History: An unnamed man, angered by the history of black oppression, planned to start ad rule an undersea empire where black men like himself had a better shot at equality. He took on the identity of Black Manta.

Mata's piracy activities and his plans to start a undersea empire were constantly foiled by Aquaman. He solidified his role as one of Aquaman's arch-enemies when he killed Aquaman's son Arthur Curry Jr.

Mata sold his soul to Neron for increased power. This power came at a price, Manta was mutated into a half-human, half-manta hybrid.

(Sins of Youth: Aquaboy / Lagoon Man) - Black Manta came into possession of the mystical item Ronal’s Staff. He used it to transform himself back into a normal human and lay siege to newly rebuilt Thiera na Oge. He was defeated by the mystically de-aged “Aquaboy” who destroyed the staff. With the Staff’s destruction Manta returned to his inhuman form and was then locked away in a na Oge prison. Klarion freed Manta and turned Manta into a child so he could join Klarion’s Junior Injustice Society.

(Green Arrow III #3, 4) - Manta prepared to buy a large shipment of cocaine in Star City that he intended to peddle in Atlantis when he was interrupted by Green Arrow and Aquaman. He taunted Aquaman about killing his son, and Aquaman nearly killed him before Arrow dragged him off Manta.

(JLA #68) - With the reappearance of a ruined Atlantis after the Imperiex War, Ocean Master teamed with Black manta to claim the deserted city for their own. They were defeated by the JLA.

(Superman / Batman #3) - Manta and a number of other supervillains attempted to collect the billion dollar bounty President Luthor placed on Superman’s head but failed.

(Villains United #1) - Dr. Psycho inducted Black Manta into “Lex Luthor’s” Society.

Comments: Created by Bob Haney & Nick Cardy