In DC Comics, Aquaman and Mera work as a team but in a stunning new underwater cosplay, Mera completely outshines him. Cosplayer CassandraCosplay, in collaboration with Merrow Fins Photography, unveiled the amazing photoshoot in a series of Instagram posts. The shoot, done completely underwater, was a difficult one to pull off—and the results are astounding, showing Mera in all her regal glory.
For many years, Mera existed in Aquaman’s shadow, relegated to supporting status. First appearing in 1963’s Aquaman #11 and created by Jack Miller and Nick Cardy, Mera hails from the extra-dimensional realm of Xebel. She came to the DC Universe seeking help from Aquaman, and the two eventually fell in love and were married; their marriage, a year later in Aquman #18 was one of the first superhero weddings. The two had a son, Arthur Jr., but after he perished at the hands of Black Manta, the two drifted apart. Since 2009’s Blackest Night, writers and artists have worked to make Mera an awesome character in her own right, moving her beyond simply being “Aquaman’s wife.” The efforts have paid off, with Mera receiving her own miniseries in 2018; she also appeared later that year in Aquaman, played by Amber Heard, with Heard reprising her role for its sequel. Now, CassandraCosplays has unveiled a mind-bending underwater shoot, with herself as Mera.
In a series of Instagram posts, CassandraCosplays debuted the shoot, produced with Merrow Fins Photography. The first photo is a full-body shot of Mera, posing with her trident. In the caption, Cassandra notes how difficult underwater shoots are, but praised Merrow Fins' ability, calling them a “wizard.” The second shot, from the side, shows Mera holding her trident, ready for battle. Cassandra grew up near the ocean, a fact she shares in the caption; this created a connection with Mera and gave the shoot an extra personal touch for her. Both photos have drawn wide acclaim; the first outtake has garnered more than 13,000 likes and the second more than 6,000.
Over the past decade, Mera has come into her own as a character, and CassandraCosplays' new photoshoot celebrates this ascension. Just as Aquaman has shed his reputation for being “useless,” Mera is no longer just a “damsel in distress” for Aquaman to rescue; creators have increasingly stressed Mera’s fantastic powers, her leadership skills, and her immense inner strength. Mera has weathered the loss of both her first child and her husband, yet has bounced back every time, stronger than ever. CassandraCosplays captures this spirit, translating it into a spectacular photoshoot. She praised Merrow Fins Photography throughout the Instagram posts, and indeed, their amazing underwater photography takes the shoot up a notch.
Throughout the years, Mera has grown as a character, going from simply Aquaman’s love interest to a great character in her own right and CassandaCosplays' new cosplay photoshoot perfectly captures everything great about the character.
Source: CassandraCosplays, Merrow Fins Photography