Namor #1
Illustrated by: Paul Davidson
Cover Art by: Alexander Lozano
Written by: Jason Aaron
Release date: July 17th, 2024
Marvel Comics
*Minor Spoilers Ahead
War rages beneath the waves, from the lost cities of the Secret Seas to the fathomless depths where the Elder Whales reign. Seven kings, old and new, fight to rule the watery realm. But where is Namor, the once mighty Sub-Mariner? He’s sitting behind bars on the surface, with no intention of ever setting foot in the seas again. So begins an oversized Atlantean event that will forever reshape the landscape of the undersea world while at last laying bare the dark history of Atlantis and its fiercest, most infamous defender. An epic that will redefine the King of the Seas in the manner of Jason Aaron’s PUNISHER series!
In “Namor #1,” Jason Aaron dives deep into the submerged politics and treacherous depths of Atlantis. The story begins with a stark departure for Namor, the legendary Sub-Mariner, who finds himself imprisoned on the surface, far from his oceanic kingdom. This change sets the stage for a grand undersea conflict, as seven kings vie for control of the vast and hidden realms beneath the waves.
Paul Davidson’s illustrations bring the mysterious underwater world to life, and Alexander Lozano’s cover art captivates from the start. Aaron’s narrative promises to uncover the dark secrets of Atlantis and redefine Namor’s legacy, much like his acclaimed work on “Punisher.” This series is poised to shake the foundation of Namor’s 85-year history, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and identity.
The story is framed as an underwater “Game of Thrones,” with Namor stepping away from his throne for reasons yet to be revealed. This decision ignites a war among the ocean’s various tribes and kingdoms, each vying for dominance.
The narrative explores Namor’s multifaceted identity—mutant, Avenger, Atlantean, and king. Known for his often antagonistic attitude towards the surface world, Namor’s decision to abandon Atlantis is both shocking and intriguing. Aaron hints at a dark, undisclosed reason behind this choice, with Namor beginning the series in a land-based prison, showing no interest in reclaiming his throne.
As Atlantis stands as one of Marvel’s most powerful nations, its future under new leadership offers rich storytelling potential. The new rulers could either foster peace with the surface world or escalate conflicts, reflecting the unpredictable and dangerous political landscape reminiscent of “Game of Thrones.”
However, one might question how Namor, known for his fierce connection to the sea and enhanced abilities underwater, could ever truly forsake Atlantis. This first issue evokes the feeling of a “What If?” scenario, posing the question: “What if Namor Turned His Back on Atlantis?” While the story is engaging, it does tread on familiar speculative territory, leaving readers curious about how this dramatic shift will unfold.
Namor’s return to the spotlight in this series promises an epic saga that will captivate both longtime fans and new readers, exploring the depths of one of Marvel’s most complex heroes.
Namor #1 is available on our new comic book wall and can be placed on your weekly pull list.
Jason Aaron Dives Deep into the Atlantean Throne War
Colors - 9.4
Design - 9.6
Illustration - 9.6
Narrative - 9.1
Subplot - 9.8
9.5
Seven kings battle for control of the ocean. Namor, once mighty, is imprisoned on land, renouncing the seas. An epic event redefines Atlantis's future.