Aquaman - In Deepest Doodoo - Rol Hirst

Panel One.

The bottom of the ocean. Aquaman sits on a coral reef, chin resting in his hands, sulking. A large fish swims towards him.

FISH: Hey, Aquaman.

FISH: Aquaman, hey!

Panel Two.

Aquaman ignores the fish. The fish shouts louder.

FISH: AQUAMAN!

Panel Three.

Disgusted at being ignored by the King of the Seas, the fish swims away.

FISH: How rude…

Panel Four.

Mera swims towards Aquaman, looking worried. Aquaman continues to sulk.

MERA: Orin… what is it?

AQUAMAN: I’m fed up, Mera. Everyone treats me like a joke.

Panel Five.

Mera sits on the rock and tries to comfort her husband. He’s not easily consoled.

MERA: They don’t treat you like a joke.

AQUAMAN: Yes, they do. I’m just the guy who talks to the fish. I can’t turn on the TV without someone making an Aquaman gag. Seinfeld, The Simpsons, South Park – even the Barenaked Ladies did that song about me summoning fish to the dish – I’m sick of it!

Panel Six.

Close on Mera, a caring expression on her face.

MERA: Come on, Orin… it could be worse.

Panel Seven.

Close on Aquaman, incredulous.

AQUAMAN: Yeah? How!?

Panel Eight.

Aquaman and Mera are still sitting on the coral reef, but we see them from behind in this panel. Mera puts her arm around her husband. They haven’t noticed yet, but a rotting shark carcass is swimming towards them.

MERA: Imagine if you could only talk to dead fish…

CAPTION: TO BE CONTINUED – IN 'BRIGHTEST' DAY…