Namor the Sub-Mariner
Creation & Design
Namor was created by Bill Everett and first appeared in 1939. He was one of the first superheroes in comic book history, combining elements of both heroism and anti-heroism.Early Years
Namor's early stories often depicted him as a protector of Atlantis, battling surface dwellers who threatened his underwater kingdom. His character was complex, often torn between his Atlantean heritage and his interactions with humans.Character Development
Over the years, Namor has evolved from a straightforward hero to a more nuanced character, often grappling with moral dilemmas and the consequences of his actions. His relationships with other heroes and his role as a ruler of Atlantis have added depth to his character.Cultural Reception
Namor has been well-received by fans and critics alike, often praised for his complexity and depth as a character. His stories have explored themes of environmentalism, nationalism, and identity.Character Details
Real Name:
Namor McKenzie
Aliases:
Sub-Mariner, Prince of Atlantis
Species:
Atlantean
Gender:
male
Affiliations:
Invaders, Avengers, Defenders
Abilities:
Superhuman strength, Underwater breathing, Flight (winged ankles), Hydrokinesis
Equipment:
Trident of Poseidon, Atlantean technology
Weight:
200lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
green
Hair Color:
black
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Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1
First Funnies
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Namor the Sub-Mariner
1st appearance of American Ace
1st appearance of the Holy One, later known as Thakorr, a former ruler of Atlantis
Only nine copies are known to exist
This comic was intended to be a giveaway at movie theaters but it never went into full production
1st appearance and origin of Namor the Sub-Mariner
1st appearance of American Ace
1st appearance of the Holy One, later known as Thakorr, a former ruler of Atlantis
Only nine copies are known to exist
This comic was intended to be a giveaway at movie theaters but it never went into full production
Marvel Comics #1
Timely
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of the Human Torch, Jim Hammond
2nd appearance of Namor the Sub-Mariner - 8 pages of the 12-page story reprinted from Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1
1st appearance of Dorma, Namor's cousin
1st appearance of Ka-Zar, David Rand
1st appearance of Angel, Thomas Halloway, a private detective and vigilante
1st appearance of the Masked Raider, Jim Gardley
1st comic book published by Timely, later becomes Marvel
Retitled Marvel Mystery Comics after this issue
80,000 copies were produced of the first printing with an October 1939 date on the cover
The second printing could be identified by the October 1939 date blacked out, replaced with November 1939
The first printing sold out within a week and was quickly reprinted at a quantity of 800,000, the same as Superman #1
Although published in October, the cover date was changed to have a longer on-sale period at newsstands
💰 In March 2022, a 9.2 known as the Pay Copy due to publisher notations that tracked creator payouts sold for $2.42 million
1st appearance of the Human Torch, Jim Hammond
2nd appearance of Namor the Sub-Mariner - 8 pages of the 12-page story reprinted from Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1
1st appearance of Dorma, Namor's cousin
1st appearance of Ka-Zar, David Rand
1st appearance of Angel, Thomas Halloway, a private detective and vigilante
1st appearance of the Masked Raider, Jim Gardley
1st comic book published by Timely, later becomes Marvel
Retitled Marvel Mystery Comics after this issue
80,000 copies were produced of the first printing with an October 1939 date on the cover
