Aquaman: Time and Tide #1 is an issue of the series Aquaman: Time and Tide (Volume 1) with a cover date of December, 1993.
Synopsis for "Flash Back"
Arthur reads the final entry of his mother Atlanna's chronicles in the Aquacave and decides to record his own story.
Origins and Ancestry: He reflects on his mother's claim that his father was an ancient Atlantean wizard, though he believes his father was likely a surface dweller. He's also disturbed by his connection to Kordax, a notorious figure with similar traits.
First Heroic Act: Arthur journals about the first time he was called a hero by surface dwellers when intervened during a chase between The Flash and Trickster at a police convention aboard a cruise ship. After Flash is knocked unconscious, Arthur saves him from sharks and brings him to the Aquacave.
Alliance with Flash: After recovering, Flash convinces Arthur to help recapture Trickster. He later invites Arthur to Crescent Shore to receive a hero's welcome, hoping to improve his view of surface dwellers.
Public Debut and Disillusionment: Flash coins the name "Aquaman" based on the "A" symbol on Arthur's belt. City officials try to brand him as "Ocean King" and profit from merchandising, which disgusts him. Arthur breaks free and storms off.
Confrontation with Trickster:
Trickster taunts Aquaman in public. Arthur initially ignores him but eventually knocks him out with a single punch. The crowd cheers, misinterpreting his actions, but Arthur lashes out before Flash calms him and hands him the key to the city.
Appearing in "Flash Back"
Featured Characters:
- Aquaman (Arthur Curry) (Flashback and main story)
Supporting Characters:
- Flash (Barry Allen) (Flashback only)
Antagonists:
- Trickster (James Jesse) (Flashback only)
Other Characters:
- Atlanna (Flashback only)
- Atlan (Flashback only)
- Kordax (Flashback only)
- Mayor of Crescent Shore (Unnamed) (Flashback only)
- Jack Shipp (Flashback only)
- Bart Saxton (Flashback only)
Locations:
- Aquacave
- Crescent Shore
Items:
- Aquacave Memorabilia:
- Photographs of Mera, Aqualad, Arthur, Jr. and Vulko
- Atlantis Chronicles
- Key to the city of Crescent Shore
- Ocean Master's Harpoon Gun
- The Capricorn Zodiac Crystal
- Trickster Gadgets:
- Air Walker Shoes
- Jack-In-The-Box Arm Restraints
- Spring-Toy Leg Restraints
- Exploding Fish
- Smoking Fish
- Adhesive Sand
Vehicles:
- Trickster's Minisub
Trivia
- Bart Saxton wears numerous rings that are similar in appearance to Marvel Comics' Iron Man villain The Mandarin.
- Bart Saxton shows Aquaman a sketch of potential comic-book versions of Aquaman that appears in armor not unlike those worn by Marvel Comic's Atlanteans. The drawing is signed "By King Studios."
- Bart Saxton takes an immediate shining to the name "Aquaman" pointing out that "if they ever make a superhero 'Who's Who,'" Aquaman will be near the beginning. DC Comics did a series called Who's Who almost 10 years earlier (in 1985) and Aquaman was in the first issue.