Kaldur'ahm, also known as Jackson Hyde, is a superhero appearing in both media published by DC Entertainment and American comic books published by DC Comics. While the character was created by Brandon Vietti, Greg Weisman and Phil Bourassa for the television series Young Justice, and voiced by Khary Payton, the comic book version debuted earlier in Brightest Day #1 (August 2010). While intended to be incarnations of the same character and possess various similarities, such as sharing the Aqualad and Aquaman codename and are the biological son of Black Manta, their histories and background differs. The animated version's name is based upon Cal Durham, a henchmen and right-hand assistant of Black Manta in comics. Within the television series, Kaldur'ahm is the son of villain Black Manta and Atlantean Sha'lain'a, raised by the latter alongside his adoptive father Cal Durham, who settled into Atlantis sometime after abandoning an infiltration mission and genetically altering himself with Atlantean attributes. Known for his often mature and responsible personality growing up, he eventually became Aquaman's protege after defeating Ocean Master with the help of Garth with their skills in sorcery. Over time, as a member of the Team, he rises as a skilled and measured team leader before eventually adopting the Aquaman codename and is designated as chairman of the Justice League. While originally developed for television, DC quickly adapted Kaldur'ahm to its mainstream comic books, with Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis re-interpreting the character. Due to the animated version's direction for the character establishing him as a familiar partner whereas the comic book version featured his introduction to Aquaman and readers the same time, aspects of the character were changed; born Jackson Hyde, the comic book version is the son of Black Manta and Lucia, the latter having ties to Xebel. Lucia raised Jackson in New Mexico, with her efforts to hide his heritage and limit his social life having a negative impact on him. Upon discovering his hydrokinetic powers and desiring an independent life, he joined the Teen Titans and adopts the Aqualad moniker from Garth's blessing and suggestion. When he eventually learns of his true origins, he makes amends with his mother. Later, he officially partners with Aquaman, whom mentors him with Lucia's support, eventually adopting the Aquaman monikers as he and Arthur work concurrently.
Young Justice Aqualad is the protégé of Aquaman and a founding member of the Team. In between the first and second seasons, he learns that he is the son of Black Manta. The episode "Downtime" reveals that Aquaman recruited Kaldur'ahm after he and Garth rescued him during a battle with Ocean Master. Garth was also offered to become Aquaman's sidekick, but remained in Atlantis to continue his studies in sorcery. In the second season, Invasion, Kaldur works undercover within the Light to uncover who the Light's partner is. During a summit between the Light and the Reach, Kaldur is exposed as a double agent, but manages to reveal the Light's betrayal of the Reach. In the third season, titled Young Justice: Outsiders, Kaldur becomes Aquaman after Orin retires. As the new Aquaman, Kaldur'ahm becomes the leader of the Justice League. Kaldur is also revealed to be in a relationship with an Atlantean man named Wyynde.
Comic books A different version of the character debuted in Brightest Day #4 (August 2010), shortly before the premiere of Young Justice. Although similar to his animated counterpart, the comic book incarnation of the character features key differences from the animated version, originating from the kingdom of Xebel rather than Atlantis and lacking magical abilities.
Pre-Flashpoint
Early life A teenager from Silver City, New Mexico, Jackson Hyde was taught by his parents to fear water since he was young; they do not want him near it because his true parents would be able to locate him and his Atlantean abilities would awaken. Jackson has kept this secret hidden for years, lying to his girlfriend about being afraid of drowning, being unable to swim and being in the dark about the mysterious tattoos he has had since birth. Aquaman is later contacted by the Life Entity, which tells him to locate Jackson before a second unidentified group, which is speculated to be Siren and her Death Squad.
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