The second printing could be identified by the October 1939 date blacked out, replaced with November 1939
The first printing sold out within a week and was quickly reprinted at a quantity of 800,000, the same as Superman #1
Although published in October, the cover date was changed to have a longer on-sale period at newsstands
💰 In March 2022, a 9.2 known as the Pay Copy due to publisher notations that tracked creator payouts sold for $2.42 million
Marvel Mystery Comics #2
Timely
•
1939
•
Vol. 1
3rd appearance of Namor the Sub-Mariner
2nd appearance and origin of the Human Torch
2nd appearance of American Ace
Marvel Mystery Comics previously titled Marvel Comics
3rd appearance of Namor the Sub-Mariner
2nd appearance and origin of the Human Torch
2nd appearance of American Ace
Marvel Mystery Comics previously titled Marvel Comics
Marvel Mystery Comics #3
Timely
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
4th appearance of Namor the Sub-Mariner
3rd appearance of the Human Torch
1st appearance of Betty Dean, an ally of Namor during World War II
4th appearance of Namor the Sub-Mariner
3rd appearance of the Human Torch
1st appearance of Betty Dean, an ally of Namor during World War II
Marvel Mystery Comics #4
Timely
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
1st cover appearance of Namor the Sub-Mariner
1st appearance of Electro, a robot
First depiction of a Nazi flag on a Timely (Marvel) cover
See Top Notch Comics #2 for first Nazi symbol on a comic cover
1st cover appearance of Namor the Sub-Mariner
1st appearance of Electro, a robot
First depiction of a Nazi flag on a Timely (Marvel) cover
See Top Notch Comics #2 for first Nazi symbol on a comic cover
Marvel Mystery Comics #8
Timely
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
First meeting and battle of the Human Torch vs Namor the Sub-Mariner
First meeting and battle of the Human Torch vs Namor the Sub-Mariner
Marvel Mystery Comics #9
Timely
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
Second battle of the Sub-Mariner versus the Human Torch
2nd cover appearance of Sub-Mariner
Second battle of the Sub-Mariner versus the Human Torch
2nd cover appearance of Sub-Mariner
Marvel Mystery Comics #10
Timely
•
1940
•
Vol. 1
Sub-Mariner vs the Human Torch
Marvel Mystery Comics #17
Timely
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
Team-up of Sub-Mariner and the Human Torch
Sub-Mariner Comics #1
Timely
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
First Sub-Mariner solo title
Human Torch #5
Timely
•
1941
•
Vol. 1
Sub-Mariner vs. Human Torch
This is the sixth issue in the series despite indicating #5 on the cover
Sub-Mariner vs. Human Torch
This is the sixth issue in the series despite indicating #5 on the cover
Human Torch #8
Timely
•
1942
•
Vol. 1
Sub-Mariner vs the Human Torch
Human Torch #10
Timely
•
1943
•
Vol. 1
Sub-Mariner vs the Human Torch
All Select Comics #1
Timely
•
1943
•
Vol. 1
Stories featuring Captain America, Human Torch and Sub-Mariner begin
Stories featuring Captain America, Human Torch and Sub-Mariner begin
All Winners Comics #19
Timely
•
1946
•
Vol. 1
1st team appearance and origin of the All Winners Squad: Captain America, Bucky, Human Torch, Miss America, Sub-Mariner, Toro, Whizzer
1st team appearance and origin of the All Winners Squad: Captain America, Bucky, Human Torch, Miss America, Sub-Mariner, Toro, Whizzer
Marvel Mystery Comics #82
Timely
•
1947
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of and origin of Namora
First team-up of the Sub-Mariner and Namora
1st appearance of and origin of Namora
First team-up of the Sub-Mariner and Namora
Sub-Mariner Comics #32
Timely
•
1949
•
Vol. 1
Origin of Sub-Mariner retold
