Aquaman: A League of Their Own Part 8? (A Divergent TVCU Timeline)

Aquaman, Aquaman, can do anything Aqua can...  Okay, maybe not.



Prince Namor has only been hinted at in the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to legal entanglements, and Aquaman is about to become the hottest super-hero on the big screen, after years of being the joke from the Super-Friends, and Waterworld....  Well, let's not go there.

Continuing my Justice League/DC series of TVCU posts, my next one will finally get to Aquaman, an awesome hero sadly made into a joke in pop culture.

Aquaman is an interesting character.

Aquaman (Arthur Curry)--This is the same character who is concurrently a member of the Justice League of America. Aquaman was chosen as an instructor because of his time as the teen hero, Aquaboy. He was a major character in the original season of the animated television series Super Friends (1973). Super Friends is often credited with having exposed Aquaman to a much wider audience outside of the comic book community. In this series, Aquaman was shown to display super strength—hefting a bulldozer blade over his head, for example, and using it to help stop a tidal wave. He also had encyclopedic knowledge of oceanography and oceanology, in addition to his more familiar water-breathing power and aquatic telepathy. However, the various successor series (Challenge of the Super Friends, The World's Greatest Super Friends, Super Friends, The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians) have been blamed for making Aquaman unpopular and even laughable by toning down his role and often incorrectly using him alongside other heroes. They are accused of having portrayed him in an unflattering light, as they focused almost exclusively on his water-breathing and telepathic powers, thus reinforcing a weak image of the character. During his Super Friends tenure, he was often paired with Wonder Woman, leading some fans to speculate on a possible romance between the Atlantean King and the Amazon Princess. When Grant Morrison took the JLA title, it was specified that both characters share a special friendship bond. In the first two seasons of Super Friends, he was voiced by Norman Alden, and for the rest of the series he was voiced by Bill Callaway.

He was created by Mort Weisinger in 1941 to be DC's answer to the very popular Sub-Mariner.  He was not successful.

However, Aquaman endured.  He was a mainstay in the anthology More Fun Comics, and when More Fun decided to become, well, more fun, the heroes of that title moved over to Adventure Comics.

When the golden age ended,  only a few super-heroes kept going throughout the 1950s.  Aquaman and Green Arrow only endured because they were back-ups to Superboy.  DC had six Superman related titles in the 1950s, and so Aquaman survived by being Superboy's back-up in Adventure and also a back-up in World's Finest, which features Superman and Batman team-ups.

In the 1960s, Aquaman actually got cool, and finally earned his own title, a founding membership in the JLA, and his own animated series.

Then the Super-Friends ruined Aquaman.  They made him a joke.  The guy who was only useful in water.

DC didn't do much better in the comics with Aquaman.  He went back to being a back-up strip in other titles like Adventure and Action.  And he founded Justice League Detroit, then quit Justice League Detroit.

Two writers in the 1990s made Aquaman cool again.  Peter David wrote Aquaman:  Time and Tide and then the ongoing Aquaman title, which tweaked Aquaman's origin and made the character cool again, with both humor and personality.  And in JLA, Grant Morrison also did Aquaman justice, showing he could do more than just talk to fish.



I'm looking forward to seeing Aquaman in the Justice League movie.  Smallville didn't do him much justice, but the upcoming film's version looks amazing and true to the Aquaman I know from the Peter David period.


This is part of an ongoing, sporadic series of Justice League/DC posts.  Follow the links below to catch my others:

Justice League

Super Friends

Superman

Mxyzptlk

Batman

Joker

Gotham City

Wonder Woman

Flash

Green Lantern

Golden Age

Silver Age

Arrowverse

Legends of Tomorrow

DC Multiverse

Crisis

Scooby-Doo Team-Up


This timeline only works if we consider it a divergent timeline.  I really like this timeline, but I tried to work in every version of Aquaman, under a presumption that Atlanteans have longer lifelines than humans.  I would say this.  We can presume that everything that takes place up to the end of World War II (1945) can take place in the main TVCU timeline.  Everything that takes place up to but not including the death of Aquababy can be considered part of the Scooby-Doo Team-Up/Super Friends timeline (which I call the Cartoon Universe and DC has called Earth-1A).  Everything beyond that takes place in some alternate TVCU Aquaman divergent timeline that merges various versions from other media with DC continuity.

THIS SECTION CAN FIT IN THE TVCU AND THE SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP TIMELINE

c. 65 Million BCE--Earth’s dinosaurs fall prey to an extinction event. Any survivors are hunted to extinction by an alien race of “Hunter/Gatherers.” Mammals ascend to dominance.  Current scientific data (end of the Cretaceous period and the Mesozoic Era, beginning of the Cenozoic Era); Hunter/Gatherers from Aquaman v5 #17 <2.96>. Note that a few dinosaurs do survive in scattered outposts: namely Skartaris and the South Pacific’s “Dinosaur Island.”

c. 2.0 to 1.8 Million BCE--A “new race of man” emerges, with “an inherent potential… for devastation and ruin” that is unlocked by the Grey-corrupted elemental Matango via a “fruit of knowledge.”  ST v2 #104. In strict biological terms this would occur somewhat later, but is placed here to accommodate what appears to be the DCU’s earliest race of Homo sapiens, the Atlanteans [below]. The “new race” is actually a result of genetic input from the returning Hunter/Gatherers [see 65 Million BCE], according to Aquaman v5 #17.



c. 9600 BCE--The remains of the continent of Atlantis sink beneath the ocean. Only scattered cities survive underwater: notably Poseidonis, ruled by King Orin, and Tritonis, where his brother, the priest Shalako, leads a contingent of followers. A serum allows the survivors to breath underwater, and the Tritonians are mystically converted to tailed mer-people.  ZHTL*; The Atlantis Chronicles #1-2 <3-4.90>, WWho v2 <8.90-2.92>. The catastrophe is recounted later by Egyptian priests to the traveling sage Solon, and through him eventually to the philosopher Socrates, as related in Plato’s dialogues Timaeus and Critias (written c. 360 BCE). Note that Aquaman Secret Files #1 <12.98> lists this as “40 Thousand Years Ago,” a mind-boggling distortion.


[c. 1183 BCE] When Prince Atlan of Poseidonis rediscovers the surface world, Atlantean armies under King Honsu attempt to invade, but are driven back by the Egyptians and Athenians. The dissenting Idylists leave Atlantis.  The Atlantis Chronicles #6-7 <8-9.90>, which places this event in the reign of Rameses III (20th Dynasty), Egypt’s last great Pharaoh. He held the throne c. 1187-1156 BCE (best fit dates), the end of the Bronze Age, and is known to have battled mysterious “Sea Peoples” (who, besides the DCU’s Atlanteans, may also have included resettling Phoenicians, Philistines, and Trojan refugees) in the fifth year of his reign. After Rameses III (and given events in Greece and elsewhere), the entire Mediterranean apparently fell into a “Dark Age” for several centuries, as the Bronze Age gave way to the Iron Age, and this era faded into myth. (A few scholars dispute this dating [see 13th C. BCE], and would place this era later and eliminate the Dark Age; however, it makes sense for this Chronology.) Atlan will eventually become Aquaman’s father [see 1986]; the Idylists will be Aqualad’s people [see 1991/Yr3].


1015 BCE: JLA: Our Worlds at War #1 (2001), Justice League America #72 (Late Nov. 2002)--As part of a magical contingency plan, all of 21st Century Atlantis is shunted 3,000 years into the past. They find it has been raised above sea level and many suffocate. Aquaman leads the survivors to the water. He is soon trapped in aqueous form in a magical pool by Gamemnae. The Atlanteans are enslaved beneath the water.

1000 BCE: Justice League America #68 (Sept. 2002)--The JLA cast a spell and arrive in Atlantis to find Aquaman.

Justice League America #70 (L10. 2002)--Part 2: Raven and Tezumak return from the future. They alert the Ancients that the JLA have arrived as well. The JLA discover Aquaman's essence, trapped in a pool.

Justice League America #72 (Late Nov. 2002)--Part 4: The JLA locate Mera and the remains of 21st century Atlantis. She explains how Atlantis' fabled "Chronicles" had been altered to reflect a golden era of peace. This is what misled Aquaman to lead them to this time period.

