How Mera Can Break Out

A lot of eyes have been on Aquaman over the past few years. From one of the most consistently praised series of the New 52, a unique new path to start Rebirth, and one of the most gorgeous books out right now, it's been hard not to become a fan of King of Atlantis. The recently released teaser for the upcoming movie starring Jason Momoa, has also gotten positive attention. With that said, as big a year as it has been for Aquaman, it's arguable that it might serve as more a prelude to a surge in the stock of his partner: Mera!

Mera of Xebel serves many roles in the adventures of Aquaman, but none moreso than his rock. Often, in times of peace, Arthur can be seen reflecting with Mera on their relationship. While Arthur takes the role of strong leader, his red-headed love perfectly embodies the image of the powerful woman beside the man. Even when the two disagree on how matters should be handled and they choose to go about things their own way, it is quite clear the bond the two share is immense.

So, it would seem fitting that with the rise in popularity and attention that Aquaman has been receiving, his partner would find herself in a fortuitous position. DC seems to have a bit of investment in her character. Though Mera is a powerful and well-known figure to comic fans, to reach the upper heights of popularity that hosts women such as Harley Quinn and Wonder Woman, DC would be wise to double down on the Queen. I have three suggestions on that front, myself.

Build Relationships

Mera revealing that she lacks real connections without Arthur. - Justice League #24

Mera has been an important part of the Aquaman mythos for a long time. However, outside the oceans, Mera has never had much in the way of lasting relationships with people. The co-workers at the Daily Planet, Wayne Enterprises Employees, and Amazons make up the collective supporting cast of the Trinity. Characters like Jimmy Olsen, Alfred, and Athena all add something to the backgrounds of Superman, Batman, and Diana. Mera, despite being a fifty year-old character, lacks that.

No character can be an island. To put it simple, Mera needs some friends. They don't necessarily have to be separate from the friends of Arthur, but part of making a character interesting is giving people something they can't get anywhere else. Who does Mera talk to when things aren't going well with Arthur? Who does she spend time with when Arthur is away with the League? We've gotten glimpses of what that life is like. Tula, for example, has played a large role in helping run the kingdom and seems to think highly of Mera who, in turn, trusts the young woman greatly. And of course, there's Salty, the Aquadog!

Mera is not a person loved in Atlantis, and the surface is skeptical at best of Atlantians. Given the Underworld storyline regarding mutants, it wouldn't be a stretch to see those looked down upon because of their genes as somewhat kindred spirits. Characters like Dolphin, Lagoon Boy, and Sheeva could all fall into this realm. While not something that will happen over night, it would be interesting to see new sides of Meras' personality around her friends.

More Solo Adventures

Mera is more than capable of dealing with foes on her own. - Throne of Atlantis (2015)

While having friends to talk issues out can add to Mera's personality, let us not forget that action is a big part of what draws fans to comics. Thankfully, Mera is a woman of action! Mera has been known to take part in many of Aquaman's adventures, but it would be interesting to see someone as powerful as Mera take matters into her own hands more often. 

From Atlantis, to the Justice League, to Aquaman himself, Mera has shown herself to be a fearless warrior when the need arises. Her Hydrokinesis has proven to be a difficult ability to face down, which makes one wonder what kind of obstacles you could throw at a woman who can move the ocean? 

Her twin sister Siren comes to mind as a worthy opponent, as she exhibits similar powers. The same could be said for her ex-Husband Nereus. Outside of other Xebel natives, Ya'Wara who shares similar powers to Aquaman (though with land animals,) is quite the ferocious foe herself. Her apparent jealousy of Mera over her relationship with Arthur and her inability to be with him have seemingly put her at odds with her former allies and could prove an interesting duality. Seeing Mera get the chance to cut loose and show off what she's capable of on her own could be really fun and offer an opportunity for new stories to be told.

Build on the Hype & Show Her Off

The full depths of Meras' power have, seemingly, yet to be tapped. (Images from Aquaman #26 & Justice League #24)

Many would make the mistake of assuming Mera shares her power set with Arthur. While they share similar biology however, Meras' Hydrokinesis has proven to make her one of the most powerful women in the DC Universe. Her Xebel blood and abilities have the elders of Atlantis concerned that she could potentially end not only them, but the world in a worst case scenario. She is considered perhaps the most highly skilled Hydrokinetic ever recorded by Atlantis.

In her encounter with the Justice League, Batman assumes Aquaman taught her how to deal with them, following handily defeating them in Justice League #24. She explains that she didn't learn from him, and reveals she has been trying to destroy the magical barrier around Atlantis for days. Vulko comments that nobody really gets how powerful she is. It's a bit scary to think about, but intriguing as well.

These are the kind of feats and statements that get people curious to see more of what a character is capable of. What characters she'll interact with, who can stand alongside and against her, and what crazy feat could she pull off next? What is the Red Queen's breaking point, and what consequences would it have for her and the people around her? 

Conclusion

Mera has a lot of the characteristics of a character capable of having her very own, passionate fanbase. She has a unique look, an interesting and versatile set of powers, and a backstory ripe for exploration. The only thing that really has to be done is to give her a bit more of my aforementioned qualities to get people truly invested in her and give her current fans something new. With Aquaman releasing next year and Amber Heard to play her in the live-action Justice League film, a solid reception could be just the catalyst to set these things in motion.

It will be interesting to see how DC handles Mera moving forward. The current arc has her separated from the man she loves and showing her signature ferocity, but her interaction with the the Justice League could be a hint of bigger things to come for the hydrokinetic. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.