[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”17774″ img_size=”800×450″ alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]If you are a follower of GVNation, you get to see many posts about different characters being discussed or proposed to be included in either The DCEU or the MCU. Unlike many of the more mainstream characters that most fans are familiar with, i.e. Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Superman, Batman or Wonder Woman, some of the names mentioned might not be known. At least not to fans who are not submerged in comic lore. As a service to those who might not be as familiar with these characters, we will try to assist you and perhaps give you some insight into who these heroes might be. First off, we tackle Namor: The Sub-Mariner.
Namor first appeared in comic books published by Timely Comics. He debuted in early 1939, created by writer-artist Bill Everett for Funnies Inc. This was one of the first distributors in the early days of comic books that would offer comics to publishers looking to try, what was at that time, a new and different medium. Everett created the Sub-Mariner for the unreleased comic Motion Picture Funnies Weekly. However, the Sub-Mariner first appeared in print in Marvel Comics #1 (dated Oct. 1939). This was the first comic book from Timely Comics, which would eventually become Marvel Comics. During that period, the Sub-Mariner, became one of Timely’s top three characters. It was Captain America, the original android Human Torch, and the Sub-Mariner. It is said that Everett chose the character’s name because he was inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” His first name came about when Everett, trying to decide on a noble sounding moniker for his new hero, tried using such names forward and backward to see if any of them captured his imagination. He settled on Roman/Namor. Thus He became Namor: The Sub-Mariner. You may notice that even though this was his first appearance, he was not on the cover. That was reserved for the original android Human Torch. This was the only comic that was entitled Marvel Comics as by the 2nd issue, it became Marvel Mystery Comics.
Surprisingly enough, in his first initial appearances, Namor was not a hero but an enemy of the United States. Although the Sub-Mariner behaved like a villain, readers appeared to be drawn to his anti-social behavior. In fact, fans didn’t mind the carnage he created as he wrecked everything in his path. Eventually, Everett’s antihero would meet Timely’s other popular hero, Carl Burgos’ android superhero, the Human Torch. This tale was set in 1940, when Namor threatened to sink the island of Manhattan underneath a huge tidal wave. In spite of his seeming indifference to the United States, Namor would aid the Allies of World War II against Adolf Hitler and the Axis powers when the U.S. entered World War II. This became his involvement with the group known as the Invaders which was featured in a 70’s retcon which consisted of Captain America, Namor, and the Human Torch.
Namor disappeared for a period of time, returning for short stints until he made a return in Fantastic Four #4 in 1962. In this story, Johnny Storm comes across him in a bowery as a homeless man. He had lost his memory and had no idea who he was or what he was. Johnny helps him regain his memory and he returns home to, which is for the first time in the Marvel canon, referred to as Atlantis. Upon his return, he finds it destroyed by nuclear weapons testing. This brings a return to the anti-hero who is caught between seeking revenge against the “surface dwellers” and trying to truly re-establish who he is. It is during this time he found himself working with villains such as Dr. Doom and Magneto. These alliances were usually short lived as Namor generally had no patience for other’s intrigues. Besides, it was difficult to take commands from people you found beneath you. The character also seemed to find his voice as he spoke in a more Shakespearean style with an arrogance that fans still loved. Eventually, Marvel spun him off in his own title, spanning from 1968 – 1974. This was drawn by comic veteran John Buscema and written by Roy Thomas. It was during this “Silver Age” that characters like Tiger-Shark and Sting Ray were introduced. Namor’s anti-establishment stand was a perfect fit and mixed in well with the kinds of complex, angst ridden characters Marvel was producing during that time. It is also significant to mention that toward the end of Namor’s run in 74, he was once again being drawn and written by Bill Everett, the creator of the character, up almost until his death. After the series ended, Namor has returned on and off during the years. appearing in numerous short series and special issues. He remains one of the most popular of Marvel’s long time characters. Anytime his presence is hinted at to appear in future Marvel Cinematic films, it is met with excitement and longing for it to be true. Only time will tell but the Sub-Mariner would be a welcome addition to the MCU family. Would you like to see Namor make his presence known in the MCU? Share your best laid plans for his inclusion including who you would like to play him with us at GVNation. “Imperious Rex!!”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