Justice League America #75 (Jan. 2003)--Part 7: The JLA's successors arrive with a plan: they free Aquaman from the pool. He then re-sinks Atlantis, breaking Gamemnae's soul-bond to the continent and nullifying her magicks. (This returns Aquaman to human form.) Raven and his wife, Dawn, sneak through the portal to the future along with the returning Atlanteans.



[1707] English explorer Lemuel Gulliver encounters the floating island he calls Laputa (in actuality Basilia, a surviving outpost of Atlantis).  Alluded to in Aquaman v5 #22 <7.96> (confirming events from Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels (1726); date from the book). Gulliver’s wide-ranging voyages spanned 1699-1715. We may accept his existence in the DCU, but given the extraordinary and satirical nature of his chronicle, little about it can be taken at face value.


JLA: THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU (DC COMICS)

Release Date: 2002 (Setting is late 19th century)

Series: JLA

Horror Crosses: Island of Doctor Moreau

Non-Horror Crosses: Justice League of America; Green Lantern; Black Lightning; Wonder Woman; The Flash; John Jones, Manhunter from Mars; Aquaman; Hawkman; Green Arrow (See Notes)

The Story: In London, Doctor Moreau tries to introduce his Ani-Men to society to offer proof to support Darwin’s theories. The Ani-Men are brought into society and assist Scotland Yard in apprehending Jack the Ripper, another of Moreau’s experiments.

Notes: This story could take place around the time of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen II, where Moreau is in England working for the government. The Ani-Men are modeled after the Justice League but are different enough to not contradict with any appearances of the real Justice League in the Horror Universe. Likewise, since this Moreau tale is different than the original Moreau tale, it can fit in the same timeline.


Years Ago--Aquaman Secret Files #1--Queen Atlanna of Atlantis gives birth to Orin, whose lineage enables him to communicate with sea creatures.

The young ocean wanderer Arthur Curry Jr. (actually prince Orin of Atlantis, reared in exile by Porm the dolphin and taught human ways by the lighthouse keeper Arthur Curry) meets and loves an Eskimo woman named Kako, but is chased away by her family.  Aquaman SF #1 <12.98>—synthesizing Legend of Aquaman <89>, Atlantis Chronicles #7 <9.90>, Aquaman: Time & Tide #1-3 <12.93-2.94>, Aquaman #0 <10.94>, and Aquaman Annual #1 <95>. He is about 17 at this point. Date is approximate.




Aquaman Annual #1 (1995)--A young Arthur Curry meets Princess Diana of Themyscira.

October 31, 1941--More Fun Comics #73 (Nov. 1941)--Wealthy archaeologist Oliver Queen and a young orphan named Roy Harper become Green Arrow and Speedy. The son of a famous oceanographer, who used ancient Atlantean secrets to give his son the ability to live under water, becomes Aquaman. Doctor Fate battles Mister Who. NOTES: Although this is the first appearance of Green Arrow and Speedy, their origin was not revealed until More Fun Comics #89 (1943). Aquaman was nominally a member of the All-Star Squadron. He appeared briefly in issues #59-60, his only modern “golden age” appearances. The golden age Green Arrow and Speedy were members of the Seven Soldiers of Victory.

Aquaman Annual #1 (1995)--Aquaman meets Superman.


Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity (2003)--When Ra's al Ghul uses Bizarro to transport a nuclear warhead, the bomb detonates near Paradise Island. This draws Wonder Woman into first contact with Superman. (#1) He takes her to meet Batman, who is also on the case. (#2) After she is forced to revive herself in a Lazarus Pit, they visit Diana on Themyscira. Batman encounters Aquaman for the first time, while in his submarine. (#3)NOTES: This series was the first to reverse post-Crisis continuity, reinstating Wonder Woman as a Silver Age hero. It's unclear whether writer Matt Wagner was told to make this change in anticipation of the Infinite Crisis. It keeps Bizarro's origin from Man of Steel #5 (1986) intact. It also depicts Robin, which is probably apocryphal, since most sources assert that Robin did not debut until the third year of Batman's career. 1st chronological app. of the Bana-Mighdall Amazon Artemis (III). Diana is already in possession of her invisible jet, described as "alien." This series did not bear the "Elseworlds" icon, which was discontinued around this time.

February 23, 1942: All-Star Squadron #31 (Mar. 1984)--The first full meeting of the All-Star Squadron in the Perisphere. Uncle Sam tells the All-Stars how he and his comrades tried to stop the attack on Pearl Harbor on Earth-X. Commander Steel activates the Squadron's new butler, Gernsback the robot. NOTES: The Earth-Two Aquaman is mentioned by Liberty Belle.

The Spectre, Johnny Thunder and Johnny's Thunderbolt free the JSA from Hyperspace, but all the items they brought with them from Hyperspace vanish. At Mekanique's urging, Green Lantern and Firebrand save a young girl from being hit by a car, altering history; unbeknownst to the heroes, their actions will permit the evil Rotwang, Mekanique's creator, to dominate Mekanique's native era, the 23rd century. Hawkman is elected cochairman of the Squadron. A photo of virtually the entire Squadron is taken for FDR. NOTES: This story illustrated the changes wrought by the Crisis. The photo depicts Superman, Batman, Robin, Aquaman and Wonder Woman, but then later in the story, the photo changes, and these heroes are replaced by Uncle Sam and Doll Man, the Ray, Plastic Man, Black Condor and Phantom Lady, and adding the Human Bomb and Jester. After this, All-Star Squadron changes to a "secret origins" style title, treading water until the launch of the post-Crisis Young All-Stars.

THIS SECTION ONLY FITS IN THE SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP TIMELINE

October 13, 1951--Adventure Comics #466 (Nov./Dec. 1979)--"The Man Who Defeated the Justice Society"--After nearly being killed by Eliminations, Inc., the JSA is called to appear before the House Committee on Un-American Activities on charges of consorting with a foreign agent. Rather than unmask themselves, Green Lantern dramatically whisks them away from the hearing. All these events were orchestrated by Per Degaton. NOTES: In the 1950s, only Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Robin, along with Aquaman, Green Arrow and Speedy, Johnny Quick, Robotman and the Vigilante continued to be published. It is unclear how many 1950s stories were part of TVCU continuity; most 1950s adventures of Aquaman, Green Arrow, and the Vigilante were attributable to the Earth-One characters.

Adventure Comics #267 (Dec. 1959)--Aquaman, Green Arrow, and Speedy help defeat two of each other's foes.

Aqualad (Garth)--Sidekick of Aquaman.

In 1960, an alien invasion brought together seven heroes, who would become the founders of the more permanent roster of the Justice League of America. Those founders were Superman II, Batman II (Dick Grayson), Wonder Woman (Princess Diana), the Flash II (Barry Allen), Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Aquaman (Arthur Curry), and J’onn J’onzz.

Aquaman: Time and Tide #1 (Dec. 1993)--The public debut of Aquaman; he meets the Flash and helps defeat the Trickster. NOTE: Aquaman's historical first appearance and Golden Age origin were in More Fun Comics #73 (1941). His modern origin was first told in Adventure Comics #260 (1959), which is generally considered his first Silver Age appearance. (Like Superman and Batman, Aquaman's adventures never ceased publication in the 1950s.)

Superman: The Man of Steel Annual #4 (1995)--Superman meets Green Lantern and the Flash. NOTE:This story also recaps Superman's post-Crisis first meetings with Batman, Aquaman, and the JLA.



(Justice League of America #144, July 1977)--Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Aquaman, J'onn J'onzz, the Challengers of the Unknown, the Blackhawks, Plastic Man, and many other Earth-One heroes join forces to battle an invasion of White Martians led by Commander Blanx. NOTE:Commander Blanx's first actual appearance was in Justice League of America #71 (1969). Robin guest-stars. First chronological appearance of the Earth-One Plastic Man. This story isn't compatible with most versions of post-Crisis continuity, although it probably influenced Darwyn Cooke's DC: The New Frontier (2004).

Feb. 1960--Justice League of America #9 (Feb. 1962), Justice League of America #200 (Mar. 1982), Secret Origins v.2 #32 (11.88), 52 #51 (Apr. 2007)--JLA: Year One--Aquaman, Batman, Black Canary, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Superman and Wonder Woman defeat the alien Appellax creatures. This is Black Canary II's public debut. NOTES: The JLA's post-Crisis origin was retold in Secret Origins #32, substituting Black Canary for Wonder Woman and omitting Batman; Superman did not join thereafter. In post-Infinite Crisis continuity, the Big Three were added back into this origin in Justice League of America v.2 #0 and 52 #51 (Apr. 2007). The latter story also confirmed Black Canary as an eighth founder. The JSA Sourcebook claims Canary's debut preceded Flash and Green Lantern, which seems unlikely.

