Aquaman #20

Issue Details

Synopsis

In celebration of the new monarchs, a new statue of Aquaman and Mera, carved from diamond coral, is unveiled in Atlantis. For his contributions to the Atlantean's continued well-being, Aqualad is given a new mount, a giant sea horse, called "Sea Imp". The festivities come to an abrupt close, however, when word reaches Aquaman that a tremendous, dual-headed creature has made off with an Atlantean farmer. Aquaman and Aqualad immediately set off to rescue the Atlantean. Locating the creature, lurking half out of the mouth of a cavern, Aquaman lures it out, while Aqualad enters the cavern and leads the Atlantean to safety. The creature spies Aqualad, and the Atlantean, escaping it's lair. It turns from it's pursuit of Aquaman to go after them. Spooked by the horrific creature, Aqualad's mount bucks, hurling Aqualad, and the Atlantean, to the sea floor. The creature rapidly closes on them. Aquaman hurls a large, sharp piece of shell, beaning one of the creature's heads. It lashes out, striking Aquaman, and rendering him unconscious. Aqualad races to save his mentor. As he is about to pounce on the creature, it vanishes. As Aquaman recovers, he and Aqualad are greeted by Kaltor, Aquaman's Atlantean mentor. Kaltor was the first Atlantean Aquaman ever encountered. He taught Aquaman many, many vital lessons in how best to live beneath the waves. Kaltor is hunting the creature. He is old, though, and fears he does not have the strength to long continue. He has come seeking Aquaman's aid in destroying the creature. He asks Aquaman to return with him, to Atlantis, where Aquaman can swear a solemn oath, before the Atlantean High Council, to slay the creature. En route, Aquaman and Aqualad are ambushed by the giant Atlantean villain, Lukhan.Kaltor knocks Lukhan out with one blow, then frees Aquaman and Aqualad. Returning to Atlantis, they are met by Queen Mera, and Kaltor's daughter, Starene. Aquaman, as promised, takes the oath. Aquaman, Aqulad, Kaltor, and Starene depart to hunt...