Written by Stuart Moore
Art by Ariel Olivietti; Brian Ching; Rick Ketcham; Don Ho; Craig Yeung; Rachelle Rosenberg; & VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Art by Mike Mayhew
SUMMARY:
Published by Marvel Comics for February 2011, this issue is entitled “Faces.” Off the shore of the X-Men’s Utopia Island base, teenage mutant Loa deduces her aquatic powers are linked to a mystical gold amulet. A flashback to Times Square in 1940 depicts Namor’s girlfriend, Betty Dean, and her roommate, Alice Terrel, as they witness the Sub-Mariner in action. In 1944, Alice consoles a neglected Betty at a nightclub over Namor’s extended absences. Namor then bestows the amulet as a gift to Betty.
In 1947, Betty bids farewell to a now-married (and new mother) Alice before her family is transferred to Hawaii. After an infuriated Betty storms out from Namor, he then smugly womanizes Alice. The Sub-Mariner privately reflects he will regret this tawdry fling.
Another flashback occurs four years before Loa’s present-day scene. Off the coast of Maui, a young Loa (aka Alani) tries protecting her father from the bullying Great White and his bloodthirsty sharks, only to discover her mutant powers. Namor’s subsequent encounter with an elderly Alice confirms a long-held secret, as the amulet has been in Alice’s possession for decades. In the present-day, Loa realizes her heritage is linked to New Atlantis.
REVIEW:
The cover image of a wartime romance at sea is exquisite, but it’s also blatantly deceptive. Betty Dean’s presence is only a glorified cameo, if not a red herring, re: Namor’s philandering. Though the story fulfills its intriguing premise, this poignant coming-of age prelude from writer Stuart Moore isn’t what the starry-eyed cover image is selling. A cover featuring Namor and Loa would have been a far more sincere effort of marketing this visually-impressive tale.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The first page summarizes Namor’s recent alliance with the X-Men battling aquatic vampires, as well as the introduction of Loa. There’s also a full-page cover reveal for the next issue.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6½ Stars
