Aquaman #41

Aquaman #41 (On Sale: July 2, 1968) has another cool cover by Nick Cardy.

The search for Mera continues in "The Trail of the Ring" by Steve Skeates and Jim Aparo. After returning to Atlantis, Aquaman questions a wise man about the five-sided ring worn by Mera's kidnappers. The man tells him that it likely belongs to the Marzons, a distant undersea people. Aquaman leaves Atlantis in the hands of Narkran, his deputy and undertakes his quest to find his missing wife. Aqualad wants to accompany his mentor, but is too injured to leave Atlantis.

Aquaman passes through the Depths, a shortcut that will take him to the Maarzons. He is attacked by creatures that dwell in this region of the ocean, and is forced to flee. He comes across a strange city in which the people live side-by-side with strange luminescent creatures.

The Sea King witnesses a creature attack one of the people from the city. Aquaman comes to her defense when no one else will and kills the creature. He is then arrested and made to stand trial. He then learns that the creatures provide light and heat for these people and are allowed to eat them. Because of his actions, Aquaman is considered a criminal. Reprinted in Adventure Comics #492.

Edited by Dick Giordano.