To Start:
I am not an Aquaman apologist. Often times I will find myself in situations where that would be a reasonable position to take, but one that entails an uphill battle I am not prepared to fight time and again. What I will say is that Aquaman, followed closely by Green Lantern, is my favourite superhero. For all of the reasons people like Aquaman, I'm with them. From the scalemaille to the sceptre, from the early New 52 self-awareness to the push into kick-assery; I really enjoy the character.
But, I love the New 52 Aquaman. There are many out there that would take issue with his initial depiction (re: "I don't talk to fish", conch shell pose et al.), but I am not one of them. For better or worse, I see this series as being a definitive run on the character. Obviously, having had someone like Geoff Johns take over writing duties didn't hurt - but he brought to this character the same he did with Green Lantern. Injustice didn't hurt either. In a nut-shell, there's a ton of material from which to pull and if all goes right, this character could be a shining jewel in the DC universe crown going forward.
We're in somewhat of a golden age of DC: From the notion that four new shows are preparing to premiere this season, to the announcement of a shared DC universe, to the new Bat-Suit, to the onslaught of movies in the future - there's a lot to be happy about. The one thing niggling at me, and I'm sure many fans, is where might the King of Atlantis fit in? Well, there's been some news on this front of late, and if you'll allow me - I'd like to run through some of what's out there:
The Animated Cinematic Universe:
Recently, DC has launched themselves head-long into the shared universe idea. To test the waters, their plan appears to be deeply entrenched in the animated sphere. Admittedly, the idea is not a bad one: Use the prowess of the animated medium to display on screen the ideas that otherwise could only be conveyed by CGI. It's almost an in-between for storyboards. Allowing a property to mature by allowing it to go from page to screen, to refined, to live-action in itself, is a smart move. For all we didn't appreciate about Justice League: War, the issues with be smoothed out when the story (presumably) moves to the silver screen.
The news came out recently that Aquaman is headed to the animated screen via a New 52 origin story. Some are worried that relying too closely on the comics can sometimes be a detraction to the movie (or movies) itself. In the case of Arthur Curry - the only exception to this rule - nothing can be further from the truth. The recent run of Aquaman has provided to the reader something on which they can latch. They've seen the trials of someone who has been levied with great power and purpose, and they've seen him struggle with an almost literal mantel that few could bare. They have been with him in reconciling ideas that are not only divergent but in opposition. To say nothing of the struggles that a young Curry might have had to deal with, this character is one of the deepest characters around, and it is not an accident.
For fans, be thankful for the steps being taken with Aquaman. Arduous though they may be, they are necessary. He has been a joke more than once, and for the fans - he won't be again. However, this does raise an interesting question: How does the King of the Seven Seas deal with the live-action universe?
The Live-Action Cinematic Universe:
I must ask, is it not appropriate that there should be a multiverse of properties available? Is it not easier to reconcile with DC fans that a different, animated universe should exist alongside a live-action universe? Alongside the Arrow-verse and the Nolan-Verse? Surely, if ever a section of fandom existed that could extend themselves to this length, it would be fans of DC.
Ok, tangent over. First note here: Matt Damon should be (and is, in my mind) Aquaman. Let's get a few things straight off-the-bat: Matt Damon is an amazing actor. He is charitable. He cares about our environment. Possibly, most importantly, he knows how to act against Ben Affleck.
If the rumours are to be believed, Batfleck is going nowhere. As with many of the superhero properties out there, studios tend to sign actors to multi-picture deals. Ben Affleck, reportedly, has been committed to at least nine movies. Who better to play off of him than someone who has been around, presumably, his worst moments. In many ways, Batman and Aquaman are diametrically opposed to one another. In this relationship exists wonderful fodder for future hilarious scenes. You're correct, Batman isn't known for his hilarity, but when coupled with a self-aware, legitimate challenge to his authority (Aquaman controls most of the earth, is a king), one must laugh. Batman is only human, after all.
Even if the studios go with someone like a Jason Mamoa for the role, the imposing figure of Aquaman will loom large in the DCU. For this, we have many to thank, but none more-so than fans for believing in the character. After all, had no one bought Iron Man comics, the movies and the MCCU might not have happened. And there are two Aquaman books on the shelves these days. I recommend you look into them, you won't be disappointed.
So far, I haven't been. Let us hope this continues. Atlantis needs some love.