Aquaman #54

Issue Details

Synopsis

A rash of petty crimes are being committed by the city's most prominent citizens. Local authorities are baffled by the case. When arrests have been made, these well-to-do criminals seem entranced, muttering one phrase over and over-"I'm dead! Thanatos killed me!" After a brief visit with friends in the city, Aquaman races back to the sea, to replenish his strength and vitality. En route, Aquaman is attacked by a quartet of hoodlums. Too long out of water, Aquaman is weakened enough for the hoods to get the best of him. Inexplicably, Aquaman finds himself standing outside of an old, crumbling manor house. A note from his wife, Queen Mera of Atlantis, seems to have lead him here. Aquaman's reflection, in a mirror at the top of some stairs, twists and distorts into a misshapen, brutish version of the Sea King. Astonishingly, the monstrous reflection comes to life and bursts out of the mirror. Taken by surprise, Aquaman is quickly beaten down, the sounds of laughter ringing in his ears, as he slips into unconsciousness. Upon awakening, Aquaman finds himself back in Atlantis. Apparently, surface dwellers returned the King of the Seas to the ocean, and soon after, Aquaman was brought back to Atlantis. Mera denies ever leaving Aquaman any kind of note. Aquaman realizes that he was lured to the old house, specifically to release the creature imprisoned in the mirror. He is about to set off in pursuit of the brute when he is suddenly overwhelmed by a wave of dizziness.Back on dry land, the creature, calling itself "Thanatos", finds itself growing weaker. It feels a strong compulsion to head for the ocean. Entering the sea, Thantos finds his strength and vitality returning to him. On instinct, Thanatos travels to Atlantis, then attacks the city guards. Drawn in by the sounds of conflict, at the city gate, Aquaman confronts Thanatos. Once again, Aquaman's bestial doppelganger defeats him in combat, raining blow after blow down on the Sea King, until Aquaman collapses. Awakening...