Adventure Comics #229--"Aquaman's Undersea Partner"--This story features the first appearance of the Earth-1 Aquaman. The Earth-2 Aquaman first appeared in More Fun Comics #73. There is little distinction between the two versions of Aquaman, and there is no mention of alternate versions in the story itself. This story works well as a starting point for the Earth-1 stories, because it introduces Topo, a significant Earth-1 supporting character. No indication of an Earth-2 Topo exists.




July 1964--Brave and Bold #54 (July 1964), Teen Titans #53 (Feb. 1978)--Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, Wonder Girl and Speedy form the Teen Titans. NOTE: Their first appearance in Brave and Bold featured only the first three.

Aquaman v.1 #18 (Nov.–Dec. 1964), Brave and the Bold v.2 #10 (Apr. 2008)--Aquaman marries Mera. The JLA and their teen partners attend the ceremony in Atlantis. NOTE: Brave and the Boldv.2 #10 depicts a behind-the-scenes story at this event. In it, the JLA proteges meet, but have not yet formed the Teen Titans. The JLA also appear in this story.

Mid to Late 60's--From the undersea kingdom of Atlantis, Aquaman arose and began protecting the seven seas with his pal Aqualad. Aquaman continuity from the Filmation series, The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure.

Aquaman #23--"The Birth of Aquababy" --Aquaman learns that his wife Mera is pregnant with his child. However, a deadly malady threatens both mother and unborn child, forcing Aquaman to seek a rare serum that holds the cure. The Sea King, joined by Aqualad, encounters several perils during the quest. He eventually discovers that a shape-changing Atlantean exile named Sinquo is behind the attacks. Aquaman defeats Sinquo fairly, so the exiled old man shows Aquaman where to find the serum.  On his return to Atlantis, Aquaman is caught in an underwater volcanic eruption. He is trapped under rubble and must give the serum to a fish for delivery to Atlantis. The fish brings the serum to Mera in time to save her. Aquaman eventually frees himself and joins his wife for the healthy birth of their son.  However, Aquababy soon exhibits destructive powers which threaten Atlantis. Aquaman believes that Sinquo tampered with the serum, and that the effects will only be temporary. The people of Atlantis, fearing the destruction of their city, are forced to exile Aquaman and his family. After beginning their exile, a group of monstrous Horrkas attacks the family while Mera and Aqualad are sleeping. Aquababy's powers dispatch all but one of the creatures, which Aquaman handles. Aquababy's powers seem to vanish after the battle and the royal family is allowed to return to Atlantis.  Reprinted In:  Showcase Presents Aquaman Vol. 2 TPB (2008)

Rita (Elasti-Girl) Farr of the Doom Patrol marries Steve (Mento) Dayton, the world’s fifth richest man. The JLA and Teen Titans are in attendance—as is the Brotherhood of Evil.  (Doom Patrol #104 <6.66>). No explicit retelling, but implicit in the ongoing history of Gar (Changeling) Logan. Also see my note re: Doom Patrol canonicity at 1987. Apparently this was a big year for super-hero romance: note Aquaman [above], as well as the next two entries.

FILMATION DC CARTOONS BEGIN

The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure--The animated adventures of several DC Comics superheroes.

Not only is the Super-Friends in the TVCU, but so is the Justice League of America segments of the Superman/Aquaman Hour, a show from the late 1960s.  The TVCU Justice League should have formed based on that show at least by 1966.  But later, the Super Friends comic book will reveal that the roster of the Justice League of America of the early 1970s is the exact same as the DC Comics version of the team.  I'm not taking that as an indication that all of the JLA comics are in the TVCU exactly as printed.  But I think we can assume that perhaps the team was founded in 1960, as in the comics, and the members shown from the Superman/Aquaman Show and Super-Friends joined in years they did in the comics.  It should also be pointed out that the Super Friends was a school for teen heroes.  Over time, the JLA and Super Friends names became synonymous, but they didn't start out that way.

1966 to 1969--Events of TEEN TITANS SEGMENTS of the BATMAN/SUPERMAN/AQUAMAN SHOW.

Aquaman #29 --"Aquaman, Coward-King of the Seas" --Orm is Aquaman's half-brother. They share the same father, but since Orm's mother was not an Atlantean he does not possess Aquaman's powers.  Reprinted In:  Showcase Presents Aquaman Vol. 3 TPB (2009)

Aquaman v.1 #30 (Nov.–Dec. 1966)--The JLA attend a mock funeral for Aquaman.

Aquaman #33--"Aqualad's Deep-Six Chick"--Aquaman and Aqualad return to Atlantis after rescuing the survivors of a plane crash in the ocean. Aquaman receives a hero's welcome, but Aqualad feels ignored. Aqualad then meets Tula, an Atlantean girl his own age. She convinces him to leave Atlantis and have some adventures of his own. Aquaman is disappointed, but he lets Aqualad leave.  Aqualad and Tula soon find an underwater dance club run by Dr. Dorsal. Their appearance at the club is a big success, so Dorsal pays them to perform as house dancers. However, Dorsal is really a crook from another underwater dimension. Dr. Dorsal hypnotizes Aqualad and Aquagirl, then orders them to commit crimes. Other teenagers join in on the crimes when they see Aqualad is involved.  Word of Aqualad's crimes reaches Atlantis. Aquaman, disguised as a beach comber, is able to infiltrate the gang. However, Dorsal discovers his identity. Dorsal then sets Aquaman up to be killed. When Aqualad sees this, he is able to overcome the hypnosis. Aquaman has survived the attack and together with Aqualad, he forces Dorsal to flee into his home dimension. Aqualad then returns to Atlantis with his mentor.  Reprinted In:  Showcase Presents Aquaman Vol. 3 TPB (2009)

The Silver Age #1 (July 2000)--Agamemno convinces Luthor to form the Injustice League(with Black Manta, Catwoman, Chronos, Doctor Light, Felix Faust, Mister Element, Penguin and Sinestro) in a plot to take over the Earth. The villains switch bodies with those of the JLA. NOTE: Black Manta 1st appeared in Aquaman #35 (1967); Sinestro, Green Lantern #7 (1961); Mister Element, Showcase #13 (1958); Chronos Atom #3 (1962).

Brave and the Bold #73--"Galg the Destroyer"--Aquaman and Aqualad battle a group of undersea raiders only to watch them disappear from sight. Aquaman suspects that they may have shrank into a droplet of water, so he gathers the nearby water droplets and takes them to Atlantis. When scientist Dr. Vulko is able to identify the droplet containing the raiders, Aquaman summons help in the form of the Atom.  Before the Atom arrives, Aquaman is hit by a beam that shrinks him and transports him to the droplet world. Atom is then forced to enter the droplet to save Aquaman. Inside he finds an evil and intelligent plankton creature called Galg who is in charge of the raiders. The Atom rescues Aquaman, then defeats Galg with his own enlarging machine which is deadly to him.  Reprinted In:  Showcase Presents Aquaman Vol. 3 TPB (2009)

In 68’, before they were the Super Friends, a few future members joined forces and called themselves the Justice League of America.

J'onn J'onzz, who now was fighting crime in his green-skinned form, wanted to become a 'full-time' member of the newly formed Justice League. To do this successfully, he needed to be freed from his alter-ego John Jones. He decides to fake his death and join the Justice League.

This initial Justice League lineup was also the same as the Earth-One universe. It included seven of the League's most prominent members: Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Wonder Woman,Superman and Batman.

Aside from the date of formation, much of the TVCU JL formation is the same as in theEarth-One universe.

Over the next two years Green Arrow, Zatanna, Black Canary and several others were added to the roster.

The Justice League begin operating from a secret cave outside of the small town of Happy Harbor, Rhode Island.



