In Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Black Manta returns with his powerful black trident, a weapon with a complex history in the DC Extended Universe. Known as one of Aquaman's main foes in the comics, Black Manta is a skilled mercenary who wears advanced armor to challenge the ruler of Atlantis.
The 2018 film Aquaman introduced David Kane, also known as Black Manta, portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, seeking vengeance against Arthur Curry (played by Jason Momoa) for his father's death. This vendetta drives Black Manta to take further action in the concluding chapter of the DCEU timeline.
In the story of Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Black Manta's return brings a new level of danger, forcing Aquaman to ally with Ocean Master, also known as Orm (played by Patrick Wilson), to confront their mutual enemy. Additionally, Black Manta is equipped with additional weapons in the sequel, including a black trident that holds significant importance in the movie's plot and plays a crucial role in the film's conclusion.
The Mystery Behind the Black Trident in Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom
In Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom, it is revealed that the Black Trident possesses dark magic and houses the soul of King Kordax. Kordax was imprisoned in the weapon following his defeat by his brother, King Atlan. Atlan also placed a curse on Kordax's kingdom, resulting in the eternal freezing of Necrus. The Black Trident is incredibly powerful, capable of causing severe physical harm to its targets. However, the magic within the weapon is corrupting, posing a significant risk of corruption to its wielder.
Decoding The Black Trident's Possible History in DC Comics
The Black Trident is not a replica of one particular weapon from DC comics. Instead, it incorporates elements from various weapons, such as the Dead King's Scepter and Triton's trident. In addition, the revelation that the Black Trident is made of Orichalcum hints at a connection to Black Manta's trident in the comics, which is also made of the same material. However, in Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom, David Kane repairs the weapon that has been broken for centuries, instead of creating it from scratch like in the comics.
Orichalcum is known to be one of the most durable materials in the DC Comics universe, and it is believed that this also applies to the DCEU.
Is Aquaman's Trident Stronger Than The Black Trident?
It's difficult to determine the exact power comparison between Black Manta's trident and Aquaman's. In the final battle of the film, Arthur uses both tridents against King Kordax, suggesting they are evenly matched in power. Arthur possesses the Trident of Atlan, which not only grants him the claim to the Atlantean throne but also shows strong combat abilities. In the showdown with Orm, Arthur breaks Orm's trident, highlighting the formidable power of the Trident of Atlan in the hands of a skilled Atlantean warrior.
On the other hand, Black Manta is skilled in bladed combat, and his Black Trident has proven to be a significant threat to Atlantis in the past. Although the Black Trident exhibits flashy powers, it is unable to defeat Aquaman in the film "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom." In two instances, the Trident of Atlan shatters the Black Trident, indicating that Aquaman's weapon is a more robust choice, even if it may not possess as many magical abilities.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is available to stream on Max.
Editor's P/S:
The article delves into the intriguing backstory of the Black Trident in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," offering a captivating exploration of its origins, significance, and potential history in the DC Comics universe. The analysis of the trident's unique attributes, including its dark magic and connection to King Kordax, provides a deeper understanding of its role in the film's narrative. The comparisons between the Black Trident and Aquaman's Trident of Atlan further enhance the discussion, raising intriguing questions about their relative power and capabilities.
Overall, the article offers a comprehensive examination of the Black Trident, highlighting its importance within the film and suggesting its potential connections to the broader DC Comics mythology. The clear and engaging writing style makes the article accessible to both casual readers and fans of the "Aquaman" franchise, leaving me eagerly anticipating the film's release and the opportunity to witness the Black Trident in action.