Aquaman #53

Issue Details

Synopsis

In the California home of millionaire Eliot Harlansan, a dire prediction is foretold by two agents of the terrorist organization, O.G.R.E. The sunken city of Atlantis will one day rise. When it does, California will take it's place at the bottom of the ocean. Harlanson is beside himself with fear that he could, possibly, lose his beautiful home. The men from O.G.R.E. convince Harlanson that the only way to save his house, and California, is to buy an atomic bomb and drop it on Atlantis. Harlanson agrees to do this. To ensure that Aquaman will be in Atlantis when the bomb drops, O.G.R.E. engages the services of the Black Manta. O.G.R.E. equips the Black Manta with a new weapon to use against Aquaman. O.G.R.E.'s intent is to keep Aquaman too distracted, in combat with the Black Manta, to prevent his death, and the destruction of Atlantis, from Harlanson's bomb. It takes Harlanson two weeks to procure an atomic bomb. In Florida, he boards his personal submarine, outfitted with the nuclear warhead, and sails for Atlantis. Outside the great domed city, the Black Manta, brandishing the weapon provided him by O.G.R.E., challenges Aquaman to face him. Aquaman telepathically summons an army of fish to assault the Black Manta. O.G.R.E.'s weapon disrupts brain waves, and with it, the Black Manta is able to scramble Aquaman's telepathic commands. Aquaman's fish army scatter in all directions. The Black Manta gathers his men and prepares to take Atlantis by force. Aquaman leaves the security of the city dome, to confront the Black Manta, personally. Unbeknownst to either combatant, Harlanson's submarine is closing fast on Atlantis.With focused concentration, Aquaman is able to resist the effects of O.G.R.E.'s weapon, long enough to beat the Black Manta into submission. Aqualad and the Atlantean Guard deal with the Black Manta's men. Aquaman beats information about O.G.R.E."s involvement out of the Black Manta. Ordering Aqualad to guard the Black Manta, Aquaman begins patrolling...