1971--James Craddock comes back to life as a ghost. The Martian Manhunter leaves Earth when Mars became desolate to help his people search for a new world. In late 1971, shortly after the Martian Manhunter had left Earth, a group of the Leaguers gathered together and decide to call themselves Super Friends. This is another significant departure from the parallel universe of Earth-One. The name stuck for years, and over time, the name Superfriends was used to describe all members of the Justice League of America. In the first issue of the Super Friends comic book, E. Nelson Bridwell makes it very clear that the Super Friends are sort of a volunteer organization, under the umbrella of the Justice League of America. The founding members of the Justice League's Super Friends organization consisted of Aquaman,Batman,Robin, Superman, Wonder Woman, Hawkman, the Flash, Green Lantern, Black Vulcan And Samurai. The formation of team and members depicted in the Season 3 episode, History of Doom.

1972--Superman and Wonder Woman return Gentleman Ghost to the grave.  The team moves their headquarters from the secret cave to the Hall of Justice, located in Gotham City. The Hall was equipped with an advanced communications network and "Trouble Alert" system (TroubAlert). They maintained a relationship with important government officials such as Colonel Wilcox, who often alerted the Super Friends to various global threats, including alien invasions.  In the parallel universe of Earth-One the Justice League's headquarters were an orbiting satellite. This was depicted in Justice League of America, Vol. 1 #78 (February, 1970) found at the DC Database.  Early on, the weekly meetings only consisted of Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Batman and Robin.

Super Friends/Super Powers Team (1973 - 1986)

• This was a cartoon that ran in various incarnations for 13 seasons.
• There was also a comic book tie-in that was for a time considered to be part of Earth-1 canon.
• According to the comic, the Super Friends was created as a youth training program. Marvin and Wendy were the first two candidates, later replaced by Zan and Jayna. Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Robin and Aquaman were instructors due to their experience as teen heroes. The Super Friends were part of the Justice League of America.

Spring to Summer 1973--SUPER FRIENDS--Batman II (Dick Grayson) becomes an instructor along with Robin II (Bruce Wayne Junior), Superman (Kal-El/Clark Joseph Kent), Wonder Woman, and Aquaman to train new heroes Marvin and Wendy (and later Zan and Jayna).  They also work as part of the Justice League of America.  The team is nick-named the Super Friends, and later will be code named the Super Powers Team.  The team works secretly for the U.S. Government and the United Nations.  The team was actually founded in 1967 and disbanded in 1985.  It's entire roster over it's long run included:  Aquaman, Batman II, Robin II/Batman III, Robin III, Superman (Kal-El/Clark Joseph Kent), Wonder Woman, Atom II, Cyborg, Firestorm, Flash II, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Hawkgirl II, Hawkman II, Apache Chief, Black Vulcan, El Dorado, Rima the Jungle Girl, Samurai, Green Arrow II, Plastic Man, Wendy Harris, Marvin White, Wonderdog, Zan, Jayna, Gleek, Captain Marvel I, Huntress II, Black Canary II.  See the end of this blog, where I will go through all the super-heroes (and villains I have brought in so far with little bio info on each.  I want to make clear that even though the shows for the most part appear just like you see them, in general the public isn't aware or clear of the activities of these heroes.  The primary foes of the Super Friends would be the Legion of Doom:  Bizarro, Black Manta, Brainiac, Captain Cold, Cheetah, Giganta, Gorilla Grodd, Solomon Grundy, Lex Luthor, Doctor Natas, the Riddler I, the Scarecrow II, Sinestro, the Toyman II, Mordru, and Dr. Sivana.  During their final years, they mostly fought Darkseid and his minions.  Additional bad guys they faced were:  Bizarra, Joe Chill, the Crime Syndicate of America, Felix Faust, Gentleman Ghost, Joker Junior, Mirror Master, Mr. Mxyzptlk, Penguin II, Royal Flush Gang, the Shark, Dracula, Frankenstein, Orville Gump, the Phantom Zone villains, and Zy-Kree.

December 1975 to August 1981--Comic books--The first use of the Super Friends name on a DC Comics publication was in Limited Collectors' Edition #C-41 (December 1975-January 1976) which reprinted stories from Justice League of America #36 and 61 and featured a new framing sequence by writer E. Nelson Bridwell and artist Alex Toth. DC published a comic book version of the Super Friends from November 1976 to August 1981. The comic book series was launched by E. Nelson Bridwell and artist Ric Estrada. Zan and Jayna were given back stories and secret identities as a pair of blond-haired high school kids; they were more competent heroes than their cartoon counterparts.  While the television cartoons were not part of the same fictional universe as the DC comic books, writer E. Nelson Bridwell made the comic book accord with the other DC titles via footnotes. An example of trying to fit Super Friends into the DC Universe:  Wendy, Marvin and Wonder Dog were the only ones active at the Hall of Justice, because the Justice League are in the 30th Century with the Justice Society (as shown in Justice League of America #147–148). Robin was busy helping the Titans in Teen Titans #50-52. Bridwell also gave them last names and ties to the other characters' histories; Wendy Harris was the niece of detective Harvey Harris (who helped train Batman) and Marvin White was the son of Diana Prince (the woman who helped provide Wonder Woman with a secret identity upon her arrival in America). While the show never explained the departure of Wendy, Marvin and Wonder Dog, the story was found in Super Friends #6–9.  The argument for the comic being part of the Earth-One continuity also included the fact that certain elements of the series impacted other books in the DC line (such as TNT's appearance in Kandor in an issue of Superman Family that references events exclusively from Super Friends, Sinestro's lack of a power ring in an issue of The Brave and The Bold after the ring was destroyed in a Super Friends issue, and Superman already being familiar with Dr. Mist and the international heroes in DC Comics Presents after meeting them in Super Friends). Because the Super Friends stories were referenced in and the events in them remembered by the characters in the core DC superhero titles - for example, in Justice League of America no. 155 (June 1978) - they have to be considered part of the pre-Crisis Earth 1 ensemble of stories.  In 2008, DC began publishing a new Super Friends comic book starring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash (Wally West) and Green Lantern (John Stewart). Based on the eponymous Imaginext toyline, it is aimed at children, with an art style reminiscent to that of Marvel's Super Hero Squad.

Aquaman #3 --Aquadog is the nickname given to Salty, Aquaman and Mera's pet dog that they rescued from the monsters known as the Trench.

SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP # 14--Aquaman

• Silver age and elements from Filmation series
• This takes place before Manta killed Aquababy

EVERYTHING AFTER THIS POINT EXISTS IN SOME ALTERNATE DIVERGENT AQUAMAN TIMELINE, PERHAPS THIS PART IS CROSSOVER EARTH (EARTH-CROSSOVER), THE COMIC BOOK CROSSOVER UNIVERSE SEEN IN SAVAGE DRAGON AND IN INTERCOMPANY CROSSOVERS

Aquaman v.1 #60 (Mar. 1978)--Aquaman's son is killed by Black Manta. NOTES: Arthur Jr. was fatally injured in Adventure Comics #452.

1978--LUPIN THE THIRD:  THE SECRET OF MAMO--Salvatore Cucinotta says:  Well, here's a weird bit. In a "Batman vs. Lupin III" thread, someone linked an image of Lupin in a picture with Batman, Robin, Wonder Woman, Superman and Aquaman. It comes from the Lupin film "The Mystery of Mamo", 1 hour, 16 minutes, 40 seconds in. Currently available to watch on Hulu.

Superman v.1 #327 (Sept. 1978)--At a JLA meeting, Aquaman and Batman discuss the menace of Kobra, whom both heroes have recently fought. NOTE:This discussion is shown in flashback, referring to Batman and Aquaman's battle with Kobra in Aquaman #61 (Apr./May 1978). Kobra the Conqueror was created by Jack Kirby and first appeared in the first issue of his short-lived eponymous series (Mar. 1976).

November 1979--THE WORLD'S GREATEST SUPER FRIENDS--"The Planet of Oz"--Mister Mxyzptlk abducts Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman to his version of Oz and manipulates them to find the wizard for his own ends.

• Super Friends (1980–1983)

By the 1980s, the original Justice League of America and the Super Friends training program had merged, and was redesignated by the government as the Super Powers Team, with a more specific goal of protecting Earth (and the galaxy) against Darkseid. It was at this time that Aquaman left the team to form his own Justice League of America, privately funded by Henry Heywood. At the same time, the children of the Justice Society of America also formed their own team called Infinity, Inc., funded by Sylvester Pemberton. Also at this time, while still working with the Super Powers Team and the Justice League of America, Batman (Wayne) was also training his own group of superpowered teens, the OUTSIDERS, a pilot for the later Bat Squad/Batman, Inc.

