Written by Bill Jemas & Andi Watson
Art by Salvador Larocca; Danny Miki; Randy Gentile; & J.D. Smith
Cover Art by Salvador Larocca & J.D. Smith
SUMMARY:
Published by Marvel Comics for June 2003, this untitled issue begins at a busy Pacific Northwest beach in the early 1920’s. A young girl named Sandra encounters and plays with a nude Namor (without his trademark ankle wings), who is evidently the same age. When Sandra is accosted by her mother, little Namor slips away back into the ocean. Namor’s life as an Atlantean child is explored, as he is well-supervised by his mother, Princess Fen, and his maternal grandmother, Queen Korra.
Years later, a teenage Namor assists in a less-than-glorious group activity, only to try rescuing two infant Atlantean boys from an enormous shark.
Note: This prequel series ran fifteen issues from 2003-2004.
REVIEW:
Evidently, this ‘origin’ prequel is Marvel’s answer to DC’s Aquaman: Time and Tide mini-series from the mid-90’s. While the concept seems copycat in nature, the gorgeous Namor # 1 is likely the best-illustrated issue this reviewer has come across in forty years of reading comics. Let’s just say that the spot-on cover image is indicative of the top-caliber underwater sequences.
The story itself is relatively good, especially its middle section, but the scripting stumbles at the front and finish. Specifically, why wouldn’t this young girl or anyone else present acknowledge or express concern that Namor (somewhere between six and nine years old) is nude? Also, the crowded beach doesn’t suggest that the girl could easily slip away to some secluded piece of shore where she conveniently stumbles upon Namor. Their scene together is cute, but, logically speaking, it doesn’t make much sense.
Also, the last page is muddled as to who exactly is in harm’s way re: the shark. From the back view, it looks like it’s Namor, but, from a distance, he’s the one desperately calling out a warning to his friend, Bobo, who has blue-colored skin. This cliffhanger moment, hence, loses its horrific edge, no matter the stellar artwork.
For Sub-Mariner fans, Namor # 1 delivers an intriguing alternate origin far removed from Namor’s conceited adult self. Just for the dynamite artwork alone, it’s well worth tracking down.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
None.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
