(Photo Credit: Warner Bros.)
One of the defining characteristics of a hero is the virtue of sacrifice. A true hero must be ready to give of themselves to help others. Sometimes this means even giving up their life so others can live. Thankfully, one Justice League member’s recent sacrifice was not so drastic. However, it has limited their power in a quantifiable way.
The sacrifice came in the opening pages of Emperor Aquaman #16 by Jeremy Adams and John Timms. The current Aquaman series opened with Arthur Curry accidentally acquiring the water-bending powers of his wife, Mera. This was one of many power changes that occurred after the Absolute Power event.
As the series continued, Arthur was cut off from Atlantis and his Justice League allies. However, he acquired new powers as the latest avatar of The Blue; the cosmic force which unites all water and aquatic life. This gives him powers on par with Swamp Thing, the avatar of the Green, and strength enough to fight Superman.
(Image Source; DC / John Timms)
As Emperor Aquaman #16 opens, Arthur Curry uses his newfound abilities to restore Mera’s powers. The Queen of Atlantis is nearly as relieved to have her powers back as she is to have her husband home safely. However, power does not come without a price. And the Justice League mainstay does not restore what was lost without cost to himself
The main cover and first four pages of Emperor Aquaman #16 may be viewed below.
How is Aquaman weaker now?
Aquaman explains to Mera that while he is still connected to the Blue, there is a new limit to his power. He can still summon water at will and manipulate its flow around him. However, he lacks her sense of fine control and can no longer make intricate water constructs.
While this may not seem like much of a weakness, it could be in certain situations. For instance, with his current powers levels, Aquaman could easily summon a tidal wave to extinguish a forest fire. However, he could not summon a smaller stream to extinguish a campfire before it became an inferno. Such power risks dehumanizing the sea king, who is already showing signs of losing his humanity in the current comics.
Emperor Aquaman #16 arrives in comic shops everywhere on April 8, 2026.
