Aquaman 2 writer David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick points to Silver Age DC Comics as inspiration for the sequel. The first Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Patrick Wilson, and Amber Heard, was a smash hit at the box office and surprised fans around the globe with its well-paced story and gorgeous underwater battles. Director James Wan is set to return, along with Johnson-McGoldrick, who also wrote the first film.

There are precious few details about Aquaman 2, but we know that Momoa has been working side-by-side with Johnson-McGoldrick on the story. The actor also teased the sequel would be "way bigger" than the original, which would be an impressive achievement considering the scale of the first film. Momoa returns as Aquaman, joined by Heard as Mera, the Queen of Atlantis. Abdul-Mateen II is also scheduled to return as Black Manta, alongside Wilson's Ocean Master.

Related: Aquaman 2: Ocean Master's Return Confirmed By Patrick Wilson

Since we already know Black Manta is returning, it's not a huge surprise Johnson-McGoldrick mentioned the character's early comic book appearances during a Twitter Q&A. The writer was asked if he could recommend any comics to read that might hint what direction they're taking the Aquaman sequel. "Hmmm... Good question," Johnson-McGoldrick began, "We're not taking any one particular comic book story and adapting it, but if you want to know the vibe we're going for, pick up pretty much any Silver Age story featuring Black Manta."

Comic creators Steve Skeates and Jim Aparo wrote some of the most beloved Silver Age Aquaman stories. "The Search For Mera" arc, was a particular favorite. That storyline followed Arthur's search for his kidnapped wife, while Aqualad and Aquagirl defend Atlantis in his absence. Other stories focused on Arthur and Mera starting a family with the birth of Aquababy. Aqualad was actually introduced during the Silver Age, as were Ocean Master and Black Manta.

Johnson-McGoldrick points to "pretty much any" Black Manta story from that era as the general vibe, indicating that the Aquaman sequel might have more of a traditional comic book story. One Silver Age issue sees Black Manta capture Aquaman, only to be attacked by the Ocean Master, who reveals he wants to be the only one to defeat Aquaman. While Black Manta had a significant role in Aquaman, it seems the sequel might delve further into the origins of Aquaman's greatest threat.

Aquaman 2 is still a long time away, and who knows how all the recent movie delays and production halts will effect film releases going forward. Assuming everything stays on track (not too hard to imagine since the film isn't set to start shooting until mid-2021), fans will get more Ocean Master vs. Aquaman action in theaters when the film is released on December 16, 2022.

More: Aquaman 2 Won't Begin Shooting Until Mid-2021

Source: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick via Twitter