Namor the Sub-Mariner
Namor the Sub-Mariner is a former hero and current villain, primarily opposing the Fantastic Four. Namor was once prince of the undersea kingdom of Atlantis and a renowned hero, until he fell on hard times under unknown circumstances. He was born to Atlantean Fen and the human Leonard McKenzie after the two unexpectedly fell in love while Fen spied on the humans.[1] Following his return to form, Namor turned against humankind, blaming them for the destruction of Atlantis. He is tremendously powerful and swift, provided that he has recently been supplied with sea water; when left on land for too long, he becomes weak and frail. He also has small wings on his ankles that allow him to fly. Namor and Invisible Girl share a star-crossed mutual infatuation. He has been called the "first mutant," though the accuracy of this moniker is arguable.[2]
Biography
Youth
- Full article: Biography of Namor, 1939-1940
Namor was introduced to human society in 1939, beginning what would be a frequently complicated relationship. He established a tenuous bond with police officer Betty Dean, who regularly defended Namor from other, more hostile humans.
Namor eventually became a world-renowned hero, to the point of being printed in comic books. It was said that he had the "strength of ten men," and power bordering on "immortality."[3] The end of Namor's period of prominence almost perfectly coincided with the end of the war: after witnessing the devastation caused by America's bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, Namor sought to stop the bombing of Nagasaki days later. But Namor had never faced the might of an atomic bomb, which exploded unhindered. Namor was assumed dead, but was incredibly largely unharmed.[4]
Modern era
- Full article: Biography of Namor, 1962-1965
Namor eventually grew weak and haggard after spending too much time on the surface. He became amnesiac, wandering homeless through New York City. The new Human Torch, a member of the Fantastic Four, found him and returned him to the sea. There, Namor recovered and tried to return to Atlantis, but found that it was destroyed. Thus began his campaign against the humans of the surface, leading to several skirmishes with the Fantastic Four and Avengers. Despite this hostility, Namor grew fond of the Fantastic Four's Invisible Girl: though conflicted, she held feelings for him as well, but in the long run chose to stay with her future husband Mr. Fantastic. Namor eventually located his people and reclaimed the throne as prince of the new Atlantis, though challenges to his authority remain persistent.
References
- ↑ Marvel Comics #1c: "The Sub-Mariner." (October 1939) Everett, Bill. Timely Comics.
- ↑ Fantastic Four Annual #1a: "Sub-Mariner Versus the Human Race!" (June 1963) Lee, Stan (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Ayers, Dick (i), Simek, Artie (let), Lee, Stan (ed).
- ↑ The Fantastic Four #4: "The Coming of the Sub-Mariner!" (May 1962) Lee, Stan (w), Kirby, Jack (p), Brodsky, Sol (i), Goldberg, Stan (col), Simek, Artie (let).
- ↑ Marvel Comics Presents #1b: "War's End." (March 2019) Pak, Greg (w), Coker, Tomm (art), Garland, Michael (col), Caramagna, Joe (let), White, Jordan D. and Chris Robinson (ed).