, still being a child-like teenager, and is a student at Metropolis High School. His last name is also mentioned as being Bernstein, and he is shown to be carrying small bottles of water around for when he needs to use his superpowers.
- An Aqualad live-action series for HBO Max starring Jake Hyde, a gay teenager, is in development. Charlize Theron, A.J. Dix, Beth Kono and Andrew Haas of Denver & Delilah Films are executive producers for the series.[9]
Film
- Aqualad appears in a cameo in the movie after the series, Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo. As the Titans travel to Tokyo, Japan he comes out of the water and waves to them.
- Both Garth and Kaldur'ahm appear in 2013's direct-to-DVD Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox as members of Aquaman's army in the altered timeline.
- Garth makes a brief appearance in Teen Titans Go! To the Movies.
Video games
- The Garth version of Aqualad appears in the video game Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis. He is also an unlockable character in the game.
- In the video game Young Justice: Legacy, both Aqualad and Tempest appear with Khary Payton and Yuri Lowenthal reprising their roles.
- The Kaldur’ahm version of Aqualad appears as a playable character in Lego DC Super-Villains.
References
- ^ "Drew Van Acker Joins Titans Season 2 as Aqualad". SuperHeroHype. 2019-06-14. Retrieved 2019-08-22.
- ^ a b "Opening the Vault – A Live-action Blue Beetle?" (Press release). DC Comics. June 15, 2010. Archived from the original on July 22, 2010. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
- ^ "Brightest Day Exclusive: Who Is the New Aqualad?". DC Comics. 2010-06-11. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
- ^ "New Aqualad to debut in Brightest Day, Young Justice cartoon". Comic Book Resources. June 11, 2010. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
- ^ "Brightest Day poster". Archived from the original on 2012-01-11. Retrieved April 2, 2022.
- ^ Toner, Allison (2010-10-11). "NY Comic-Con 2010: Young Justice Preview". Poptimal. Archived from the original on 19 October 2010. Retrieved 2010-10-14.
- ^ Fitzpatrick, Kevin (2010-07-23). "Comic-Con 2010: Young Justice Goes Under Cover". UGO Networks. Archived from the original on 26 July 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-23.
- ^ Polito, Thomas. "'Drew Van Acker to play Aqualad in 'Titans' Season 2". Geeks WorldWide. Retrieved May 19, 2019.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "HBO Max to Develop Aqualad Origin Story 'You Brought Me the Ocean', Charlize Theron to Produce". Variety. 2022-04-08. Retrieved 2022-04-09.