Sub-Mariner

SUB-MARINER [Namor McKenzie]

First Appearance: Marvel Comic #1 (Oct 1939)

First Modern Appearance: Fantastic Four V1 #4 (May 1962)

First Avengers Appearance: Avengers V1 #3 (Jan 1964)

Other Appearances of note: Avengers V1 #262 (Dec 1985)

The Sub-Mariner is the pink-skinned, hybrid, often called “mutant”, son of Captain Leonard McKenzie and Princess Fen from the underwater nation of Atlantis. Namor’s powers include flight, the ability to breathe both above and below the sea, super-strength, super-speed, and super-stamina. Created in 1939 by writer / artist Bill Everett, Namor, Prince of Atlantis has often filled the role of the hot-blooded anti-hero. His fiery temper brought Namor into conflict with heroes as often as villains. During his golden age appearances he battled the Nazi’s either alone or alongside his war-time buddies in The Invaders and The All Winners Squad.

In later years Namor loses his memory and it is Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four that recognises him amongst some homeless derelicts. With his memory restored Namor’s many attempts to conquer the surface world brings him into opposition with many heroes most notably the Fantastic Four.

Namor first encounters The Avengers when he convinces their former team-mate The Hulk to become his ally. The Avengers come in search of The Hulk and battle the pair. While this pairing is short-lived, Namor and The Hulk have teamed-up many times in the years ahead including alongside Dr Strange as founding members of The Defenders. 

In Avengers #4 (March 1964), it is revealed that Namor had discovered a frozen figure in a block of ice and hurled it into the ocean where it was found by The Avengers. This of course turned out to be Captain America.

Recognising that he was not a true villain or criminal, The Avengers offered Namor Avengers membership (Avengers V1 #16 – May 1965). He was honoured but declined. Many years later (Avengers V1 #262 - Dec 1985), Namor finally accepts Cap’s membership offer.


Oceanographer Caleb Alexander helped Namor gain better control of his temper by monitoring and controlling his blood chemistry. This even tempered Namor went into business through a corporation known as Oracle, Inc. which, amongst other things funded the new Heroes for Hire managed by his old Invaders pal Jim Hammond – The Original Human Torch.

Namor was also one of the Illuminati, six leaders who secretly undertook to shape and direct the super-hero community.