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Quote1 I destroyed Atlantis once with this scepter... AND I SHALL DESTROY IT AGAIN. Quote2
Atlan src

Atlan, commonly known as the Dead King, was a great king of Atlantis centuries ago responsible for the sinking of Atlantis after his brother, Orin the First, slew his family.

Centuries ago, Atlan ruled Atlantis. Atlantis expanded under his leadership with its land growing into seven different kingdoms. When his brother, Orin, became disgusted with Atlan's open race policy, he usurped power from Atlan to protect its people from polluting their bloodline. In the battle, Atlan was injured and retreated into the ocean. Orin murdered Atlan's wife and children while he was not there to protect them.

Over the next year, Atlan forged seven weapons using the Alchemist's Gold[2] to retake Atlantis. Stricken with grief for the loss of his kingdom and family, Atlan used the scepter to sink Atlantis.[3] Of Atlantis' seven kingdoms, four were destroyed and three survived: Atlantis, the Trench and the Kingdom of Xebel. Soon after, he fell into a magical sleep.

Upon Atlan's return after being ressurected by Vulko[4], the Xebelians and Trench would yield to their 'true' king while the Atlanteans went to war, led by Aquaman. Atlan attempted to use his scepter to destroy Atlantis again but was stopped by the strength and willpower of Aquaman to protect the city. Atlan melted into the magma of a fresh lava vent along with the scepter under Arthur's power.[5]

Powers

  • Immortality: Atlan has lived for centuries and was mobile even after having spent much of that time in a mystical slumber.[6]
  • Magic: As an ancient Atlantean born during the era of ancient Atlantis, Atlan possess vast magical abilities.[6]
    • Cryokinesis: Atlan has the ability to control snow and ice at will, his control over the power so acute he can negate Mera's aquakinesis powers to control it.[7]
      • Psychometry: Atlan seemed to possess a form of psi ability similar to the Atlantean royal sects marine telepathy. This enabled him to imprint the memory of Atlantis onto those whom he casts his ice over, filling them with the true history of his Kingdom.[5]
    • Mystical Endowment: With his magical powers, Atlan is capable of accustoming himself to the deep sea similar to the like of modern Atlanteans.[8]

Abilities

Equipment

Transportation

Weapons

  • Dead King's Scepter: The most powerful of all his hand crafted relics. With this Trident Atlan held sovereignty over the nations of Atlantis and thanks to their primal imprint, it enables control over the Trench.
    • Geokinesis: The Scepter was able to create seismic activity strong enough to sink Atlantis.


  • While those of the House of Atlan are believed to be his descendants, they are instead descendants of his brother and usurper, Orin the First.[1]
  • Though he is predated by the sorcerer-king and ancestor, Arion, both him and Atlan share the description of being the "first" and "greatest" in Atlantean history for unknown reasons.

Related

Footnotes


Aquaman Vol 8 42 Textless
Aquaman Villain(s)
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This character, team or organization, is or was primarily an enemy of Aquaman, or members of the Aquaman Family. This template will categorize articles that include it into the category "Aquaman Villains."

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