BATMAN v SUPERMAN: Just How Close To The Comics Is Jason Momoa's 'Aquaman' Look?
Zack Snyder has unveiled the first official image of Jason Momoa as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's Aquaman. It's created a lot of debate, with many fans arguing that it's nothing like the comic books. Really? Hit the jump for an analysis of his big screen appearance...
What exactly were people expecting from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's Aquaman? There were rumblings of a surfer look at one point, while Jason Momoa also teased a slightly different appearance for the iconic member of the Justice League. We now know what he looks like thanks to director Zack Snyder, and the comic book inspirations are clear to see, despite some fans (who have clearly only seen the clean cut version in "The New 52") claiming otherwise. Read on for our look at how the movie and comic book takes on Aquaman link up as well as what inspired Snyder.
The Hair/Beard
"The New 52" Aquaman may have a clean cut look, but the character has been portrayed with a far rougher appearance over the years too, with long hair and a beard a big part of Peter David's acclaimed run in the '90s (though that version was without one of his hands). Had someone like Ryan Gosling been cast as Arthur Curry, the classic Aquaman look might have worked, but this style arguably suits Momoa perfectly. Were they right to choose this appearance though?
The Scales
Regardless of who played Aquaman, they would have probably looked more than a big daft wearing those bright orange scales! However, the tattoos and armour on Momoa's arms definitely resembles that classic appearance, and at least pay homage to what's come before. Those on his neck and stomach don't ring any bells, while the strap going across his chest could be there for him to put his trident into on his back when he's not fighting (and to keep some of that armour on). It's also clearly there to pay homage to his '90s look as you can see from the first image in this article.
The Gloves
There's not much to say about these, but the big screen gloves are obviously gone! However, the shape of his armour in that area definitely seem to pay homage to them in a very small way at least.
The Belt
Despite looking a little more worn and not quite so golden bright, the logo on Aquaman's belt looks like it's been torn straight from the pages of the comic books. There have been variations of it over the years, but this one doesn't appear to take any inpiration from one particular comic. At least it's not literally the shape of an "A" anyway. Not including it at all likely would have upset fans.
The Trunks
Well, are they trunks or trousers? We obviously can't see, but them going right down to the bottom of his legs seems likely (the black trunks over the green have thankfully been ditched). The colouring in the photo makes it hard to say for sure, but they definitely appear to be green, another thing which sticks pretty close to the comics! Now, if only we could see those boots of his...
The Trident
Aquaman's trident has been portrayed in a number of different ways over the years - it's something often left up to the artist's interpretations - but this version definitely appears to stick to the basic design seen in the comic books. It's a lot more realistic looking and intricate though, and like the rest of Aquaman's attire, looks pretty worn and beaten up. It's hard to say whether or not it's gold.
What do you think of Aquaman's big screen look for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice? Does it pay homage to the comic books in a satisfying way? Let us know your thoughts in the usual place!