The Deep is modeled after Aquaman but their lives are totally different. Unlike the Justice League member, he hasn’t had such a fun time so far. While the DC hero has been busy battling alien antagonists and underwater baddies, The Deep has found himself on the sidelines after falling out of favor with Vought International.
The Deep can at least take solace from the fact that he is big on fictional social media. There are a couple of similarities and differences between the two heroes. And even though Aquaman has been around much longer, both have only achieved mainstream popularity recently, thanks to the DCEU and the hit series The Boys.
Similar: Aquatic Telepathy
The Deep can communicate with all forms of sea species and instruct them to do his bidding. He is seen commanding a whale and a group of sharks to go after The Boys. He also manages to find Translucent’s body and a camera from the doomed Flight 37 by using the help of sea creatures.
Aquaman acquires the ability to communicate with all sea creatures after acquiring the Trident of Atlan. He even manages to communicate with the savage trenches, something which was previously thought of as impossible. The Karathen stated that Aquaman is the very first Atlantean to possess this unique ability since Atlan.
Different: How They Breathe
Gills are essential to a number of aquatic creatures. They help them breathe by removing oxygen from the water. On land, the gills help in diffusing oxygen from the air. The Deep has gills, too — and sensitive ones at that. He writhed in pain when a random hookup touched them against his will.
Aquaman doesn’t have gills. So, how does he breathe? According to director James Wan, Atlanteans simply switch between breathing water and breathing air. When they are in the sea, they use water as oxygen. When they are on land, they regurgitate all the water and switch to breathing air.
Similar: Enhanced Swimming Skills
The Deep can swim far much better and faster than the average human. He is able to reach the back of a dock before his fellow Supe Starlight can arrive at the entrance. He also swims to the harbor where he locates Translucent’s body is. He then swims to the deep sees to the wreckage of Flight 37.
Aquaman’s swimming skills are impressive, too. He was born with this ability but they had to be sharpened by Nuidis Vulko’s training so that he could move like a proper Atlantean.
Different: Underwater Community
Aquaman is not a human but a member of the underwater amphibious species known as Atlanteans. These humanoids live in the Kingdom of Atlantis and Aquaman is currently their ruler. There are several other humanoids like Aquaman, only that they prefer not to come out of the sea.
The Deep, on the other hand, is born a human. It’s only until he is 9-years-old that he discovers he can hear aquatic animals speaking to him. No other humanoid with The Deep’s abilities has been identified by Vought International.
Similar: Superhuman Durability
The Deep can easily come out of situations that would damage ordinary humans. He easily swims in the Mariana Trench, which is reported to have a high water pressure of 9 tons per square inch.
Aquaman can’t be harmed easily, either. He survives when Jesse Kane fires a 40mm grenade his way. Falling from high places also doesn’t harm him. This is seen when he and Mera jump into the Kingdom of defectors. Like The Deep, he also manages to swim through the Kingdom of the Trench, which has very high water pressure.
Different: Usefulness To The Group
The Deep isn’t that useful to The Seven and he is aware of this. He even lies to Starlight that he’s Homelander’s number 2 in order to take advantage of her. Unlike other Supes, he is only used by Vought International for photo ops and showcasing minor diving skills. He has never been on any serious missions.
The same can’t be said of Aquaman. The hero has been very integral to the Justice League’s activities. Bruce Wayne personally goes to the village and requests him to join the Justice League. He then plays a huge part in defeating Steppenwolf.
Similar: Costume
Both Aquaman and The Deep’s costumes mainly compromise the colors green and yellow. The origin of The Deep’s suit isn’t stated in the series. A good guess would be that it was designed by Vought International.
Aquaman inherits his suit from Atlan, the first rule of Atlantis. After finding the Trident of Atlan, he takes the suit and begins wearing it. Both The Deep and Aquaman’s suits are tight enough to enable the wearer to show off the abs. The suit comprises pants, a shirt, boots, and special gloves.
Different: Personality
Like most members of The Seven, The Deep is immoral. He coerces Starlight to fellate him as soon as she is recruited by Vought International. This leads to him being booted from The Seven in order to please the public. He is also a pathological liar and a social media addict who is obsessed with likes.
Aquaman probably doesn’t have a social media account. He is compassionate and selfless. He frequently visits a poor village to feed its residents with fish. He also refuses to take Orm’s life because he has a “no-kill” policy.
Similar: Love Interests
Both The Deep and Aquaman have love interests. Aquaman’s love interest is Mera, the daughter of King Nereus and an unnamed Xebellian. The two frequently work together.
The Deep has a love interest, too, though their relationship appears to be a bit rocky. His partner is Cassandra, a Church of the Collective member. She personally interviews to be his wife and Carol suggests that he marry her. However, she doesn’t make him happy. He has described her as a “weirdo.”
Different: Superhuman Strength
The Deep is weaker than his fellow Supes, and that’s why they look down upon him. He is very afraid of Homelander, meaning his strength pales in comparison to that of The Seven leader. A door even knocks him down during the first season of the series.
Aquaman, on the other hand, is seen destroying metal doors with bare hands. He also destroys an undersea NSA plane using his quindent, breaks David Kane’s durable sword, and fights off Kane’s pirate crew with ease. Only Wonder Woman and Superman have equaled or matched his strength.