SEPTEMBER 1982--POWERKID POLICE # 1--"The Super-Trio"--A magical evil calling himself Doctor Deadly comes to Orange from outer space. He claims to have once ruled this world, and now wants to reclaim it. Arriving on the scene to battle this alien wizard is Powerkid, Zap, and a new speedster hero called Speedy. Together, the three are able to stop him where one would have failed. Doctor Deadly flees into outer space. Powerkid and Zap, who are cousins Bobby Wronski and Philip Sheridan, find that this new hero is also their cousin, Shon Ames. The three realize that only by working together were they able to defeat the villain, and that some threats only can be stopped by a team. And so they put the word out that they wish to form a team, and are calling on any new heroes (since there had been a recent explosion of new heroes) who would like to join. The team ends up consisting of initially: Powerkid, Zap, Speedy, the Unknown, Man-Killer, Space Hero, Waterman, Avenger, The Toy, Bird Boy and Bird Girl, Screamer, Witch Woman, Stretch, Vic-20, Tornado Man, and Fireman. Later members would be Kitten Girl, Powergirl, and mascot Chris Whaland. Real Life Notes: During the Super-Bob era, there had been another Super-Trio consisting of Super-Bob, Super-Len, and Witch Woman. Doctor Deadly will later be revealed to be Morgoth from the Lord of the Rings, who is possessing an alien scientist's body. The Powerkid Police is obviously my version of the Justice League of America. Phil Sheridan came up with the name. Powerkid is the PKP version of the JLA's Superman. Zap is the PKP's version of the JLA's Martian Manhunter. Speedy is the PKP's version of the JLA's Flash. Incidentally, a year later, Speedy, under the new name of the Speedster, gets his own series, where he becomes a janitor at a museum in CENTRAL CITY, because he just feels the city needs a speedster. In this reality, the Flash apparently doesn't exist, at least not in the early 80s. Of course, in the TVCU, he does exist in the early 1980s in the Super Friends. I guess there's more than one Central City. The Unknown is the PKP's version of Batman. Man-Killer fills in for Wonder Woman. Space Hero fills for Green Lantern. Waterman for Aquaman. The Toy for the Atom. Bird Boy and Bird Girl are the PKP's Hawkman and Hawkwoman. Interestingly, later, Bird Boy was found to be constantly hopping around in time due to the Crisis. He was the Bird Boy/Bird Man of the 1950s/1960s Wonder Woman stories, the Bird Man of the 1960s cartoon, and later, Harvey Birdman, Attorney-At-Law. Screamer is Black Canary, obviously. Witch Woman fills in for Zatanna. Stretch fills in for Elongated Man, but is actually Stretch Armstrong, as in the toy where you could grab his arms and stretch him out. Vic-20 and Tornado Man took the place of Red Tornado. Tornado Man here is an older hero among the group, formerly having been a member of the Mighty Heroes. Fireman is the replacement for Firestorm. Kitten Girl and Powergirl joined two years later, with no JLA counterpart. Chris Whaland was the Snapper Carr of the group. The PKP disbanded in 1985, but in 1987, I wrote a story from 1984 that retroactively added the character.

JLA: Incarnations #4 (Sept. 2001)--Aquaman and Zatanna face Captain Squidd and Whaleboy. POST-CRISIS: As the JLA's members gradually begin drifting away from the team, the alien race called the Debris begin planning a massive invasion of Earth. Batman leaves a meeting in anger. NOTES: Black Canary says that her mother recently died, which is hard to reconcile with Secret Origins #50 (1990). It's not clear if this was a retcon or an error. This story needn't be considered a retcon to Batman's actual resignation (next entry).

Justice League Detroit (1984 - 1987)

• In 1984, the Justice League of America was disbanded. The Super Friends training program was transformed into the Super Powers team with a specific mission to protect Earth from Darkseid. Meanwhile, Aquaman formed his own Justice League of America, no longer under government control, now sponsored by Henry Heywood.

12.84--JLA: Incarnations #4 (Sep. 2001), JLofA Annual #2 (1984)--After determining that the JLA satellite is beyond repair, Aquaman calls a JLA meeting at the abandoned JSA headquarters. He disbands the League and calls for a new JLA whose members are willing to devote themselves 100% to the League. Black Canary, Firestorm, Green Arrow, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, and Red Tornado resign. Remaining members Aquaman, Elongated Man, J'onn J'onzz, and Zatanna recruit Vixen, Steel and Vibe to join the new League. The JLA moves to a new headquarters, the Bunker, in Detroit, built for them by Dale Gunn, their new handyman/caretaker. The local residents, including Mother Windom, throw a block party to welcome the League. First appearance of Gypsy. NOTE: In the original telling, Aquaman made the announcement in public at the U.N.

New Teen Titans v.2 #4 (Dec. 1984)--The JLA (Steel, Aquaman, Elongated Man and J'onn) and other heroes are immobilized by Trigon. NOTES: Reprinted in Tales of the Teen Titans #63 (1986).



JLA: Classified #23 (Late July 2006)--Aquaman hears word of danger and sets out to help his friends. Jack and King run into their old friend, Amos Fortune, who is now working with the second Royal Flush Gang (Spades), as their Ace. Fortune lets them go, then both Gangs attack the JLA. In the fracas, a fire is started that quickly envelops the forest.

JLA: Classified #24 (Aug. 2006)--With J'onn out from the fire, the new JLAers fend for themselves. Meanwhile, Fortune sets out to finishing off his old Gang, killing King the of Clubs. The Jack of Clubs escapes once again. Aquaman arrives in the forest, but succumbs to the heat as well. To survive, he smothers himself in the blood of dead animals, which effects the effect of salt water.

JLA: Classified #25 (Sept. 2006)--The JLA find sanctuary in a cave that happens to be the same as the Gang's hideout. Fortune transforms the Gang into avatars of the Tarot, but they fall when King's health fails him. They Gang is rounded up and Aquaman arrives as the battle is ended. Gypsy senses a dire future for Steel and Vibe.

LATE JULY 1985--CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS/JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA/INFINITY, INC.--Per Degaton and Mechanique attack a team of heroes based in Detroit that are calling themselves the Justice League of America and a group of the offspring of the JSA. NOTES: THE CRISIS IS A HUGE TIME/SPACE EVENT THAT JAMES BOJACIUK WILL BE COVERING IN A FUTURE BLOG POST. THE "SUPER FRIENDS" ARE STILL OPERATING AT THIS TIME, BUT THIS DETROIT TEAM WAS CREATED OUT OF ANGER BY AQUAMAN WHEN HE FELT THE JLA WAS LACKING IN RESPONSE TIME. THE TEAM CALLED INFINITY INC ARE THE KIDS OF THE JSA, WHO DISBANDED IN THE 1950S.



Following the defeat of Darkseid in 1986, the Super Powers Team was disbanded. Aquaman’s Justice League of America was disbanded as well after a disastrous attack from Professor Ivo. In its wake, a new Justice League of America was briefly reformed in the 1990s.

Cartoon Network produced some bumpers lampooning the Super Friends:

• One dealt with the idiosyncratic nature of the Legion of Doom and Brainiac's odd manner of dress (Brainiac: "Look, I just want some pants...a decent pair of pants!" Solomon Grundy: "Solomon Grundy want pants, too!").
• The second dealt with the Wonder Twins' uselessness in battle (Zan: "I could get beaten by a sponge! It doesn't even have to be an evil sponge!")
• The third, co-starring The Powerpuff Girls, dealt with Aquaman's useless powers (Aquaman: "My ability to talk to fish is of no use to us, Wonder Woman!") and the level of violence compared with recent cartoons. Wonder Woman and Aquaman look away while the Powerpuff Girls beat up the Legion of Doom, setting the Scarecrow on fire. Notable was Bubbles' double-entendre reply to Wonder Woman's compliment on how they were developing as superheroes: "One day we'll be as developed as you are". Lex Luthor (a villain with a salacious mind) began laughing; his underlings understood the joke and laughed as well. When a piece of the Hall of Doom's ceiling fell on Luthor's head, everyone laughed. When the Powerpuff Girls came crashing in, Luthor mispronounced their collective name as "The POWDERpuff Girls", annoying the Powerpuff Girls and causing them to angrily correct him: "It's POWERpuff!" "No D!!"
• In the fourth, co-starring Ben 10, Superman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Batman are drinking coffee and discussing about the 'new kid' Ben Tennyson. Wonder Woman tells Batman he's envious of Ben, and she wonder "Maybe because he has super powers?" Batman just torments, however Superman agrees Wonder Woman's point, then explains that Aquaman can talk to fish, and that he can fly; "But you're just a loaded guy with a rubber mask, an expensive car and a funny belt." Just then, Ben walks into the break room and gets his lunch. Batman greets him not quite friendly at first, however after Ben asks Batman for his autograph, Batman feels pleased. He then asked the other superhero if they want half of his sandwich and Aquaman takes it. Ben then tells Superman that he has Superman pajamas, which makes his day. Ben then leaves the break room, all heroes are happy to Ben's nice side for them. And Aquaman chimes in, saying it was cool that he gave him half of his tuna sandwich. Suddenly their mood turns very awkward.

