Mera Queen of Atlantis writer Dan Abnett talks with us about Mera #5 and how Mera is at a critical turning point in her life.

For a brief time it looked like Mera was going to get through the negotiations with King Nereus without too much trouble, but things take a turn for the worse in Mera Queen of Atlantis #5 when Mera learns that the closest thing she has for an ally might have turned against her. Fortunately, we had a chance to chat with Mera writer Dan Abnett, who shed some light on Mera’s journey to this point and what’s yet to come.

Spoilers ahead for Mera Queen of Atlantis #5

Mera is still in Xebel with Orm Marius, but she’s alone on this quest to save Atlantis given that Orm is being guided by his own agenda. Thankfully, though, Mera’s old mentor Leron still has her back. He puts her through her paces in Mera #5 to help her focus on the challenges she has yet to face with King Nereus, and he also gives her a warning about her grandmother.

We had a chance to talk about the story with writer Dan Abnett about Mera’s journey to this point, and where she’s going with one issue left in this six-issue miniseries.

Mera is finally discovering the full extent of her abilities in “Blood Lore.” Her physical strength is returning, but she’s not backing down and she’s not afraid of issuing a challenge. Is this a turning point in her story?

Dan: I think it is indeed, though this entire mini-series is about a fundamental turning point in her life. She’s been chosen as the next monarch of Atlantis, a role she didn’t ask for or even especially want. She is faced with choices – what she does with her life, what those decisions will do to the dreams she’s cherished – such as living a happy life with Arthur – and what her responsibilities should be. She has to decide what her responsibilities should be and what she’s prepared to sacrifice to meet those needs. The whole series has hinged on that set of choices. Mera’s about to determine the true course of her life. But this moment, in “Blood Lore” is where that process changes form an intellectual struggle to a literal, physical battle.

Leron seems thrilled that his former protege is challenging the king and his ways. Why is he rooting for her?

Dan: Leron’s a tough old &^%&^$, battle-hardened and no-nonsense. But he has a very soft spot for Mera. He may not be quite a father to her, but he’s an uncle at least, and his bond with her, his concern for her, means he’s very proud of her and what she’s made of herself. Of course he’d be rooting for her.

Leron notes that Mera’s grandmother Lammia is more dangerous than Nereus and Mera is taken aback by the revelation. Wouldn’t it be easier for Lammia to guide her granddaughter into power, rather than work against her?

Dan: Probably. But let’s not forget that Lammia is cunning and sly, and is very much a product of Xebel. She’s Xebellian through and through, utterly loyal, and her grand daughter betrayed rebel and sided with the old enemy. There’s a matter of payback and punishment for that, especially when you’re as devious and spiteful as Lammia. However, she IS cunning and sly. There’s no telling what her real agenda is, how her true machinations will play out, or – indeed – what fallback or contingency plans she has.

Orm is stuck between worlds. He has a loving family on land and he has power within his reach, and he’s even willing to marry off his sister in a quest to lead Atlantis. Can he go back at this point, or is Orm all in with this plan?

Dan: Oh, he’s all in. It was lovely to see Orm displaying truly human qualities like love and kindness. He was on the brink of a genuine redemption. But he is his own worst enemy – his pride, his arrogance, his selfish nature. He’s never been (in my opinion) an out-and-out villain like, say, Black Manta, but he is supremely dangerous because of his personality.

Is Nereus (and Lammia) playing Orm and Mera against each other for his (their) own purposes?

Dan: Yes, to their own satisfaction. To them, it’s all about what they can get out of it, for Xebel. They are in a commanding position. They hold all the cards and can make their own demands.

Mera has a moment when she considers giving up her crown. Talk about this inner conflict and what ultimately pushes Mera to make the decision she makes.

Dan: This is tough on Mera. She thought she’d found stability and the life she truly wanted – a life with Arthur. But Arthur himself has shown her that incredible beings (like both of them) often have a higher calling. That they are heroes and others depend on them. They can selfishly turn aside from the needs of others (in odd ways, like Orm), or they can make a sacrifice and set their own needs aside for the general good. This is Mera’s moment. Let’s hope her sacrifice isn’t literal.

In this preview of Mera Queen of Atlantis #5, Mera knows that someone is watching her. With her powers still recovering, Mera has to rely on all of her past training to fend off this attack. But who is coming after her, and why?

Mera Queen of Atlantis #5 Photo: DC Comics

Mera Queen of Atlantis #5 Photo: DC Comics Mera Queen of Atlantis #5 Photo: DC Comics Mera Queen of Atlantis #5 Photo: DC Comics

Mera is up against her biggest challenge yet, but she made it this far and she has every reason to keep fighting.

Be sure to check out Mera Queen of Atlantis #5 in comic shops June 27.