Sub-Mariner Comics #33
Timely
•
1954
•
Vol. 1
Origin of Namor from Marvel Comics #1 retold with additional details
Origin of Namor from Marvel Comics #1 retold with additional details
Sub-Mariner Comics #35
Timely
•
1954
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Byrrah
Origin of Namor, as a boy discovers he can live outside of water
1st appearance of Byrrah
Origin of Namor, as a boy discovers he can live outside of water
Sub-Mariner Comics #37
Timely
•
1954
•
Vol. 1
Partial origin of Namor, age 12
Sub-Mariner Comics #38
Timely
•
1955
•
Vol. 1
Origin of Namor's winged feet and his ability to fly
Fantastic Four #4
Marvel
•
1962
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Sub-Mariner in the Silver Age
First time the Human Torch activates his power while shouting, 'Flame On'
1st appearance of Sub-Mariner in the Silver Age
First time the Human Torch activates his power while shouting, 'Flame On'
Fantastic Four #6
Marvel
•
1962
•
Vol. 1
First team-up of two super-villains in the Marvel Universe, Doctor Doom and Sub-Mariner
2nd appearance of Doctor Doom
2nd appearance of the Sub-Mariner in the Silver Age
First team-up of two super-villains in the Marvel Universe, Doctor Doom and Sub-Mariner
2nd appearance of Doctor Doom
2nd appearance of the Sub-Mariner in the Silver Age
Fantastic Four #9
Marvel
•
1962
•
Vol. 1
3rd appearance of the Sub-Mariner in the Silver Age
Strange Tales #107
Marvel
•
1963
•
Vol. 1
Iconic cover art by Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four Annual #1
Marvel
•
1963
•
Vol. 1
Origin of the Fantastic Four retold
1st appearance of Krang, an Atlantean warlord
1st appearance of Lady Dorma in the Silver Age
Namor finds Atlantis
Origin of the Fantastic Four retold
1st appearance of Krang, an Atlantean warlord
1st appearance of Lady Dorma in the Silver Age
Namor finds Atlantis
Avengers, The #3
Marvel
•
1964
•
Vol. 1
Battle of the Avengers vs the Hulk and Sub-Mariner
Uncanny X-Men #6
Marvel
•
1964
•
Vol. 1
Namor is confirmed to be a mutant in this issue making him the first mutant to appear in Marvel Comics having been introduced in 1939
3rd team appearance of The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants: Magneto, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Mastermind, Toad
Namor is confirmed to be a mutant in this issue making him the first mutant to appear in Marvel Comics having been introduced in 1939
3rd team appearance of The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants: Magneto, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver, Mastermind, Toad
Strange Tales #125
Marvel
•
1964
•
Vol. 1
Classic battle of the Human Torch and the Thing vs the Sub-Mariner
Classic battle of the Human Torch and the Thing vs the Sub-Mariner
Fantastic Four #33
Marvel
•
1964
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Attuma, an Atlantean barbarian
Tales to Astonish #70
Marvel
•
1965
•
Vol. 1
Solo stories featuring Namor the Sub-Mariner begin
1st appearance of King Neptune and his trident, a powerful weapon in the Marvel Universe
Solo stories featuring Namor the Sub-Mariner begin
1st appearance of King Neptune and his trident, a powerful weapon in the Marvel Universe
Tales to Astonish #77
Marvel
•
1966
•
Vol. 1
First use of Namor's battle phrase, 'Imperious Rex'
Decades later, when Thor asks Namor the meaning of the phrase, Namor answers, 'It means I’m going to feed your sorry Asgardian hide to the biggest sharks I can find.'
1st appearance of Behemoth, a protector of Atlantis
First use of Namor's battle phrase, 'Imperious Rex'
Decades later, when Thor asks Namor the meaning of the phrase, Namor answers, 'It means I’m going to feed your sorry Asgardian hide to the biggest sharks I can find.'
