Ripples Through Time - 090

I'm reading every Aquaman solo adventure in publication order. After I read each story I will post the cover/splash page and a few thoughts on the story.

Adventure #162 (March 1951) - Under the Sea for Life!

Steve Sender wants to become like Aquaman, and Aquaman offers to make him able to breathe underwater, but he wouldn't be amphibious.

The splash page has nothing to do with the story. Aquaman, riding a whale, is going past a beach of surprised people who watch as his fishy friends frolic. I love the dancing fish that are riding the whale with Aquaman.

Steve begins his lifelong fascination with Aquaman when he sees Aquaman perform at a charity event, and dive into a pool with flaming oil on the surface. He immediately starts to practice, staying underwater in the bathtub as long as possible and trying to train sea turtles.

After many years, he becomes a strong swimmer who can hold his breath for nearly three minutes. He hangs out with the press so he can meet Aquaman, and nearly gets himself killed. After he rescues Aquaman in a later incident, Aquaman decides to give him the chance to live underwater, but through a series of tests that Steve can't possibly pass.

Steve's temporary Aquaman costume is a yellow scaled shirt, blue pants, and red belt and gloves. His diving helmet and tank are orange.

Finny Friends Report: Steve Sender trains sea turtle and dolphins with mixed results. Aquaman gets some "airfish" stationed under a stuck submarine, and uses reeds running to the surface to fill them with air, and free the sub. Aquaman has "Luminous X-Ray Fish" provide light while Steve searches the wreck. Aquaman chases off an octopus that broke an underwater warning signal. Aquaman uses a lobster to free Steve from the carnivorous plant, then has squid create a rescue signal for the wrecked pilots.

Captured/Knocked Out report: Aquaman is caught by a giant clam when the electric fish trap paralyzes him temporarily.

Quotefile: Aquaman, "I'm giving you a chance to be my assistant, Steve! The operation my father performed on me is known only to one living surgeon! But he can't make you amphibious! If he operates, you must remain underwater the rest of your life!"

Have you read this story? What do you think?