Adult Swim has also produced bumpers parodying the Super Friends. The first was a clip from the episode "The Time Trap", with bleeping edited in to give the appearance of profanity. They produced similar clips using other Hanna-Barbera cartoons. In another bumper, they lampooned the manner in which the Super Friends described every action before completing it (e.g., "I need to reach my utility belt so that I may free myself!") In this commercial, the heroes went to a movie and struggled to find money for popcorn. Several bumpers consist of little more than Aquaman walking into a realistic photograph and then proceeding to dance to some rump-shaking music.

JLA/Witchblade (2000)--Lex Luthor is approached by a Mister Irons asking him to obtain a certain artifact (the Witchblade) for him. A few days later, in Gotham, Sara Pezzini, holder of the Witchblade, is severely injured in an attack by armed robots. She contacts Barbara Gordon (their fathers were acquainted) for help. Oracle transports Sara to the Watchtower for medical assistance. Aquaman takes notice of the Witchblade, and soon finds that it is an ancient Atlantean artifact. Meanwhile, a fragment of the Witchblade bonds with Oracle then Huntress and is re-bonded with the original Witchblade. Wonder Woman bonds with the Witchblade to fend off an army of Luthor's robots. Sara wakes up in the Watchtower, and is at first unwilling to reclaim the blade, but is ultimately convinced.

SUPERMAN & BUGS BUNNY # 1 - 4 (DC COMICS)

Release Date: July - October 2000

Series: Superman (Post-Crisis); Bugs Bunny

Animated Series Crosses: Looney Tunes; Porky Pig; Road Runner; Speedy Gonzales; Tweety and Sylvester; Foghorn Leghorn; Daffy Duck; Pepe Le Pew; One Froggy Evening

Other Crosses: JLA; Martian Manhunter; Flash; Batman (Post-Crisis); Wonder Woman (Post-Crisis); Plastic Man; Green Lantern; Aquaman (Post-Crisis); Green Arrow

The Story: While Mr. Mxyzptlk is being sent back to his 5th dimension from the DC Universe, he encounters the Dodo, who is returning to Wackyland from the Looniverse. The two conspire to team-up and merge the universe of Superman and his Justice League with that of the Looney Tunes. The Justice League and Looney Tunes work Together to save both worlds.

Notes: When this was published, it was official canon for both the DC Universe and Looney Tunes. DC was operating under the Hypertime concept where the main DC Universe was the central timeline and other realities were part of Hypertime. This series first used the term ”Looniverse” to describe the reality of the Looney Tunes. In 2001, an unreleased Tiny Toon Adventures video game would also use the term, cementing it as official canon. A lot of useful information comes from this series. We learn that DC Comics are published as fiction in the Looniverse. We learn that Looney Tunes shorts set in historical settings actually feature the ancestors of the Looney Tunes characters. We learn that both Speedy Gonzales and the Road Runner are faster than the Flash even when he uses the Speed Force. When the story ends, everyone returns to their proper settings, except for the Dodo and Michigan J. Frog, who both stay in the DC Universe! Michigan would die in 2005, and had been working for the WB Network as mascot since 1995, so there are two possibilities. Either his stay in the DCU didn’t last long, or else he actually had migrated to the DCU much earlier, perhaps in 1994’s reality altering Zero Hour event, and his work for the WB had been in the DC Universe all along! In 2011, this version of the DC Universe (and Hypertime) allegedly ceased to exist, but DC continued to publish Looney Tunes comics, which continued to fit with the Looney Tunes canon of the Looniverse, which at this point you may have figured we have been calling the Cartoon Universe. Recently, the universe in which the Superman and Justice League of this team-up existed has been shown to still exist as part of the New 52 multiverse, with other DC titles, like Looney Tunes, said to exist “beyond the 52”. So it seems like from DC’s perspective, this story could still have happened. And it doesn’t make sense for us to consider our Cartoon Universe version to not be the same Looniverse. My theory is that the Looniverse of this story was indeed the Cartoon Universe, of the greater Cartoon Multiverse, a multiverse that exists “beyond the 52” in a larger “megaverse” and “omniverse”. So Bugs and pals in this case interacted with one of the universes of DC’s New 52 multiverse.

JLA VERSUS PREDATOR (DC AND DARK HORSE COMICS)

Release Date: December 20, 2000 (Contemporary Setting)

Series: JLA; Predator

Non-Horror Crosses: Superman (Modern Age/Post-Crisis); Batman (Modern Age/Post Crisis); Green Lantern; Martian Manhunter; Plastic Man; The Flash; The Atom; Aquaman; Wonder Woman (Modern Age/Post Crisis); Legion of Super-Heroes

The Story: The Justice League find themselves challenged by Predators who are altered to have the same powers and abilities (and equipment) as the Earth heroes.

Notes: This story is a follow up to the previous encounters between Superman and Batman and the Predators. The Justice League here is not the same team from the “silver age“ of heroes. That team disbanded in the 1980s, and this team was recently formed. The incarnation in this story consists of Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, Plastic Man, the Flash, the Atom, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman. As explained in previous entries, this is the third Superman and Batman. The Green Lantern here is Kyle Rayner, who has also fought the Alien xenomorphs. The Martian Manhunter and Plastic Man of this story could be the same versions from the silver and golden age stories, as they don’t age like normal humans do. The Flash here is Wally West, who should still be old at this point. Perhaps the Speed Force kept him preserved. The Atom here is Ray Palmer, who also should be too old, unless his metagene also kept him preserved. And the Aquaman and Wonder Woman here could be long lived unaging heroes, or generational. The alien Dominators also appear in this story, who originated as villains in the Legion of Super-Heroes.

2001--ELEKTRA WOMAN AND DYNAGIRL--The duo come out of retirement.  Aquaman appears and Flash , Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are all mentioned as real people.  And based on this pilot, Aquaman was an alumni at that school.

May 2005--FAMILY GUY--"Blind Ambition"--Stewie catches the Keebler Elves plotting against Snap, Crackle, and Pop; later on it is implied that Snap was killed during the ambush by the Keebler Elves.  The entire final scene in which Peter receives his award is a reenactment of the ending of the original 1977 Star Wars film (A New Hope), complete with John Williams’ music, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2. (The episode first aired the Sunday before the release of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith). In the same fashion, the credits were done to the Star Wars theme and style.  At the bowling alley, Peter sees Judd Hirsch working on a missile below the lanes. Later in the show, the Keebler Elves plot against Snap, Crackle and Pop, “assuming Judd Hirsch delivers with the goods.” Judd Hirsch voiced himself in this episode.  Peter spent a week with Superman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Batman in the Fortress of Solitude from the Superman movies. Peter interrupts their meeting, in which the heroes are discussing how to foil Lex Luthor, and asks Superman to use his powers to pick up Mr. Pibb and Cheez-Its, because it is a 800 mile drive for him (Peter), but five seconds for him (Superman), referencing the speed the superhero possesses.



DRAWN TOGETHER (ANIMATED SERIES)

SEASON 3 EPISODE 7 AND 8 “LOST IN PARKING SPACE”

Release Date: November 15, 2006 - October 4, 2007

Animated Series Crosses: Speed Racer; He-Man and the Masters of the Universe; Cap’n Crunch; Flintstones; Care Bears; Daria; Scooby-Doo!; Finding Nemo; Lion King; Davey and Goliath; Simpsons; Popeye; Tom and Jerry; Snagglepuss

Other Crosses: Aquaman; Wonder Woman; Captain America; Star Wars; Neverending Story; Hagar the Horrible

The Story: The gang go to the mall without Clara. Clara assumes this means the Rapture has begun. Meanwhile, the gang try to park their van into a compact space, getting trapped. Foxxy goes for help, and discovers a terrible secret at Hot Topic.

