Mera (character)
| Mera | |
|---|---|
Textless variant cover of Mera: Queen of Atlantis #1 (April 2018). Art by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau. | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Aquaman #11 (September 1963) |
| Created by | Jack Miller Nick Cardy |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Mera |
| Species | Xebellian (current) Alien (former) |
| Place of origin | Xebel (current) Dimension Aqua (original) |
| Team affiliations | Justice League Justice League United Red Lantern Corps The Others Aquaman Family Royal Family of Atlantis Royal Family of Xebel |
| Partnerships | Aquaman Ocean Master Wonder Woman |
| Notable aliases | Aquawoman Dead Water Princess of Xebel Queen of Atlantis |
| Abilities |
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| Altered in-story information for adaptations to other media | |
| Alter ego | Y'Mera Xebella Challa |
Mera, sometimes also known as Aquawoman, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Jack Miller and Nick Cardy, the character first appeared in Aquaman #11 (September 1963). She serves as the chief love interest and a recurring supporting cast member of Aquaman and his related titles.
A royal native of the extradimensional, oceanic realm of Xebel (originally Dimension Aqua) and a member of the Xebellian sub-race, Mera is often portrayed as a queen consort of Aquaman whom possess natural hydrokinetic abilities. During her publication history, earlier stories often focused on her relationship with Aquaman the mental impact of the untimely death of her son, Arthur Jr. Following revisions to her character from the New 52 onward, she is portrayed as a respected superhero and protector of Atlantis alongside Aquaman with heroic traits and differs from him ideologically due to being native to the ocean. For a time, the character has also served as the chief monarch of Atlantis as the queen regnant, having ascended following Aquaman's abdication of the role during several crises.
The character has been adapted substantially in various media, she was played by Elena Satine on Smallville and most notably featured in the DC Extended Universe where Amber Heard portrayed Mera in Justice League and its director's cut, reprised the role in Aquaman and returned in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. The character has also been adapted in the animated Young Justice television series.