Opinion: Aquaman is the best DCEU character

I have watched all the recent DCEU (DC extended universe) movies. I got through Man of Steel, limped through Batman vs. Superman, Wonder Woman was okay, and I actually tried to watch Justice League twice and didn’t stand out to me.

That is not me knocking DC characters. Batman will always be one of the best superheroes of all time.

This isn’t an argument about whether DC heroes are inferior. However, the DCEU is lacking. It may just be me, but I find the CW’s iteration of Flash as one of the better things in DC now.

However, if we are thinking about the movies only then I’d have to say that Aquaman is the best DC movie character now! His movie is far more captivating than any of the other releases.

Why?

Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Arthur Curry/ Aquaman is refreshing. He’s upbeat, he’s sort of funny, and likeable. His solo film introduction was cool. I don’t know much about Aquaman, but he was super strong without rubbing me the wrong way like Superman.

Superman has always rubbed me the wrong way because I never understood why he has so many powers, but he is always fighting from underneath. You can’t have every single power ever thought of and expect me to believe you are an underdog.

I’m just saying.

But back to Aquaman, when we catch up with him after Justice League, he’s not brooding or depressed and the local news broadcasters aren’t calling him a vigilante. He’s a bonafide hero that fisherman want to take selfies with. He is immediately painted as someone you want to like.

Even the moments in the film that are supposed to make you feel down, like when he finds out about his mother being sacrificed. He doesn’t go on a rebellious rampage. He still wants to learn about his people and insists that he’s not king material.

He only seriously considers becoming king and retrieving the Trident of Atlan when Mera tells him that King Orm is trying to become Ocean Master and destroy the world. His character comes off genuine. I can’t say that for the other DC cinematic characters at this point.

Maybe Batman and Superman have been overdone at this point and that’s why seeing their stories redone hasn’t been entertaining to me. But, I think that DC should learn from this. There is a reason his movie was the highest grossing film.

In my opinion, Aquaman should spearhead the DCEU. Forget about re-inventing the wheel for the 20th time with Batman and Superman. Make them supporting characters and push someone new this time.