"Throne of Atlantis" is a major comic book crossover storyline published by DC Comics between 2012 and 2013. Written by Geoff Johns, with art by Ivan Reis and Paul Pelletier, the story unfolded primarily across the pages of Justice League and Aquaman during the early phase of The New 52 era. It serves as a pivotal origin story for Aquaman within the modern DC Universe, redefining his relationship with both the surface world and his Atlantean heritage.
The narrative begins when a malfunctioning naval missile test inadvertently strikes Atlantis, an act perceived as a declaration of war by the underwater kingdom. Aquaman's half-brother, Orm Marius, known as Ocean Master, seizes the moment to rally the Atlantean forces against humanity. Torn between two worlds, Arthur Curry must embrace his destiny as the rightful heir to the throne while convincing the Justice League that peace is possible. The conflict escalates dramatically as Atlantis retaliates by flooding major East Coast cities, forcing the League into a desperate battle against the Atlantean army.
The storyline was a critical and commercial success, praised for its cinematic scope and its effective integration of Aquaman into the Justice League's core dynamic. It re-established Aquaman as a formidable hero rather than a punchline, showcasing his immense power and the political complexities of his kingdom. The arc also laid significant groundwork for the subsequent "Trinity War" event, making it a cornerstone of DC's interconnected narrative strategy at the time.