Nuidis Vulko

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. 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.

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

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). His look was redesigned by Nick Cardy for ''Aquaman'' #35.

Fictional character biography

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). He has been called doctor, professor, commander, and he even became king of Atlantis in the Earth-2 continuity. He knew Aquaman's mother 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.

Chronologically, he later befriends Aquaman when both were held in an Atlantean prison. After Aquaman frees himself and gains his throne, he makes Vulko his regent.

In his first comic book appearance, he assists Aquaman and the Atom in repelling microscopic invaders from a 'single drop of water'. They are led by 'Galg The Destroyer'. Soon after he supervises the transition of Atlantis citizens from water to air breathers; this is needed to escape an enemy attack. For a time, he is the King of Atlantis. He is present when Aquagirl is confirmed dead. Vulko is the one to affix a harpoon to Aquaman's missing hand; it had been eaten by piranhas.

Vulko became disenchanted with Aquaman's rule; he is one of many to leave for another underground city, led by one of Aquaman's sons Koryak. There, these citizens are brainwashed and forced to fight in a war against yet another city.

As with all Atlanteans, he is sucked back in time. This leads to the events of the Obsidian Age. Atlantis had been stranded thousands of years in the past. The recovery of the continent to its proper location and time involves sinking it yet again. It took the Justice League only a few months to rescue the missing underwater dwellers but for them it was fifteen years in slavery to their masters, led by the evil Gamemnae. For said sinking, Aquaman is put on trial. Vulko is one of many who sentence him to die on Traitor's Rock. Despite losing his empathy with sea life, Aquaman survives this.

Vulko discovers a cabal of Atlantean magic users, empowered by the 'Obsidian Age' incident have turned traitor and are mistreating innocent prisoners. Vulko resolves to help fight against them.

In this continuity, he was killed during the attack by the Spectre; this attack destroys Atlantis and kills most of the citizens. The Spectre, not in his right mind, had been convinced the source of all evil was magic and had been going after Atlantean sorcerers. Vulko's body is later found, along with the body of Koryak. His ghost appeared in the most recent (and recently cancelled) series. His ghostly self has moved into the mobile seafaring city called 'Windward Home'. It's a sea-based facility home to several differing groups and aliens. The focus is on multiple forms of research intended to benefit mankind. Later, Vulko's ghost becomes a mentor of sorts to a different Aquaman, Arthur Joseph Curry.

The New 52

In The New 52, the 2011 relaunch and retcon of DC Comics' entire series, Vulko is the former adviser of Atlantis. Vulko failed to prove that Ocean Master murdered his mother, and Ocean Master's loyalists attempted to arrest him. He managed to escape and began a life on the surface world. While living in Norway, Vulko is confronted by Arthur Curry who is searching for Atlantis. Vulko explains to Arthur about his brother and tells Aquaman that he is the rightful heir of Atlantis's throne, and therefore, must overthrow Ocean Master. However, Aquaman leaves Atlantis' throne to Ocean Master with the promise not to invade the surface world.

Later, Vulko is helping the seafarers to fish when another man shows him the corpse of an Atlantean soldier. Seemingly Vulko knows something is wrong and dives into the sea. He arrives in Metropolis during the ''Throne of Atlantis'' storyline and rescues Lois Lane from the flooding. He introduces himself to the Justice League and asks for Aquaman before collapsing. The Justice League brings Vulko to the Watchtower and contact Aquaman. Vulko informs them that Ocean Master is waging war on the surface.

Cyborg

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