Aquaman #38

Issue Details

Synopsis

A rash of criminal acts, perpetrated by a masked marauder, have drawn the attention of the Liquidator to Atlantis. Lord Ragnar, of the Atlantean Guard, requests that the Liquidator stay his relentless pursuit of evil, to give the Atlantean King, Aquaman, the opportunity to bring the marauder to justice himself. Upon receiving the news that the Liquidator has become involved in the manhunt, Aquaman collapses. Aqualad rushes his mentor to an Atlantean hospital. There, after long moments in a severe comatose state, the Sea King revives. With no memory of his collapse, Aquaman forcefully exits the hospital, intent on mustering his troops, and hunting down the marauder plaguing Atlantis. Aqualad races to join his mentor in the hunt, but Aquaman does not wait for his junior partner. Climbing atop his mount, Storm, Aquaman races off into the sea, leaving Aqualad far behind him. Aqualad, riding his own mount, Imp, pursues. Upon investigating the sounds of battle, Aqualad discovers that the Atlantean Guard has been ambushed by the marauder, and only Lord Ragnar is left to tell the tale. Aquaman arrives, still acting erratically. Aquaman demands to know why Ragnar is not wearing the golden helmet he awarded him for valor, and is instead sporting a silver helmet. No sooner has Ragnar responded to the King's inquiries than Aquaman collapses again. Aqualad and Lord Ragnar return the king to Atlantis, where he is left to recover, in his bedchamber. The Liquidator also arrives in Atlantis. Following the trail of evil has brought the Liquidator to Aquaman's very doorstep. Aqualad and Queen Mera block the Liquidator's path to the royal bedchamber. Suddenly, the doors burst open, and a, clearly, deranged Aquaman confirms the Liquidator's accusation that he is the marauder.Aquaman blocks the Liquidator's initial attack, then flees the throne room. With Aquaman revealed as the marauder, Lord Ragnar commands the Atlantean Guard to detain their king at the gate. Aquaman is too strong, though....