# Why is Aquaman no longer a first-rate hero? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 24, 2005, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884 "2005-07-24T02:26:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2005, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/41 "2005-07-24T22:37:35Z")
> [@Bryan Ekers](#): > > Well, I wouldn’t normally bother to state the obvious, but you seem in critical need of it today. Back off, man. He’s got 10 months and 600 posts on you. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2005, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/42 "2005-07-24T22:38:25Z")
> [@levdrakon](#): > > I’ve seen Green Lantern’s incantation, “In brightest day, in blackest night, > no evil shall escape my sight…” show up on Jeopardy, which makes me thinks he’s relatively well known. Ah, but did anybody _get_ the answer (err, question) correctly? ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2005, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/43 "2005-07-24T22:44:44Z")
> [@Ethilrist](#): > > Back off, man. He’s got 10 months and 600 posts on you. :dubious: Well, if that’s of any relevance, then he should know better. Heck, I’ve lashed out inappropriately, too, though I don’t think I’ve ever called another poster a “fuckwit” (or said they were behaving like one) in this forum. Well, actually, there was this one time I _thought_ the thread was already in the Pit (my mistake for having multiple windows open) and I immediately apologized and reported my own post to a moderator for deletion. ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2005, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/44 "2005-07-24T22:50:39Z")
> [@Bryan Ekers](#): > > Ah, but did anybody _get_ the answer (err, question) correctly? _That_ I don’t remember, but I know I got it right! ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2005, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/45 "2005-07-24T22:59:42Z")
> [@middleman](#): > > In the depth charts of DC Superhero recognition factor, here’s how I’d rank them: … Very interesting and I have to admit, I can’t think of anyone to add but I would note that all of those characters (except GL) have or had at least one TV series (live action or animated). There are only a few DC characters not on the list who have had a TV show. Offhand, I can only think of the _Teen Titans_ cartoon (which still has Robin in it) and _Birds of Prey_ (Huntress, Oracle/Batgirl, Black Canary-sorta) which seemed more about Batman (what with all the relentless mystery about his disappearance and whatnot) than any of the characters actually _in_ the show. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/46 "2005-07-25T00:04:14Z")
Moderator interjects: **hey alright** , you need to tone down many, many levels. First, “gay” is not a nasty word, and calling someone “gay” is not an insult… and it is counter to good manners and appropriate behavior to suggest otherwise. Second, this is Cafe Society. We are polite to each other. You may say what you want about Aquaman the character or the artists/writers who draw him, but you may NOT insult other members. Tame it down. Now. ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/47 "2005-07-25T00:36:54Z")
> [@C K Dexter Haven](#): > > First, “gay” is not a nasty word, and calling someone “gay” is not an insult… and it is counter to good manners and appropriate behavior to suggest otherwise. Are you establishing board policy here? ---
**Author:** ![Wolfian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/7ea924/32.png) [@Wolfian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolfian)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/48 "2005-07-25T00:57:00Z")
> [@Bryan Ekers](#): > > There are only a few DC characters not on the list who have had a TV show. Offhand, I can only think of the _Teen Titans_ cartoon (which still has Robin in it) and _Birds of Prey_ (Huntress, Oracle/Batgirl, Black Canary-sorta) which seemed more about Batman (what with all the relentless mystery about his disappearance and whatnot) than any of the characters actually _in_ the show. Maybe I’m misreading that, but all of them have been in shows. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Capt. Marvel (SHAZAM!), and the Flash have had live-action shows. Bats, Supes, Wondy, and Plastic Man have been in their own cartoons. Everyone on the list except for Robin has been in Justice League Unlimited, even the Wonder Twins, kinda, and Plastic Man who was mentioned but has yet to make an appearance. ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/49 "2005-07-25T01:08:44Z")
> [@Bryan Ekers](#): > > There are only a few DC characters not on the list who have had a TV show. Offhand, I can only think of the _Teen Titans_ cartoon (which still has Robin in it) and _Birds of Prey_ (Huntress, Oracle/Batgirl, Black Canary-sorta) which seemed more about Batman (what with all the relentless mystery about his disappearance and whatnot) than any of the characters actually _in_ the show. There was a [Human Target](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103447/) TV series some time back. Didn’t last long, and the book is kind of obscure, but… ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/50 "2005-07-25T01:35:35Z")
