Aquaman is one of the most iconic and recognizable characters DC comics has in its line-up. From his bright blonde hair, orange and green suit, to his spectacular golden trident, Arthur Curry is a staple in the world of comics and on the superhero teams he has been a part of.
Characters such as Vulko, Mera, and Aqualad can frequently be seen accompanying Arthur on his aquatic adventures, but there are many characters Arthur and company have friendships with that readers may not know about. From animals, Atlanteans, villains, and everything in between, Aquaman forges friendships wherever his fins take him.
Extriax, The Warlock
Hailing from the dimension known as Thule, home to many sorcerers, Extriax sought out Aquaman's help in order to stop both of their dimensions from colliding and causing a catastrophe. When this is prevented, Aquaman invites Extriax and his people to live amongst the Atlanteans. However, Extriax and his people cannot breathe underwater so he casts a giant underwater bubble for them. Wizards and warlocks may seem like an unexpected alliance for a character who is closely tied to troubles under the sea.
Kaltor
Debuting in 1965, Kaltor was once a mentor to Aquaman and trained him in combat from an early age. During a rescue mission, Kaltor came into contact with a mysterious gas that gave him the ability to transform into a two-headed, dog-like creature. In this state, he has no control over his mind or power. A friend-turned-foe can be quite a cliche in comics, but this was one of the first instances of that for Aquaman. Thankfully he didn't stay a foe for long, as Kaltor emerged from the monster after Aquaman defeated him.
Noble
Noble is a fierce warrior and leader of the group known as The Lurkers and the two started out as enemies. During the battle, Noble lives up to his namesake and rescues an Atlantean child from harm, which shows Mera that he is capable of good and she starts to develop romantic feelings for him.
After Aquaman makes Noble his second-in-command, he eventually lets Mera go to be with Noble as he returns home. He makes for a surprising ally, seeing as how Mera has always been by Arthur's side, and to let her go is a big shock.
Rodunn
Rodunn is the Captain of the Atlantean Royal Guard and has had a tumultuous relationship with Aquaman in the comics. He had always protected the royal family but resented them deep down for being able to live a life he knew he would never have. When Aquaman is banished, Rodunn tries to kill him himself. But after Aquaman saves his life, Rodunn reevaluates and realizes Aquaman has always been an ally. Rodunn represents many characters that have a turbulent friendship with Aquaman, even when they are sworn to protect him.
Xen's Prisoners
Appearing in 1966, The Shell-Back Man, Eel Man, and Flourescent Water-Man are aliens who come from different planets in our solar system. They are captured along with Aquaman, Mera, and Aqualad by the villain, Xen, whose goal was to capture Aquaman and company and add them to his collection of underwater life. Later in his run, Aquaman would encounter many alien life forms but befriending these types of creatures was somewhat new for the underwater ruler.
Aquadog
Aquadog, also known as Salty, made his debut in 2012. He was captured by the villainous Trench along with many other humans. Aquaman and Mera came to rescue them and were able to fend off the Trench and save everyone captured, including Salty. A policeman informs them Salty actually cannot swim. Readers may not expect Aquaman and Mera to befriend a common land animal, let alone one who cannot exactly thrive in their native environment, but he certainly fits with the cozy seaside imagery that permeates Aquaman's stories.
Cron One-Eye
First appearing in 1994, Cron One-Eye is a shark who has a history with the king of Atlantis. When Aquaman was a baby, Cron spotted him on the surface and tried to eat him. But the baby grabbed a piece of coral to defend himself with and stabs Cron's left eye out.
Later in life, Cron assists Aqualad when he is looking for Aquaman after the latter was captured by the villain Charybdis. Being an ally to Arthur and Aqualad may seem surprising for a creature who was willing to kill an innocent baby, even when that baby proved to be less than defenseless.
Porm
Porm is a dolphin who saved Aquaman's life as a baby. Arthur had been left to die by the Atlanteans, and she would go on to become an adoptive mother who taught Arthur how to swim. Porm is not a humanoid creature but she is able to communicate with him. She is the Queen of the dolphins and is able to effectively communicate with them as well. Porm was later killed by the villain Demon Gate in 1996 as a way for him to lure Aquaman to Japan to kill him. Arthur forms more than a friendship with Porm, which makes this relationship even more special and tragic.
Topo
Topo first appeared in 1956 and has taken many different forms throughout DC comics. He is an octopus of great intellect, has assisted Aquaman on many adventures, and he is also able to play any musical instruments. Since DC's New 52, Topo is much larger and appears almost monstrous. He is still a good friend to Aquaman, and even Superman's dog, Krypto. He now has increased strength, size, and stamina in battle, with tentacles able to crush entire ships at a time. He is also considered canon in the DCEU, as Topo makes a cameo in the 2018 Aquaman film.
Qwsp
Qwsp first appeared in 1962. He is from the 5th dimension and quickly became Arthur's ally. Years later, Qwsp returns to Atlantis to find Arthur more serious, grim, and aggressive, and Qwsp wants to change himself to match his old friend. After changing his personality to match Arthur's, Qwsp became more manipulative and mean-spirited. His physical appearance changed as well as it became clear this was not the friendly sprite Arthur once knew. Magical sprite-like creatures are not exactly in Arthur's wheelhouse, so to befriend one can be seen as strange and even scary when Qwsp becomes evil.