Aquaman #9

Issue Details

Synopsis

             Aquaman and Aqualad, responding to a summons from an old friend, arrive at the schooner home of Captain Crane. The old, retired sea captain has discovered an ancient map to the secret undersea kingdom of King Neptune. Aquaman is skeptical regarding the map's authenticity, but, nonetheless agrees to lead the expedition. The coordinates on the map lead them to an undersea mountain. Aquaman summons lantern fish to provide light, while paddle fish begin excavating the mountainside. Within moments, an ancient door is uncovered. Fastening an anchor chain to the door, Aquaman instructs a trio of giant squid to pull the chain, eventually, dislodging the door from the mountainside. Within the mountain lies a fantastic city of gold. Offering Captain Crane the honor of first discovery, Aquaman ushers his old friend through the doorway.  Stepping through the portal, Captain Crane is immediately enveloped in a hidden whirlwind. Aquaman and Aqualad rush to rescue the captain but are pushed back by a sudden underwater explosion. As the water calms around them , they are startled to see the commanding figure of King Neptune, God of the Sea, striding towards them. King Neptune bars the way into the golden city. As Aquaman and Aqualad attempt to get past him, King Neptune waves his trident, causing the aquatic flora, all along the mountainside, to grow and  entangle the two heroes. Aquaman summons sawfish to cut them loose. Ducking behind a giant swellfish, Aquaman and Aqualad hope to ambush King Neptune as  he nears. King Neptune, however, waves his trident once again, transforming the swellfish into a giant winged seahorse, that he then mounts to give chase to Aquaman and Aqualad.                    Pursued by King Neptune, Aquaman and Aqualad dive down to the sea floor. Churning up the sand, the duo vanish into the murky waters. King Neptune gives up his pursuit, preceding to the surface. Aquaman and Aqualad double back to the city of gold, only to...