Would Black Manta Be a Great Villain for Ruby Gillman in a Teenage Kraken Storyline?

When considering the potential of Black Manta as a villain for Ruby Gillman, the storyline of a Teenage Kraken, it's important to delve into the specifics. Black Manta is a seasoned and deadly mercenary with underwater expertise, which could make for an intriguing fit. However, several factors make this a complex proposition.

Black Manta's Lack of Motivation

Black Manta, a professional killer, poses a significant challenge to his adversary, even causing Aquaman trouble. In a scenario where Ruby Gillman is the main antagonist, Black Manta would likely solo her rather than face a complex conflict. The primary issue is his motivation. He explicitly hates Aquaman, not Ruby Gillman, making his involvement in Ruby Gillman's universe a questionable fit. Without a compelling reason to be a villain, his presence could be non-existent, or at best, minimal.

Ruby Gillman's Hierarchy and Complexity

Ruby Gillman is a DreamWorks character, not a superhero or supervillain but a mythical creature. This adds layers of complexity to the scenario. For Black Manta to be a meaningful adversary, he would need a reason to engage with Ruby. Ensuring that he has the knowledge of her existence and the motivation to take on such a challenging task is a significant hurdle. Considering the dynamics, Black Manta would likely have little challenge in an aquatic conflict against Ruby in her Kraken form. Conversely, on land, Ruby would have a significant advantage. This creates an imbalance that complicates the narrative and suggests that Black Manta would not make a compelling villain in this context.

The Writers' Role

The ultimate success of such a storyline would heavily depend on the writing talent. To make the dynamic interesting, the writers would need to craft a story arc that balances the strengths and weaknesses of both characters. The natural imbalance between Black Manta's capabilities in different environments would require creative storytelling to be engaging. Moreover, the inclusion of a character from another company would require additional permissions, further complicating the process.

Conclusion

Given the challenges and complexities, the answer to whether Black Manta would make a great villain for Ruby Gillman in a Teenage Kraken storyline is generally No. However, if we were to disregard the power dynamics and the need for a believable storyline, it might be possible. Nonetheless, it is a task best left to skilled writers who can navigate such intricate details and create a compelling narrative.

Further Reading

If you're interested in exploring more about these characters and their potential storylines, consider delving into discussions about their respective series and fan communities. These resources can provide insights into the depth and complexity of the universe they inhabit.