The love affair between Aquaman and Mera is one of the strongest and fiercest in the DC Universe. But their relationship is about to change forever, when the rightful King and Queen of Atlantis give birth to their first child this February, 2020. We've got the first look at DC's cover art and plot synopsis... but is the world ready for the royal Aquababy?
It is sure to be a historic event, but it is truly just the latest in a long line of such twists in the life of Arthur and Mera. The most recent have come courtesy of writer Kelly Sue DeConnick's new Aquaman status quo, sending Arthur into a world of castaway sea gods, forced to find himself outside of his royal duties. But things have only gotten more complicated since then. Mera has earned the throne of Atlantis, leaving Arthur to decide: is he ready to be more than just a hero or king... and become a father, instead?
Those following Arthur and Mera's love story since Rebirth (who are we kidding, since the New 52) know that there was never going to be a 'good' time to start a family. Still, Arthur is preparing to face the onslaught of an upgraded Black Manta, courtesy of Lex Luthor's Year of the Villain. That story will carry Aquaman through to the end of 2019, before a brief 'interlude' issue with Aquaman #56 in January. Now we know that come February 2020, the countdown to the Aquababy will be over. Take a look at Robson Rocha and Daniel Henriques' cover art below:
While this image of Aquaman deep in thought about what the future now holds, and Mera facing a darkness all on her own may not be the idyllic family portrait fans hope for, it sure is accurate. From the official plot synopsis for Aquaman #57, the circumstances surrounding labor will be testing the heroes (and the readers) as much as any supervillain, if note more. Those now counting the days until Arthur and Mera's baby can also head below for an early look at the Variant Cover by Kris Anka, along with the official solicitations details for the issue:
- AQUAMAN #57
- Release Date: February 19th, 2020
- Written by: Kelly Sue DeConnick
- Art by: Robson Rocha, Daniel Henriques
- Cover art by: Robson Rocha, Daniel Henriques
- Variant Cover by: Kris Anka
- In this issue, Mera and Aquaman welcome their very own Aquababy! In the wake of Black Manta’s attack on Amnesty Bay, Aquaman encounters a new crisis when Mera unexpectedly goes into labor…and things don’t look good for the queen of Atlantis. Don’t miss this historic, emotional issue that kicks off a bold new era for Aquaman!
Aquaman #54 will arrive next in your local comic book shop on November 20th, 2019. Aquaman #57 brings the Aquababy bouncing into stores on February 19th, 2020.