Is It Time For A Democratic Atlantis?

[Agent Z]

Since the New 52, there's been what, 4 attempted coups in Atlantis? And isn't Arthur currently separated from them again? It feels like DC's kind of sending the message that an Atlantian monarchy isn't feasible anymore given how often the place falls apart.

[Lee Stone]

I'm fine with fantasy tropes in Atlantis, myself.
But then, I like fantasy versions of Atlantis.

[TheNewFiftyForum]

It's an easy way for writers to do palace intrigue in a while, but the "good monarch" trope has very much worn out its welcome for me. It's a great fit for guys like Doctor Doom, not so much a hero protagonist.

[Tzigone]

Since the New 52, there's been what, 4 attempted coups in Atlantis? And isn't Arthur currently separated from them again? It feels like DC's kind of sending the message that an Atlantian monarchy isn't feasible anymore given how often the place falls apart.

Or they're just repeating the same old stories, the same way they do with Vic Stone's "am I human" bit. For some characters, it sadly seems like DC just can't fathom more than one storyline.

[Katana500]

Nae Kings! Nae Queens! Atlantis is free!

I would actually be interested to see how Arthur and Mera would deal with any Atlantian revolutionaries who want to bring democracy. I have a feeling that any Atlantian Democracy wouldn't last very long before someone seized the Throne and Aquaman has to punch them in the face very hard to save Atlantis.

[Lightning Rider]

It would be interesting to write about a transition, perhaps to a type of constitutional monarchy in which Arthur has a role as King but isn't supreme ruler. Maybe his duties are relegated to mediating inter-government disputes, or military defense, perhaps foreign diplomacy.

I found it funny when Ollie called Arthur out in Quiver.

[kjn]

A lot of fiction—and it's especially prevalent in science fiction and fantasy—has a real preference for monarchies or other autocratic ways of government. Part is because it's simple from a storytelling view, part is that there is a romanticism to hereditary dictatorships. It's more prevalent in the USA, but you can still find it in Europe and other places.

It's not like Aquaman is alone with being royalty within DC. You have Wonder Woman and Starfire, and I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't some version of Superman floating out there where he is a prince of Krypton.

But yes, I'd like some more republics or constitutional monarchies in comics.

[Agent Z]

It's an easy way for writers to do palace intrigue in a while, but the "good monarch" trope has very much worn out its welcome for me. It's a great fit for guys like Doctor Doom, not so much a hero protagonist.

How is Doom a good monarch?

[Frontier]

I think Arthur getting ousted so continually says less about the Atlantean way of government and more how fickle Atlantians are. But they always turn back to Aquaman when things get rough.

It's an easy way for writers to do palace intrigue in a while, but the "good monarch" trope has very much worn out its welcome for me. It's a great fit for guys like Doctor Doom, not so much a hero protagonist.

What about Black Panther?

Or they're just repeating the same old stories, the same way they do with Vic Stone's "am I human" bit. For some characters, it sadly seems like DC just can't fathom more than one storyline.

Yeah, Arthur getting ousted from his throne was just as common in Post-Crisis but he still always ended up being king again.

[Tzigone]

Yeah, Arthur getting ousted from his throne was just as common in Post-Crisis but he still always ended up being king again.

Didn't it happen at least once pre-COIE, too?

[Frontier]

Didn't it happen at least once pre-COIE, too?

Probably. Wouldn't put it past them to have done a few Silver Age versions as well .

[Flash Gordon]

Without giving too much away, since it's part of my pitch for AQUAMAN- I'd like to see him abolish the monarchy and restructure the central state apparatus of Atlantis.

[Jackalope89]

Nah. Make it a Constitutional Monarchy.

[Frontier]

Nah. Make it a Constitutional Monarchy.

That just kind of defeats the point though? Like, if he's still a king then the expectation is he'd still act like one, not like a constitutional king.

[Robanker]

I think Arthur getting ousted so continually says less about the Atlantean way of government and more how fickle Atlantians are. But they always turn back to Aquaman when things get rough.

Yeah, it doesn't help that Atlantis rarely has internal struggles. They always are united in their opinions. It doesn't really feel like a group of people so much as a hivemind that needs Arthur Curry to survive, but hates that patented Arthur Curry flavor and quits him as soon as they can, which inevitably leads them back to him... Kind of like a rebellious kid that never moves out...