Justice #7 :: Mera

Zatanna and the Martian Manhunter have taken Aquaman's body to Dr. Niles Caulder, leader of the Doom Patrol to see whether he can return him back to health. The King's body is placed in a containment unit, and to everyone's surprise, his body starts to heal and regenerate itself. After what seemed to be an eternity, Aquaman opens his eyes and pronounces one name: Mera!

Back in Atlantis, Mera awaits nervously for news in her throne. There seems to be something happening in the city, and she is growing anxious. Aqualad finally returns to the palace and lets the Queen know that it was Black Manta who had caused all the ruckus and disorder.

Mera immediately understands that Aquaman was set up when he was summoned, and Manta has taken advantage of his absence to try to attack the city. The Queen wants to think of a way to help her husband, but her thoughts are interrupted when the young Garth attacks her and knocks her unconcious. The brainwashed Aqualad then takes baby Arthur Jr. from her arms and kidnaps him to finally deliver him to the evil Black Manta!

I was glad to see Mera again half way through the series; it was an unexpected surprise. Unfortunately, the circumstances were not the best, come on... punched by Aqualad? It is here that i noticed how much the artists seemed to enjoy doing close-ups of Mera. During her first apparition in this series, Mera played the role of wife waiting for her husband's return, like Penelope in the Oddissey; in this scene she was shown as a mother, having her child taken away from her, like the goddess Demeter; next time we see her, she'll be playing the role of the Queen looking for her family like Catlyn in a Game of Thrones.

Art by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger, and Doug Braithwaite