Black Manta shows up to take advantage of Aquaman's desperate situation after Mera, the queen of Atlantis, mysteriously disappearers. Fifty years ago, writer Steve Skeates and artist Jim Aparo began their acclaimed tenure on Aquaman with their epic nine-issue tale of Mera's disappearance and Aquaman's frantic quest to get her back, including issues #40-48. Now the next installment of classic Aquaman features Black Manta and Ocean Master. Collected for the first time in a new Deluxe Edition, which includes Aquaman #49-56.