Ranking the 15 greatest DC Comics rivalries of all-time

4. Aquaman and Black Manta

Aquaman is no longer the laughingstock of DC Comics and there is no denying his rivalry with Black Manta, aka Dave Hyde, is one of the greatest in DC Comics.

One origin of their rivalry started with Black Manta’s activism which saw him dream of an underwater safe haven for people of color. That was in 1967. Over the decades, both characters would get reimagined and their rivalry elevated to new heights; one that rivals any in comic book history.

In fact, Aquaman blamed Hyde for his father’s death. Like any vengeful hero without a “no kill” code, Aquaman sought vengeance Hyde. Unfortunately, while attempting to take out Black Manta, Aquaman accidentally killed Hyde’s father.

As payback, Black Manta did something that makes the Joker look soft. He mastermind a plan to pit Aquaman and Aqualad against one another. How? By trapping Aquaman and Mera’s newborn child in a bubble forcing the two to battle to the death. Despite their compliance, the baby suffocated; adding yet another layer to the rivalry that was.

However, Aquaman’s presumed death after the Blackest Night forced Black Manta into retirement. Rumors of Aquaman’s survival brought Black Manta out of retirement in savage fashion. During his return, Hyde attempted to murder his son, Jackson foster-father. Aquaman not only intervened, but he also took Jackson in as his protégé, the ultimate middle finger to a rival.