Nuidis Vulko

"Vulko" redirects here. For the Mario & Luigi character, see Mario & Luigi: Brothership.
Nuidis Vulko
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceThe Brave and the Bold #73 (September 1967)
Created byBob Haney
Howard Purcell
In-story information
Alter egoNuidis Vulko
SpeciesAtlantean
Team affiliationsRoyal Family of Atlantis
PartnershipsAquaman
Mera
Aqualad (various)
Aquagirl (various)
Supporting character ofAquaman
Abilities
  • Atlantean physiology grants ability to breathe underwater, superhuman strength, superhuman speed, enhanced swimming capabilities, and durability to withstand the pressures of the ocean.
  • Extensive political influence, capable tactician, and is considered a scientific genius.

Nuidis Vulko, or simply Vulko, is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character is a recurring supporting character of Aquaman within the realm of Atlantis's politics. In his original portrayal, he often served under Aquaman as Atlantis's Chief Science Advisory, considered known for his loyalty, leadership and brilliant mind that enabled him to later serve as Aquaman's regent.[1][2][3] Following the 2011 New 52 continuity reboot, Vulko is reintroduced as the chief royal advisor under Queen Atlanna. After Atlanna's supposed death, Vulko falls from grace when he claims her son, Orm Marius, is responsible. Cast out in disgrace, Vulko seeks to avenge her death by helping Arthur Curry, Atlanna's half-human elder son, gain the throne over Orm. However, Vulko's actions betray Aquaman's trust, making him a criminal and a reluctant ally for a period of time.[4]

In the DC Extended Universe, the character is portrayed by Willem Dafoe in Aquaman. Initially, the character was slated to make an appearance in Justice League, but all of Dafoe's scenes were ultimately cut from the film. Dafoe appeared as the character in Zack Snyder's Justice League.

Publication history

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Nuidis Vulko was created by Bob Haney and Howard Purcell where he first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #73 (cover-dated Sept. 1967).[5][6] His look was redesigned by Nick Cardy for Aquaman #35.

Fictional character biography

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Nuidis Vulko is the chief scientific adviser of Atlantis and is probably its greatest political and academic figure. He has been involved in most of the political changes and revolution the city has gone through since he first appeared. Vulko has been called doctor, professor, commander, and he even became king of Atlantis in the Earth-2 continuity. He knew Aquaman's mother Atlanna and was an advisor to King Trevis. He was present at Aquaman's birth, and argued against leaving Aquaman to die, claiming the curse of Kordax was a silly superstition.

During the Infinite Crisis event, Vulko is killed when the Spectre destroys Atlantis. The Spectre, not in his right mind, believed that magic was the source of all evil and had been attacking Atlantean sorcerers.[7][8] Vulko's ghost becomes a mentor to the second Aquaman, Arthur Joseph Curry.[9]

The New 52

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Nuidis Vulko is resurrected following The New 52 continuity reboot, where he is depicted as a former adviser of Atlantis who fled to the surface world to escape from Ocean Master. While living in Norway, Vulko is confronted by Arthur Curry, who is searching for Atlantis. Vulko tells Aquaman that he is the rightful heir of Atlantis's throne and must overthrow Ocean Master, his brother.[10]

During the "Throne of Atlantis" event, creatures known as the Trench attack Ocean Master and the Atlantean soldiers. Vulko assaults Stephen Shin, revealing that Vulko (who hired Black Manta to steal an Atlantean scepter) is responsible for the Atlantean war.[11][12] Vulko is imprisoned for his actions and intended to be executed, but the prison warden prevents the Atlantean guards from attacking Vulko because he has not yet gone to court.[13][14]

Rebirth

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During Dan Abnett's run on Aquaman, Vulko is mysteriously released from jail during Corum Rath's uprising. He observes the Crown of Thorns capsuling the city of Atlantis and the fall of Aquaman.[15] Teaming up with rebels, Vulko succeeds in alerting Mera when he learns that Arthur is alive.[16] He reluctantly teams up with Arthur, despite Arthur no longer trusting him.[17]