Notes: This was a two parter, and no, that’s not an error. There was nearly a year gap between the release of part one and two! This series was not doing so well in the ratings, and so it was a regular fight with the network to get them to pick up more episodes. The gang get blocked from three parking spaces by Speed Racer, He-Man and Wonder Woman. When Foxxy defends Xandir’s driving, saying he is the captain of the vessel, she also brings up other captains such as Captain America and Cap’n Crunch. The victims being tortured at Hot Topic in a Hostel type manner are Fred Flintstone, Wish Bear (of the Care Bears), Daria, Scrappy-Doo (nephew of Scooby), Davey and Goliath, Homer Simpson, Popeye, Jerry Mouse, Hagar the Horrible and Snagglepuss. Toots drinks from the same fish tank that had been in the dentist’s office in Finding Nemo. She drinks all the contents including Nemo. Mufasa speaks to Xandir as an image in a urine puddle. Note that Popeye died in a previous episode but appears in this episode. In this same episode, Captain Hero demonstrates how toons can never really die, as he chops off his own head for the audience and then after briefly going off screen for a few seconds comes back alive and appearing completely normal. Later, the gang complain about how toons always die in episodes only to show up again in later episodes. To belabour the point, Ling-Ling pops up out of Toots’ dead body in part 2, which he was in to keep warm, to agree with the complaint about dead toons coming back, despite the fact that Ling-Ling had been killed in part one of this very story. Captain Hero mentions catching a disease from Aquaman. Wooldoor has a lightsaber. Xandir says that Spanky gave up on imagination and made the nothing come, which is a reference to the Neverending Story.

September 2007--JEFF DUNHAM:  SPARK OF INSANITY--Melvin the Superhero Guy says that Aquaman "has all the same powers as SpongeBob."

November 2008--FAMILY GUY--"Baby Not On Board"--Peter is on the phone with Doc Brown, who tells him that it is 8:25, and Peter is late for school. Peter then skateboards behind cars while Huey Lewis and the News' "The Power of Love" plays. This is taken directly from Back to the Future.  Peter is being massaged by Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze's characters. His skin is in the shape of clay on a ceramics wheel. "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers in playing. This is taken from the 1990 film Ghost.  In the broadcast version, Cleveland says to Quagmire: "Did I tell you I was getting a spin-off?", referencing his own upcoming show.  Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore reenact the pottery wheel scene from Ghost, notable for being the first time characters are depicted with realistic eyes instead of the round eyes typical in Family Guy.  A cutaway gag shows Fozzie Bear trying to tell an Arab joke to a group of Arabs.  A Fat Albert parody called Morbidly Obese Albert is shown in a cutaway gag, in which Albert is very obese and has diabetes that cost him his foot. The gang is standing around, and offers Albert chocolates. Albert doesn't take one at first, but after, he does.  A cutaway scene showing how "useless" Aquaman is is shown in a cutaway gag, showing Aquaman unable to help a woman being raped on the beach, as he needs to stay in the water.

November 2009--FAMILY GUY--"Hannah Banana"--While Chris and the Evil Monkey were fishing, Chris caught Aquaman and then he and the Monkey killed him and ate him for dinner.

THE DRAWN TOGETHER MOVIE: THE MOVIE! (ANIMATED FILM)

Release Date: March 18, 2010

Series: Drawn Together

Animated Series Crosses: Flintstones; Road Runner; Smurfs; Super Friends; He-Man and the Masters of the Universe; Peter Pan; Robin Hood; Alice in Wonderland; Little Mermaid; South Park; Roger Rabbit

Other Crosses: Aquaman; Plastic Man; Green Lantern; Watchmen; Batman

The Story: The cast learn that their show had been cancelled quite a while ago, and they had been continuing to live there only for the amusement of the Jew Producer. They also learn that they aren’t real, but rather caricatures created specifically for the show, with manufactured back stories. The show is replaced by a new cartoon called Suck My Taint, and the Suck My Taint girl advises the cast that they must travel to Make a Point Land, because their show can only be successful if they balance the crude jokes with some relevant topical observations.

Notes: The cast was supposed to be erased when the show was cancelled but the Jew Producer kept them alive and hidden. Once exposed, the housemates must flee and go into hiding. Toots hides out in Bedrock, said to be in the present day. There, she has an affair with Barney Rubble and becomes the mother of Bamm-Bamm. This is anachronistic, as the Flintstones were originally said to take place circa one million B.C. Bamm-Bamm was adopted by the Rubbles several seasons into the series that ran in the 1960s. It must be that Bedrock actually exists in some pocket reality attached to the Cartoon Universe, where time operates differently. Thus, it exists in both the present and circa 1 Million B.C. Clearly, Toots entered Bedrock at a point prior to Bam-Bam's first appearance. After Bamm-Bamm was born, an orphan as Barney hid evidence of the affair, Barney and Betty later adopted Bamm-Bamm, Barney secretly knowing that Bamm-Bamm was actually his natural son. While on the road, the cast runs over the Road Runner. Seeing his life purpose gone, Wile E. Coyote takes his own life. Of course, both would return to life as per toon nature. Smurf Village is shown to be in Toontown, despite originally depicted in their own series as existing in medieval Belgium. They are at Papa Smurf’s funeral. He too would return to life. Captain Hero is dating Molly, a dead corpse! Molly is shown to have had sexual relations with other heroes in the past, including Aquaman, Plastic Man, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Doctor Manhattan, the Wonder Twins, Gleek, He-Man, Orko, Battle Cat, Batman and Robin. Clara’s home is revealed to be in a magic kingdom in Anaheim that clearly is Disneyland. This supports the premise that Disney theme parks have portals to other realities, or perhaps co-exist within several realities at once. At Clara’s castle are Tinkerbell, the Rhino guards from Robin Hood, a doorknob as seen in Alice in Wonderland, and the Atlantis and Sebastian from the Little Mermaid. Suck My Taint is a parody of South Park, and the Suck My Taint girl is animated in the style of a South Park character. Furthermore, she has a picture of Cartman’s cat. The Drawn Together house is in Toontown. The whole premise that Drawn Together characters never existed prior to the start of the show, despite the fact that previous episodes have established backstory and introduced characters from their pasts, supports the idea that the whole of the Cartoon Universe only exists as a tulpa like reality, composed of psychic energy from the imaginations of those who reside in the Live Action Universe.

ALTERNATE REALITIES:  OK, now for the alternate Earths depicted on screen.  For an understanding of alternate realities in the TVCU, check out my intro blog simply titled "Television Crossover Universe".

CINEMULTIVERSE--These take place in various Cineverses:  Kiinni on ja pysyy (1955), Superman vs. the Gorilla Gang (1965), Who Wants to Kill Jessie? (1966), Zoom, Zoom, Superman! (1973), Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978), The Return of Superman (1979), Superman (1980), La segunda guerra de los niños (1981), The Sex O'Clock News (1984), Certain Fury (1985), Superman (1987), Hot Shots! (1991), 7 jin gong (1994), Les complices (1999), Mattress of Solitude (2000), Sam & Janet (2002), American Splendor (2003), Fast Times at Hero High (2003), Behind the Mask (2003), A Uniform Used to Mean Something... (2004), Hindsight Is 20/20... (2004), Grayson (2004), World's Finest (2004), Losing Lois Lane (2004), Blockbusters (2005), Teenage Superhero Pregnancy Scare (2005), Bryan's Journals (2006), Superhero's Son (2006), Roomies (2006), Wonder Woman: Balance of Power (2006), Color Me Olsen (2007), I Am Bob (2007), I Do? (2007), The Daily Grind (2007), Satisfy Me (2007), David (2008), The Lex Luthor Show (2008), Superman ieotdeon sanai (2008), Playball (2008), Aquaman Fan Film (2008), The Greatest Fan Film of All Time (2008), No Justice Just Us (2009), Super Lunch (2009), Heroic Ambition (2010), Die Laughing (2010) 

Crash Corrigan (Ray Corrigan)--Crash Corrigan was a stand-in for Aquaman in Drinnon’s version of the League. He was a real life B-Western actor. Drinnon’s assertion is that all of his roles were based on Corrigan’s “real life” adventures.