1st appearance of Behemoth, a protector of Atlantis
Iron Man and Sub-Mariner #1
Marvel
•
1968
•
Vol. 1
Standalone issue bridging Tales of Suspense and Tales to Astonish to Iron Man #1 and Sub-Mariner #1
Standalone issue bridging Tales of Suspense and Tales to Astonish to Iron Man #1 and Sub-Mariner #1
Sub-Mariner #1
Marvel
•
1968
•
Vol. 1
First Namor solo series in the Silver Age
Origin of Namor
Sub-Mariner #5
Marvel
•
1968
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Tiger Shark
1st appearance of Diane Arliss, the wife of Stingray
1st appearance of Doctor Dorcas
1st appearance and origin of Tiger Shark
1st appearance of Diane Arliss, the wife of Stingray
1st appearance of Doctor Dorcas
Sub-Mariner #8
Marvel
•
1968
•
Vol. 1
Iconic cover art by John Buscema
Classic battle Sub-Mariner vs The Thing
4th appearance of Vision
Iconic cover art by John Buscema
Classic battle Sub-Mariner vs The Thing
4th appearance of Vision
Sub-Mariner #9
Marvel
•
1969
•
Vol. 1
Helmet of Power revealed to be the Serpent Crown, a vessel of Set's power - appeared as the Helmet of Power in Tales To Astonish #101
1st appearance of King Naga, a Lemurian emperor
Helmet of Power revealed to be the Serpent Crown, a vessel of Set's power - appeared as the Helmet of Power in Tales To Astonish #101
1st appearance of King Naga, a Lemurian emperor
Sub-Mariner #10
Marvel
•
1969
•
Vol. 1
Origin of the Serpent Crown
1st appearance of Karthon, tasked to find the Serpent Crown
Origin of the Serpent Crown
1st appearance of Karthon, tasked to find the Serpent Crown
Sub-Mariner #12
Marvel
•
1969
•
Vol. 1
Origin of the Serpent Crown
Avengers, The #71
Marvel
•
1969
•
Vol. 1
Black Knight joins the Avengers
1st unofficial team appearance of the Invaders: Captain America, Human Torch, Sub-Mariner - the team becomes official on the final page of Giant-Size Invaders #1
Black Knight joins the Avengers
1st unofficial team appearance of the Invaders: Captain America, Human Torch, Sub-Mariner - the team becomes official on the final page of Giant-Size Invaders #1
Sub-Mariner #20
Marvel
•
1969
•
Vol. 1
First battle of Doctor Doom vs Namor
Sub-Mariner #22
Marvel
•
1970
•
Vol. 1
First meeting of Namor and Doctor Strange
Crossover story arc continues from Doctor Strange #183 and concludes in The Incredible Hulk #126, leads to the formation of the Defenders
1st appearance of Nameless One, leader of the Undying Ones, a race of ancient demons
First meeting of Namor and Doctor Strange
Crossover story arc continues from Doctor Strange #183 and concludes in The Incredible Hulk #126, leads to the formation of the Defenders
1st appearance of Nameless One, leader of the Undying Ones, a race of ancient demons
Iron Man #25
Marvel
•
1970
•
Vol. 1
Battle of Iron Man vs Sub-Mariner
Iron Man Annual #1
Marvel
•
1970
•
Vol. 1
Reprinted stories featuring Iron Man and Sub-Mariner crossovers
Sub-Mariner #29
Marvel
•
1970
•
Vol. 1
First meeting and battle of Namor and Hercules
1st team appearance of the Sirens, agents of Zeus
First meeting and battle of Namor and Hercules
1st team appearance of the Sirens, agents of Zeus
Sub-Mariner #33
Marvel
•
1971
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Namora since the Golden Age, briefly in a flashback
Engagement of Namor and Dorma
1st appearance of Namora since the Golden Age, briefly in a flashback
Engagement of Namor and Dorma
Marvelmania Magazine #4
Independent
•
1971
•
Vol. 1
An independently-published magazine produced by fans but authorized by Marvel Comics
Included interviews, features of upcoming projects, character bios and comic strips
An independently-published magazine produced by fans but authorized by Marvel Comics
Included interviews, features of upcoming projects, character bios and comic strips
Sub-Mariner #35
Marvel
•
1971
•
Vol. 1
Battle of Hulk, Silver Surfer and Namor vs the Avengers
Sub-Mariner #38
Marvel
•
1971
•
Vol. 1
Origin of Namor
Marvel Feature #1
Marvel
•
1971
•
Vol. 1
1st team appearance and origin of the Defenders: Doctor Strange, Hulk, Sub-Mariner
1st team appearance and origin of the Defenders: Doctor Strange, Hulk, Sub-Mariner
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