Marvel Masterworks: The Sub-Mariner Volume One

This is a review of Marvel Masterworks: The Sub-Mariner Volume One, starring the Sub-Mariner, aka Prince Namor, aka the guy with wings on his ankles. The first storyline spans over twelve issues, so points for ambition. The art is mostly done by Gene Colan, an artist I adore, but I wasn’t crazy about his inker. My main issue is Stan Lee’s script, which repeats itself and is all over the place.

The plot involves Warlord Krang’s attempts to seize the throne of Atlantis. He does this while Namor is off gallivanting on the surface world. Namor must find the Trident of Neptune, aka the MacGuffin, to regain his throne. For some reason Krang – who has Namor in his power – lets him go. Since finding the trident involves punching things, Namor is in his element.

After finding the trident and winning his crown back, the Sub-Mariner banishes Warlord Krang, who simply bides his time and awaits another opportunity. That opportunity comes when Krang tells Dorma, Namor’s beloved, that he’ll kill Namor if she doesn’t marry him, and this evil plan – uh, works. For some reason Dorma believes Warlord Krang. She and Namor are made for each other, in that they are both unbelievably gullible.

At one point Namor even wonders if he’s fit to rule, a rare moment of self-reflection. The answer is no. For all his faults Warlord Krang – Namor’s foe in this volume – would make a much stronger ruler. This is mainly because Namor has no control over his emotions. If the Hulk is a toddler, the Sub-Mariner is a 12-year old going through puberty.

Like many Marvel strongmen, he’s vulnerable to mind control, brainwashing, and amnesia. He doesn’t listen and refuses to admit when he needs help. This gets taken to ridiculous extremes in this volume, as Namor is manipulated by both the Puppet Master and the head of the Secret Empire.

The two people the Sub-Mariner most resembles are Dr. Doom and the Marvel version of Dracula. Namor is better than them in that he’s not as ruthless and doesn’t murder people for fun. He carries a streak of nobility that neither villain possesses. There are several points in this volume where Namor avoids hurting or killing humans. That’s great, but judging by this volume, he’s not an interesting enough character to sustain his own title.