Namor is considered the first mutant in Marvel Comics so it is only a matter of time before he hits the MCU, here’s what you need to know about him.
Namor, AKA Namor the Sub-Mariner, is considered to be the first mutant and debuted to comics in 1939. He is the mutant son of a human sea captain and a princess of the mythical undersea kingdom of Atlantis which gives him special abilities and superpowers of both worlds. He is somewhat of an antihero and often looks out for himself and the other members of his race, the Homo mermanus.
Namor is easily angered and has a very short fuse, which often gets him in trouble with surface-dwellers. He has served directly with the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the Invaders, the Defenders, the X-Men, and the Illuminati. He has also been known to work against them in times as well.
What Are Namor’s Powers?
Namor possesses super-strength and the aquatic abilities of his race such as controlling water and communicating with undersea animals. He also has heightened super speed, agility, senses and reflexes. Namor is not invulnerable, but he does have a high tolerance for pain and high durability. He can fly because of the wings on his ankles.
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Atlantis vs. Wakanda
Namor is already rumored to be in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, but is there a history from the comic books that could back that up? The answer is yes. Wakanda and Atlantis have had a long history of disagreements that dates back to the Avengers Vs. X-Men storyline. Black Panther and Namor were on opposing sides during the conflict surrounding the arrival of the Phoenix Force — Black Panther saw a potential threat, while Namor saw hope for mutants.
Namor attacked Wakanda with a tidal wave, and T’Challa later reciprocated by luring Namor away from the city of Atlantis under the guise of peace talks, only to order the Wakandan army to destroy the city while Namor was away. Later on Namor lied to Thanos, claiming Wakanda was hiding the Infinity Gems, knowing that he would destroy the city with the Black Order while hunting them down.
In short, there is a lot of history there so it can be assumed Namor will not be a friendly face for Wakanda in Black Panther, at least not at first. Considering the fact that Marvel has stated they will not be recasting T’Challa, he could even die by Namor’s hands off screen.
Namor Comic Book Suggestions
Namor is heavily rumored to be entering the Marvel Cinematic Universe — likely in Black Panther 2 : Wakanda Forever — and if you want to get to know him better, here are several comic book suggestions.
Namor: The First Mutant – Volume 1: Curse of the Mutants
Spinning out of the pages of X-MEN #1, comes an incredible new book starring the world’s first mutant, NAMOR THE SUB-MARINER. When the X-Men are confronted with a deadly vampire threat, Namor takes matters into his own hands on a mission that might bring down the entire might of the vampires on their heads…and destroy Atlantis in the process!
COLLECTING: Namor: The First Mutant #1-6
Purchase here.
Sub-Mariner Masterworks Vol. 1 (Tales to Astonish (1959-1968))
Imperius Rex! Prince Namor, the Sub-Mariner joins the MARVEL MASTERWORKS in his first sensational Silver Age collection! Headed by Stan “The Man” Lee and illustrated by Gene “The Dean” Colan, you’ll dive headlong into the undersea kingdom of Atlantis, and encounter some of the most fascinating heroes and villains in Marvel history! It all kicks off with a classic battle between the hotheaded Subby and the horn-headed Daredevil, before Namor returns at last to Atlantis and begins his quest to regain the crown that is rightfully his.
Opposed by Warlord Krang, Namor must locate the ancient Trident of Neptune to reassert his claim as true heir to the throne – while the life of lovely Lady Dorma hangs in the balance! Then, it’s back to the surface world for action aplenty with the Puppet Master, a historic throwdown with Iron Man, the scheming Secret Empire saga, and Krang’s invasion of New York City.
Collecting: Tales To Astonish #70-87, Daredevil (1964) #7 And Tales Of Suspense #80.
Purchase here.
Avengers vs. X-Men
The Avengers and the X-Men – the two most popular super-hero teams in history – go to war! This landmark pop-culture event brings together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Magneto and more in the story that changes them forever! And in AVX: Vs., experience the larger-than-life battles too big for any other comic to contain! Iron Man vs. Magneto! Spider-Man vs. Colossus! Captain America vs. Gambit! And more!
Plus: For the first time ever in print, Marvel’s groundbreaking Infinite Comics are collected, revealing key events through the eyes of Marvel’s major players. It’s Marvel’s biggest event ever – but will the Avengers or the X-Men emerge triumphant?
Collecting: Avengers vs. X-Men 0-12, Point One (AVX story)
Purchase here.
Namor the Sub-Mariner by John Byrne and Jae Lee Omnibus
A radical reinvention of Namor, the Sub-Mariner by comics legends John Byrne and Jae Lee! First, Byrne writes and draws the iconic Marvel hero as Namor enters the cutthroat world of corporate intrigue! The Sub-Mariner faces the subtle threat of the diabolical Marrs twins, stands trial for his attacks on New York…and gets beheaded?!
Namor reforges alliances with old friends the Invaders, battles long-forgotten foes from WWII and unravels the mystery behind the resurrection of the immortal Iron Fist! Then, as Jae Lee takes the artistic reins, crafting dark and moody visuals, Namor confronts Doctor Doom and Master Khan, struggles to regain his memory – and returns to Atlantis to face a foe unlike any other!
COLLECTING: NAMOR THE SUB-MARINER 1-40, ANNUAL 1-2; MATERIAL FROM INCREDIBLE HULK ANNUAL 18; SILVER SURFER ANNUAL 5; DOCTOR STRANGE, SORCERER SUPREME ANNUAL 2
Purchase here.
Secret Wars
Drawn from Earth across the stars, the Marvel Universe’s greatest villains and heroes are set against one another by the mysterious and unbelievably powerful Beyonder, with the winner promised the ultimate prize. But as battle lines are drawn, new alliances forged and old enemies clash, one among them is not willing to settle for anything less than godhood.
Can even the combined might of the Avengers, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men prevent Dr. Doom from becoming the most powerful being in the universe?
Collecting: MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS #1-12.
Purchase here.
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