If you were ever a non-believer in Namor, buckle up and read this issue. Jason Aaron has crafted a fabulous issue hanging on great captions getting into his head and revealing the complexity of a man who isn’t a sum of his tempers.
So what’s it about?
Read the preview.
Why does this matter?
The Avengers are now comfortable in their new lineup, are in a more traditional format with a Hulk on the team, and are ready to kick butts. The fresh start Marvel has pulled off wonderfully continues this week too as Namor, the on again hero and off again hero, is triumphantly returning as a supervillain.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Never defy a dude with sharks wearing armor. Credit: Marvel Comics
One of the joys in reading this issue is the little bits of dialogue Aaron gives a variety of characters. It’s quirky, fun, and unique, allowing each to stand out and show off a bit of their personality. That includes Namor, who has quite a few good one-liner type bits of dialogue. Regardless of what is happening–and how fantastical it may be–you get the impression these are people who interact and have stories they share. That makes the team feel lived in.
Once you unwrap this package of a story it’s clear this is a character-focused drama strung along a fight comic. We learn a bit about Namor, get a feeling for his temperament, and most of all get a clear sense of how powerful he is. Namor is a classic supervillain in the Marvel universe and Aaron is not playing when it comes to his strength and abilities. He’s practically the Hulk once this issue is over and that’s quite impressive. The issue helps set up the fact that Namor can stand against the entire Avengers and probably win.
David Marquez draws yet another great issue. Marquez is the type of artist that never waivers in quality. The book looks incredible with no shortcuts or half-hearted attempts. Namor is like a living muscle and Marquez shows off the physique very well. You’re always tapped into the attitude of the character and that’s with no pupils to do much acting.
Come on Cap, can you really be that helpful here? Credit: Marvel Comics
It can’t be perfect can it?
Time passes strangely in the last few issues. We see what the Avengers are after, then we see them being dealt with which must have been weeks later. Then we see Namor again reacting to things that happened off page. Unfortunately for this issue we never can grasp what has happened to Namor’s kingdom besides a single panel. I guess we have to assume Namor’s take is true, but not seeing it makes it harder to understand. The leap in time doesn’t help either since these details are all directly driving the cliffhanger.
Is it good?
If this issue doesn’t make you want to buy the new Marvel Legends Namor action figure I don’t know what will. Namor is made stronger due to great writing and visuals and may have hopped up a few pegs in the echelon of badass villains.
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