Powers and abilities

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As a Atlantean, Vulko possesses natural superhuman abilities that grant him enhanced strength, durability, sight, swimming, and speed, enabling him to thrive in the depths of the ocean and live underwater indefinitely. Vulko is a skilled political manipulator and possesses extensive knowledge of Atlantean history and mythology.[1][18]

In other media

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Television

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Film

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Video games

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Nuidis Vulko". DC. Archived from the original on April 16, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  2. ^ The DC Comics Encyclopedia. Dorling Kindersley. 2004. p. 18. ISBN 0-7566-0592-X.
  3. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Manning, Matthew K.; McAvennie, Michael; Wallace, Daniel (2019). DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle. DK Publishing. p. 119. ISBN 978-1-4654-8578-6.
  4. ^ Johns, Geoff (2013). Justice League: Throne of Atlantis. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-4012-4824-6.
  5. ^ The Brave and the Bold #73 at the Grand Comics Database. "Script: Bob Haney. Pencils: Howard Purcell. Inks: Sal Trapani. ... Pencils credit from Mark Evanier and confirmed by Bob Bailey and Gene Reed."
  6. ^ McAvennie, Michael; Dolan, Hannah (2010). "1960s". DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle. Dorling Kindersley. p. 125. ISBN 978-0-7566-6742-9. Aquaman advisor Dr. Vulko debuted in September's The Brave and the Bold #73 in a story by scribe Bob Haney and artist Sal Trapani [sic].
  7. ^ Infinite Crisis #3 (2005)
  8. ^ Aquaman (vol. 6) #38 (March 2006)
  9. ^ Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #50 (May 2007)
  10. ^ Aquaman (vol. 7) #0 (September 2012)
  11. ^ Aquaman (vol. 7) #13 (October 2012)
  12. ^ Aquaman (vol. 7) #16 (January 2013)
  13. ^ Justice League (vol. 2) #17 (February 2013)
  14. ^ Aquaman (vol. 7) #22 (July 2013)
  15. ^ Aquaman (vol. 8) #24 (August 2017)
  16. ^ Aquaman (vol. 8) #25 (August 2017)
  17. ^ Aquaman (vol. 8) #31 (February 2018)
  18. ^ Scott, Melanie (2019-03-04). DC Comics Ultimate Character Guide. Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Incorporated. ISBN 978-0-241-36137-5.
  19. ^ a b c "Vulko Voices (Aquaman)". Behind The Voice Actors. Archived from the original on April 3, 2024. Retrieved April 3, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  20. ^ Milligan, Mercedes (September 10, 2021). "Watch: DC's Aquaman Makes a Splash in First 'King of Atlantis' Promo". Animation Magazine. Archived from the original on September 10, 2021.
  21. ^ Heritage, Stuart (November 17, 2016). "Willem Dafoe: 'I'm seduced by strong directors … I like the crazy ones'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on November 18, 2016.
  22. ^ Holmes, Adam (November 26, 2019). "Check Out Willem Dafoe's Deleted Justice League Scenes In New Snyder Cut Images". Cinema Blend. Archived from the original on November 28, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  23. ^ Gonzalez, Umberto (June 10, 2021). "'Aquaman 2' Director James Wan Reveals Title for DC Movie Sequel". The Wrap. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021.
  24. ^ Collis, Clark (September 14, 2023). "James Wan confirms Willem Dafoe won't appear in 'Aquaman 2'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on September 16, 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  25. ^ Ayala, Nicolas (December 21, 2023). "Aquaman & The Lost Kingdom's 10 Biggest Spoilers & Reveals". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on December 23, 2023. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
  26. ^ Eisen, Andrew (October 4, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". IGN. Archived from the original on October 11, 2013. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
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