Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman transformed the character’s image for a new generation, establishing a distinct look and tone through his appearances in two successful live-action films and multiple Snyderverse projects. Even though Momoa’s tenure as the hero has ended, his influence continues to shape DC’s depiction of Aquaman, as evidenced by the recent unveiling of a new comic book design inspired by his iconic style.
Following Momoa’s success in the DC Extended Universe, which included the only DCEU film to gross over $1 billion, his impact extended into the comics. The mainstream Aquaman began featuring tattoos similar to Momoa’s, while recent series such as Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Special #1 (2023) and Ram V’s Aquaman: Andromeda (2022) embraced a rugged aesthetic closely aligned with the actor’s portrayal. However, the start of DC’s All In era saw the comics revert Aquaman back to a more traditional look, moving away from the Momoa-inspired designs.
Return of Momoa’s Signature Aquaman Look in Upcoming Comics
DC Comics is launching the next phase of its All In initiative, called DC Next Level, which introduces new series and fresh starting points. Among these changes is Jeremy Adams’ continuing Aquaman title, which will relaunch with issue #15 as Emperor Aquaman. Adams’ earlier work on the series brought a significant shift to Aquaman’s appearance, reverting Arthur Curry to a clean-shaven style inspired by Golden Age comics—marking a clear break from years of Momoa’s rugged reinterpretation.
But previews for Emperor Aquaman #15, set for release on March 11, 2026, show a new design that pays tribute to Momoa’s era once again. Artist John Timms teams up with Adams to bring a refreshed look to the character, blending classic elements with the distinctive tattoos and edgier styling popularized by Momoa’s films.
Aquaman’s New Form Linked to DC’s Latest Crisis Event
The storyline follows Arthur Curry’s journey after the recent DC K.O. crisis event, where he becomes trapped in The Blue, a mysterious realm. Here, his identity fractures into two separate versions: a youthful boy and an older, wiser figure representing his future self. It is this elder Aquaman who reveals the new design, featuring wild blond hair, a beard, and a sleeveless version of Aquaman’s classic costume prominently adorned with the tattoos introduced during Momoa’s run.
This look is a clear homage to the actor’s influence, recalling the transformation that reshaped Aquaman’s image across film and comic mediums in the late 2010s and early 2020s. While the full narrative direction remains uncertain, the presence of these dual versions suggests a temporary state, likely culminating in the reunification of Arthur’s fractured selves and a restoration of his current-day identity.
Fan Reaction and Story Implications Moving Forward
Although the younger and older versions of Arthur hint at forthcoming changes in the series, the overall trajectory suggests Aquaman will ultimately return to the modern, clean-cut look that Adams established at the beginning of his run. Still, the temporary revival of the Momoa-inspired design offers fans a nostalgic glimpse of the rugged style that revitalized the hero for many.
With Emperor Aquaman #15 debuting on March 11, 2026, readers will soon be able to experience this blend of classic and contemporary elements firsthand, marking a hopeful new chapter for the character inspired by the lasting legacy of Jason Momoa’s Aquaman.
