Black Manta

**David Hyde** is a Human villain, known by the name of **Black Manta**. He is one of Aquaman's greatest adversaries and has worked alongside another of his enemies known as Ocean Master. His son is also known as Aqualad.

## **Origins**

David was once a treasure hunter and diver, living on a houseboat with his father. It was then that Dr. Stephen Shin contracted David to collect a sample of blood from Aquaman in order to prove his Atlantean heritage. It was during this encounter that Aquaman's father, Thomas aided in his son's defense, but suffered a fatal heart attack in the process. It was the day of his father's funeral that Aquaman broke into David's houseboat and killed David's father, believing it to be him. It was from that day forth that David abandoned his life as a diver and swore to kill everything Aquaman loved most in the world.

Upon reaching adulthood, David continued his job as a seafaring treasure hunter, but both her and his pregnant wife were captured and brought to Xebel, the dimensional birthplace of Mera, where they were tortured. David's wife was also experimented on, which gave their unborn child abilities similar to those native to the dimension. At the time, Princess Mera would take the child back to Earth with her, so Xebel wouldn't use him as a pawn in an invasion, while she went to assassinate the king of Atlantis. Mera was able to arrange for the young boy to be adopted and raised far from the sea, but his father managed to escape Xebel, but his wife unfortunately died.

Possessing no empathy and a vicious nature, David returned to his unending mission to make Aquaman's life a living hell. As such, he began his career as a pirate and even went on to develop a high tech sub based on that of a manta ray, as well as equipment for his own personal army, taking on the mantle of Black Manta. Since then, he's made a short-lived alliance with Aquaman's half-brother Ocean Master, while also combating the king of seas on multiple ocassions.

## **Powers & Abilities**

### Powers

As a human, David doesn't possess superhuman abilities.

### Abilities

* **Genius-Level Intellect:** David possesses an intellect which has served him well in his life. It enabled him to create innovate new technologies which have aided him in his hunt for Aquaman.
* **Expert Pilot:** Manta is known to have excellent skills as a pilot in terms of choppers, as well as piloting a submarine.
* **Hand-Hand Combat:** Manta possesses advanced knowledge in hand to hand combat, which he's been using since he was young. As such, David can hold his own against Aquaman.

## **Equipment**

* **Black Manta Armor:** To commit his criminal endeavors, Manta wears a powerful and advanced battle suit capable of battling Aquaman and his allies.
	+ **Manta Rays:** Black Manta's helmet is designed with a highly advanced pair of optic lasers, which are referred to as his Manta Rays. They contain enough power to singe an Atlantean's skin.
	+ **Superhuman Durability:** Manta's battle armor enables him with withstand abuse that would normally kill a human.
	+ **Superhuman Strength:** The battle armor enhances Manta's strength to take on beings like Aquaman.