DC CINEMATIC UNIVERSE

• Man of Steel
• Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
• Wonder Woman
• Justice League Part One
• The Flash
• Aquaman
• Justice League Part Two
• Cyborg
• Green Lantern

Earth-462--Infinite Crisis--Wonder Woman, Per Degaton, Baron Blitzkrieg, Captain Nazi, and the original Teen Titans (Robin, Speedy, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Wonder Girl). A Golden Age planet still locked in World War II. In very obscure cameos, Wonder Woman is Cathy Lee Crosby (who starred in the Wonder Woman pilot movie) and Wonder Girl is Debra Winger (who appeared as Wonder Girl on the 1970s television series). The remaining Teen Titans (Speedy, Robin, Aqualad, and Kid Flash) were all depicted in militaristic uniforms. Merged with Earth-154 by Alexander Luthor during Infinite Crisis. First appeared in Infinite Crisis #6 (May 2006).

Earth 1001--Numerical designation by John Wells. Smallville, Birds of Prey, Aquaman, Bruce Wayne, Blue Beetle, Batman OnStar commercials. A world where the infant Kal-El came to Earth in the midst of a meteor shower that permanently altered the lives of Jonathan and Martha Kent, Lana Lana, Lex Luthor and others. The near future of this Earth will sport adventurers such as Batman, Batgirl, Black Canary and Darkstrike. Batman's daughter eventually allies with Oracle (previously Barbara Gordon/Batgirl) and Black Canary's daughter as Birds of Prey. Numerical designation by John Wells, from Smallville: the Comic #1. The Birds of Prey comic book adaption of the tv series was announced, but placed on indefinite hold following the cancellation of the series. First appeared on Smallville.

EARTH-74425--Significant Inhabitants: Action Jackson, Aquaman, Bat-Girl, Batman, Kit Carson, Captain America, Catwoman, Dracula, the Frankenstein monster, Joker, the Mummy, Mr. Mxyzptik, Penguin, Riddler, Robin, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, Supergirl, Superman, Tiger Jack, Werewolf, Kit and Tex Willer, Wonder Woman.  (Albi Super-Eroi I#43/Capitan America I#44/L'Uomo Ragno I#121) - The criminals Mr. Mxyzptik, Penguin, Riddler and Joker joined their forces and, using some deadly laser handguns, tried to disintegrate Action Jackson. He easily avoided them.

Fairly OddParents--In The Fairly OddParents episode "Power Pals", Timmy wished for better super-friends. As a result, he got a team of superheroes—the Power Pals—as "friends." The four characters parodied famous characters including Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Aquaman, and came with their own narrator. Aspects of Super Friends were parodied such as randomly pressing beeping buttons (that flash in an equally random pattern) on any computer module, invisible vehicles (somehow the Power Pals could see a dent in the invisible rocket and could be seen from the outside, since only the rocket is invisible), the perceived uselessness of Aquaman parody Wet Willy's ability to talk to fish and powerlessness outside of water and near-instantaneous travel to distant galaxies.

Family Guy--In the Family Guy episode "A Hero Sits Next Door", there was a cutaway joke involving Peter playing a game of strip poker with Wonder Woman. Super Friends-style scene transitions appear twice in the episode. In "Fast Times at Buddy Cianci Jr. High", Peter flashed back to the time he was a Wonder Twin, taking the form of Jayna's tampon. In "Perfect Castaway", when Lois told Peter how well the family had been doing ever since she married Brian she mentioned that Meg went on a date with the Super Friends' announcer. Then a scene shows Meg and the announcer in a car on a hill where the announcer says, "Meanwhile, underneath Meg Griffin's bra...". In "PTV" Apache Chief helps Peter install a satellite dish for his unauthorized TV station. In "No Meals on Wheels", Peter made a reference to the Mexican Super Friends; a non sequitur showed Mexican versions of superheroes, including "Mexican Superman" and "Mexican Batman".  In "It Takes a Village Idiot, and I Married One", when Lois ran for mayor she attempted to gain the "stupid vote" by claiming Adolf Hitler was working with the Legion of Doom to plot the assassination of Jesus. Shortly after this, the Legion of Doom's base rose from the lake and Lex Luthor asked the other Legion members how she knew their plans. Solomon Grundy admitted he "kinda dropped the ball on that one". The opening of "Family Goy" parodied the opening sequence of Super Friends with Peter as Superman, Brian and Stewie as Batman and Robin respectively, Lois as Wonder Woman, Chris as Aquaman and Meg as....Meg. In Something, Something, Something Dark Side, shortly after Chris/Luke and Cleveland/R2-D2 landed on Dagobah, the Legion of Doom fortress rose from the swamp with the same narration and music. Chris/Luke yelled, "Not now!" and the fortress quickly sank.

MAD--Aquaman has appeared a lot on Mad.  

MIRROR UNIVERSE--James Bojaciuk reports:  In The Worlds Greatest Superfriends (which has to be the worst cartoon title I've ever heard), there was an episode entitled "Universe of Evil" wherein evil counterparts of the Superfriends come and do bad things; Aquaman has an eyepatch (an *evil* eyepatch!), and more importantly, Robin had a entirely evil Snidely Whiplash mustache. The SuperEnemies probably originate from the Mirror Universe, regardless of if the Superfriends exist within the TVCU.

MTV's The State--During a transition between two other skits on MTV's The State, there was a brief scene with members of the State dressed as Super Friends. The Flash ran in, informing them of an impending disaster. Superman then began assigning serious tasks to all of the members, finishing by saying "and Aquaman... go talk to some fish". The Super Friends then began laughing hysterically, while a visibly embarrassed Aquaman just stood there.

SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP

• NEW ADVENTURES OF BATMAN
• KRYPTO THE SUPERDOG
• TEEN TITANS GO!
• SUPER FRIENDS
• FLINTSTONES
• JETSONS
• JONNY QUEST
• SECRET SQUIRREL
• BATMAN THE ANIMATED SERIES
• SILVER AGE/EARTH-1 DC CANON
• ADVENTURES OF AQUAMAN
• PRE-CRISIS/EARTH-S FAWCETT CANON
• JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION!

South Park--The South Park episode "Super Best Friends" was a spoof of the series, depicting religious figures as a team of superheroes. The only member of the "Super Best Friends" who was not a religious figure is "Seaman", a spoof of Aquaman whose power was to talk to fish. In "200" the parody was revisited. The opening sequence for the Super Best Friends took its cues from the Super Friends cartoon; each of the religious figures (except for Muhammad, who was portrayed as a censor bar walking down a street) and Seaman's introductions resembled the Super Friends opening: Jesus was Superman, Buddha was Wonder Woman, Krishna was Batman and Seaman was Aquaman. Joseph Smith and Lao Tzu acted as Wendy and Marvin White.  In "201", Tom Cruise's house was described as "The Legion of Doom Headquarters! (initially it is described as "The Legion of Doom Headquarters [awkward pause] which is Tom Cruise's house"). The episode "Krazy Kripples" features a Legion of Doom with Christopher Reeve as the leader. The episode "Spookyfish" featured a Super Friends-style scene transition, with images of Barbra Streisand's head superimposed over the trademark lens-flares.



That '70s Show--Super Friends was spoofed in an episode of That '70s Show with a dream sequence where the "Super Pals" made fun of Eric's Superman because Donna's Wonder Woman had given him a ring as a gift. "I got it at the mall!" she exclaims. The episode featured Eric Forman as Superman, Donna as Wonder Woman, Kelso as Batman, Fez as Aquaman and Hyde and Jackie as the Wonder Twins. Red was also featured as their nemesis "Dr. Bald", wearing Lex Luthor's green-and-purple costume.





TOOBWORLD--According to Toby O'Brien, the Aquaman of Earth-Prime Time was "Mark Harris", as seen in THE MAN FROM ATLANTIS. Read more here.
TVCU-3--The Amazing Spider-Man (2012 film)--Reality of the second Spider-Man film series and its expansions.  Also the home of Smallville, Birds of Prey, the Aquaman pilot Mercy Reef, some ONstar commercials featuring Batman, and the West Wing.