> [@Wolfian](#): > > Maybe I’m misreading that Well, you are but I think I may have phrased clumsily. Everyone on the list of ten (except GL) has had one or more TV shows, meaning they were the central figure or an indispensible second (i.e. Robin). Very few DC characters _not_ on the list have had shows. My point is that for a character to enter the general pop culture requires appearances outside of comic books. Adding to Tengu’s _Human Target_ cite, Swamp Thing also had a couple of movies, a [live action show](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098919/) as well as an [animated series](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0408427/) but I’m not sure any of them made a lasting impact. I suppose he _might_ be famous enough for the top ten, but I’m not sure who he’d displace. ---
**Author:** ![Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_It_s_That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/51 "2005-07-25T01:36:17Z")
What about Swamp Thing, a DC character who had two movies, a live-action TV series, a cartoon, at leat one video game, and an action figure line, all before the superhero movie boom of 2000? What about Catwoman, who had a (horrible) movie of her own, a significant role in Batman Returns, and a recurring role (by three different actresses) in the '60s Batman TV show? She’s kind of a hero now. ---
**Author:** ![Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_It_s_That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/52 "2005-07-25T01:37:18Z")
Damn, beaten by one minute. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/53 "2005-07-25T01:57:38Z")
> [@Big Bad Voodoo Lou](#): > > Damn, beaten by one minute. What can I say; I’m faster than an ambling bullet. ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/54 "2005-07-25T02:55:00Z")
> [@Tengu](#): > > (Green Lantern was well known enough to make it unto a 1960s pop song (Sunshine Superman), BTW.) By that standard, Wonder Girl is well known too: “The being known as Wonder Girl is speaking, I believe It’s not easy tryin’ to tell her that I shortly have to leave…” _Randy Scouse Git_ by The Monkees ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/55 "2005-07-25T03:11:23Z")
> [@](#): > > In the depth charts of DC Superhero recognition factor, here’s how I’d rank them: > > 1. Superman (universal) > 2. Batman (universal) > 3. Robin (universal) > 4. Wonder Woman (near universal, if not completly) > 5. Flash (Moderately well-known) > 6. Plastic Man (the drop is substantial here) > 7. Aquaman (who apparently is well known in SanFran… ) > 8. Capt. Marvel (if you take into account “Shazam” as a correct answer) > 9. Green Lantern (mentioned in a Seinfeld episode, but one of the characters had never heard of him.) > 10. Wonder Twins (“Wonder Twin powers, ACTIVATE!”) What about Hawkman? He may not be the best known DC hero, but, c’mon, he’s got to at least be ahead of the frickin’ Wonder-Twins. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/56 "2005-07-25T03:29:23Z")
> [@Little Nemo](#): > > What about Hawkman? He may not be the best known DC hero, but, c’mon, he’s got to at least be ahead of the frickin’ Wonder-Twins. Well, he was never a regular on a TV show, and he doesn’t have a catchphrase. ---
**Author:** ![Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Hey\_It\_s\_That\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hey_It_s_That_Guy)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/57 "2005-07-25T03:48:50Z")
> [@Bryan Ekers](#): > > Well, he was never a regular on a TV show, and he doesn’t have a catchphrase. Actually, Hawkman did have at least one memorable TV appearance outside of the _Challenge of the Super Friends_ cartoons: [http://www.badmovieplanet.com/3btheater/l/legendsofsuperheroes.html](http://www.badmovieplanet.com/3btheater/l/legendsofsuperheroes.html) ---
**Author:** ![Scott\_Plaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Scott\_Plaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scott_Plaid)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/58 "2005-07-25T13:21:44Z")
> [@Menocchio](#): > > [And they’ve done the “Dark Aquaman” thing.](http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.starnet-database.com/dbase_deo/profiles/aquaman/Aquaman_Picture.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.starnet-database.com/dbase_deo/profiles/aquaman/aquaman.html&h=382&w=250&sz=35&tbnid=yVTTkI1jT9UJ:&tbnh=119&tbnw=77&hl=en&start=99&prev=/images%3Fq%3DAquaman%26start%3D80%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26hs%3DWd1%26lr%3D%26c2coff%3D1%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN) They’ve returned him to a more classic coustume, and replaced the hook with a magical water hand. Now he can heal and disrupt sorcery, on top of his telepathic abilities and enhanced physique. > [@the link Menocchio provided](#): > > Other Aliases: Orin, Arthur Curry **Alias**? :mad: That is his name, damnit! ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/59 "2005-07-25T13:31:33Z")
I went to a school named after Aquaman. Actually World War I General Sir Arthur William Currie. ---
**Author:** ![JThunder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e95f7d/32.png) [@JThunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JThunder)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2005, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884/60 "2005-07-25T13:40:10Z")
> [@Big Bad Voodoo Lou](#): > > Actually, Hawkman did have at least one memorable TV appearance outside of the _Challenge of the Super Friends_ cartoons: > > [http://www.badmovieplanet.com/3btheater/l/legendsofsuperheroes.html](http://www.badmovieplanet.com/3btheater/l/legendsofsuperheroes.html) Three appearances, actually. There were two episodes of that abysmal _Legends of the Superheroes_ show (“The Challenge” and “The Roast”). More recently, he appeared in a Baby Ruth commercial. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-aquaman-no-longer-a-first-rate-hero/313884.md?page=4)