Terror to the Deep: Black Manta (David Hyde/Kane) Appreciation Thread 2022

[lemonpeace]

Created by: Bob Haney and Nick Cardy

First appearance:Aquaman #35 (September 1967).

Abilities: Manta possesses a keen scientific mind and is an expert in mechanical engineering and military tactics. He is typically a non-powered human outside of unyielding ruthlessness and determination; however, in earlier depictions, Black Manta possessed some degree of advanced stamina and endurance as a result of a serum that cured him of autism. Manta is a ruthless combatant who is extremely proficient in hand-to-hand combat and swordsman, but generally relies more on advanced technology, magical relics, and strategic planning than direct physical confrontations. Manta has used a Black Pearl that could control the seas, the Globe of Transportation, the Scepter which sunk Atlantis, the Tear of Extinction, and a plethora of other ancient mystical artifacts over the course of his career. He also often uses a variety of unique vehicles, such as a modified manta ray-shaped submarine, for traveling underwater.

Manta most regularly utilizes his nigh-invulnerable battle suit that enhances his physical strength and durability to superhuman levels. the suit allows him to throw cars with ease, lift additional 5000 Ibs more than without the suit, and fight toe-to-toe with powerhouses like his rival Aquaman. The armor is made to adapt to any oceanic environment, providing complete resistance to deep sea pressures and granting Black Manta the ability to breathe underwater. The suit also includes a jet pack propulsion system that functions in or out of water, a telepathic scrambler, and a wide array of different weapons and gadgets including: twin swords, a hand trident, a wrist-mounted speargun on the right arm, a harpoon, deployable miniaturized torpedoes, and his iconic diving helmet that can discharge powerful optic blasts from the eye lenses.


ESSENTIAL READING(WILL EDIT)

• Aquaman: Death of a Prince, by various writers
• Aquaman by Peter David Book 1
• Underworld Unleashed, by Mark Waid
• Aquaman: "The Others", by Geoff John
• Aquaman: "Sea Change", by Geoff Johns and Tony Bedard
• Forever Evil, by Geoff Johns
• Aquaman, Vol. 1: The Drowning & Vol. 2: Black Manta Rising by Dan Abnett
• The Rise of Aqualad" Teen Titans, by Benjamin Percy
• Justice League: Drowned Earth by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV
• Black Manta written by Chuck Brown & art by

[stay militant my mantamen...]

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At the end of the year, all Appreciation threads are closed and new threads for the coming year are put in place.

Appreciation threads are for just that - Appreciation. Not for debate, not for slamming and not for bringing other characters down by comparison.~

Commence appreciating! :-)

[9th.]

In, I've been enjoying the hell out his series.

[lemonpeace]

In, I've been enjoying the hell out his series.

same! It slick became my favorite book out of 2021; or at least top 3. I really dig what DC's doing with limited series like Black Manta and Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom, both felt like series that were made expressly to build a stronger foundation for their characters going forward. I am really loving what Chuck Brown has been doing with Manta's heritage and supporting cast. Gallus the GOAT, Torrid, and Devil Ray all feel very refreshing and are compelling additions to Manta's orbit. I hope we get more solo material with Manta after this series wraps.

[lemonpeace]

Black Manta #5 Preview

[lemonpeace]

[Frontier]

Continuity questions abound, but whatever .

[lemonpeace]

[l e g a c y]

[Frontier]

Happy New Year to Black Manta and fans .