Namor #4- A Complex Hero for Complex Times
From Marvel Comics
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Paul Davidson & Alex Lins
It is high time that we check back in with what has arguably been my most anticipated series of the year, the return to a stand alone Namor series at Marvel Comics by legendary writer Jason Aaron. The subtitle of this series is, “Last King of Atlantis,” which is fitting because this series is starting to feel like the definitive Namor to end all Namor stories as it retrospectively deconstructs the myth of the complex undersea King as it simultaneously adds to it.
If you have been following me for some time then you know that I read a lot of comics on a weekly basis, which means that unconsciously my tolerance to be emotionally moved or affected by a comic exists at a larger threshold. I am clarifying this because I want you to hear me when I say that this may have been the best single issue of a legacy superhero comic I have read all year long. Period.
If you are unfamiliar with Namor comics, which is fair because he hasn’t had an ongoing series in quite some time, this series is still a beautiful, harrowing, worthwhile journey for you to embark upon. Jason Aaron is thoroughly expanding upon the lore of Namor in such a palatable, expressive, heartfelt way that I hope is a sign of new beginnings and fandom for the historic character. I know that Jason Aaron will most likely not be returning to the character after the series finale due to Absolute Superman, but I hope that Marvel returns to Namor sooner rather than later with a new writer at the helm. This is truly the blueprint for how to revitalize a character’s myth (which Jason Aaron has already done once before with Thor) and I hope the comic book community is taking notice.
Let’s talk more specifically about Namor Issue #4, which means,
WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!
The whole conceit of this new saga for the disgraced, semi-villainous Namor is such a cool, epic concept that has certainly lived up to the hype, as Namor descends into the depths from which he was banished to somehow intercede in the Civil War between the Seven Kings of the Deep laying control to the power vacuum the destruction of Atlantis created.
In issue #4, Namor is deposited onto the bottom of the sea from the mouth off a giant whale and encounters the Beast King, who is literally the manifestation of the entire coral reef, moving as a collective with other giant creatures, seeking to reclaim the territory of Atlantis and fight back against the sea peoples who abused and exploited them for centuries. This entire concept and the accompanying artwork is the coolest, most inventive idea, that only further legitimizes the need for more Namor comics. We even get a flashback here to Golden Age Marvel Comics as the Beast King chastises Namor for abusing his power as King over the beasts.
Additionally, as has been the format for every issue thus far, we get a glimpse into the past of a young Prince Namor combating the policies of his Grandfather, who lets the lower born Atlantean people starve while the palace overfills with bounty. We learn that Namor took it upon himself to clandestinely hunt for large underwater creatures to feed the starving population without his father’s permission. However, in Namor’s absence one day, King Thakkor learns of the lowborns supposed treachery and orders every citizen to be whipped in accordance to how many bites they took of the King’s food. Namor arrives home just in time and solemnly confesses to the so-called crime and accepts every single lash assigned to the peasants, taking a beating for days on end without uttering a single cry. Thor takes a lot of credit as the coolest, most powerful, most humble royalty figure in the Marvel Comics Universe, but maybe we should re-examine Namor in that conversation.
Meanwhile, in the present, Namor jets off from the War Reef towards the cries of a troubled whale in the distance in the hopes of winning the favor of the Beast King. Soon he discovers that the whale is being butchered by a crew of sea peoples led by Orca, who have taken a downed S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier ship as their own, which once again is just such a cool idea. Namor attempts to fight the crewmen but realizes that they have slaughtered the whale to abate their own starvation. However, Namor has little time to hesitate as the Beast King and the War Reef arrive and Namor is caught in a vicious battle with both groups as the Helicarrier is brought to the bottom of the sea by a giant Kraken-like creature. Unsure of who is right and who is to blame anymore, Namor looks up and realizes where he is for the first time, standing in the shadow of the ruined Atlantis, face to face with his own shame.
One of the most enticing aspects of this comic is the uncompromising, complex presentation of Namor himself. The question of hero vs villain seems trivial in the wake of the fraught, distended, murky history surrounding the character that we are forced to witness. It is certainly unclear whether Namor even considers himself a hero or a savior anymore or if he has resigned himself to be the merciless, ignorant conqueror his peers seem to remember him as.
Instead, the narrative seems to be presenting us with the facts of the case, placing us in the difficult, uncomfortable role as judge of Namor’s actions- past, present, and future. Furthermore, the emotional stakes of this story seem to be asking the desperate question, “Can Namor live up to his legend? Can he be the hero we need him to be, one last time?” Which is the sentiment I am referring to when I say that this feels like the pivotal Namor story in his modern canon. This is truly a distinct, special comic series that interrogates both its readers as well as its central character.
Additionally, as a last glowing highlight, I cannot lay enough praise upon Paul Davidson and Alex Lins, who have convinced me in short order that they should be doing the art for a host of Marvel comics properties. The pages of this series thus far are laid out in such a talented, idiosyncratic way that makes the world of Namor pop and come alive. The gradient of color for the water and the depths, the spectacular, specific lighting choices, and the fluid, bubble texture of the action sequences in these difficult to render, otherworldly environments, makes this comic stand even more apart from traditional superhero offerings.
Please support your local comic book store and pick up Namor #4, let’s do our part to keep this series going!
-Nicholas Aaron Hodge
