Aquaman, Vol. 4

The Sea Devils apparently attack an oil rig, setting off an explosion. Aquaman flies to the United Nations. King Thesily asks him to meet the Secretary-General, who recounts the Sea Devils' attack and asks if Aquaman could speak to them. Hoping for favorable treatment for his city, Aquaman agrees. At the scene, he discovers tremendous ecological damage caused by spilled oil and is displeased. But the Sea Devils claim the bomb was set to frame them. He thinks this paranoia, and in any event regards warning off the sea life as more important. When he issues that telepathic message the response is fear. With the Sea Devils, he caps the distressed well, and they discover evidence of sabotage. It appears that the Merrevale Oil Company wishes the world to perceive the Sea Devils as eco-terrorists rather than environmentalists, to discredit them. They did not plan for Aquaman's involvement. The second part of their plan involves deploying "The Eaters" - a microbe that will eat the spilled oil. But its actual purpose is to kill sea life. When Aquaman notices affected pelicans, he tries to save them and becomes infected himself!