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Namor the Sub-Mariner, a legendary character in Marvel Comics, made a splash with his Silver Age comeback in Fantastic Four #4. This iconic issue marked a turning point for both Namor and the FF, bringing the Atlantean prince back into the spotlight after years of absence. The reintroduction of the character had a big impact on the Marvel universe and paved the way for future storylines, bridging the gap between the Golden Age comics and the emerging Silver Age.
In this article, we’ll dive into the character’s return in Fantastic Four #4 and explore his conflict with Marvel’s First Family. We’ll also look at how Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, played a key role in his reappearance. Finally, we’ll discuss the significance of Namor’s Silver Age debut and its lasting effects on Marvel Comics as a whole, as well as its place in the broader history of comic books.
In the previous comic issue, the team was battling an apparent giant monster that was meant to be a display to promote a movie. After The Miracle Man decided to bring this plaster and wood monster to life, one of the key members of the team named Johnny Storm fled after getting into a scuffle with fellow teammate Ben Grimm. While traveling, he finds the long-lost Sub-Mariner, a character who had been absent since the Golden Age of comics.
Namor’s Reintroduction in Fantastic Four #4
The Silver Age comeback of Namor the Sub-Mariner began with an unexpected encounter in the Bowery district of Manhattan. Johnny Storm, also known as the Human Torch of the Fantastic Four, found himself at Swanson’s Garage, working on cars. Later, while resting in his bunk, Johnny stumbled upon a 1940s comic featuring the Sub-Mariner. This chance discovery led to a series of events that would change the course of Marvel Comics history and bridge the gap between the Golden Age and Silver Age comic years.
A fellow guest at the establishment noticed Johnny’s reading material and made a surprising claim. He pointed out a bearded man, referring to him as a “stumble-bum,” and boasted about the man’s incredible strength. When challenged to tear a phone book in half, the mysterious individual refused. This refusal led to a confrontation, during which the man effortlessly swatted away his attackers. In a moment of confusion, he lamented his inability to remember anything about his past, questioning why he had spent years living in a fog with a blank mind.
Restoring Namor’s memories

Recognizing the potential significance of this encounter, Johnny Storm took action. He carried the amnesiac man out to sea and dropped him into the water. This seemingly rash act had a profound effect. Upon contact with his native element, the man’s memories came flooding back. He remembered his true identity: Namor, the Sub-Mariner, prince of Atlantis, one of the most iconic Golden Age superheroes.
The restoration of Namor’s memories marked a pivotal moment in Marvel Comics’ Silver Age. It brought back a character who had been absent from the comics scene for years, reintroducing him to a new generation of readers. This dramatic return set the stage for Namor’s complex relationship with the surface world and the Fantastic Four in particular, echoing the complexity of relationships seen in DC Comics’ Golden Age stories featuring characters like Superman and Batman.
Namor’s reaction to finding Atlantis destroyed
With his memories restored, Namor’s initial reaction was one of anger and vengeance. He returned to New York and confronted Johnny Storm, declaring his intention to retaliate against the human race. This hostile stance set up the conflict that would define much of Namor’s early interactions with the Fantastic Four and other surface dwellers, reminiscent of the conflicts faced by superheroes like Wonder Woman when dealing with the world of man.
However, Namor’s fury reached new heights when he returned to his home, Atlantis. To his horror, he discovered that his beloved kingdom lay in radioactive ruins. The destruction of Atlantis was a result of underwater atomic testing conducted by surface nations. This devastating revelation fueled Namor’s rage against humanity and became the driving force behind his subsequent actions, adding a layer of depth to his character that was characteristic of the evolving comic book art and storytelling of the Silver Age.
The destruction of Atlantis had far-reaching consequences for Namor’s character development and his role in the Marvel Universe. It established him as a complex anti-hero, torn between his duties to his people and his interactions with the surface world. This internal conflict would become a defining aspect of Namor’s character, influencing his decisions and alliances for years to come, much like the moral dilemmas faced by Golden Age superheroes during World War II.
Namor’s reintroduction in Fantastic Four #4 marked a significant moment in comic book history. It brought back a Golden Age character and seamlessly integrated him into the emerging Marvel Universe of the 1960s. The circumstances of his return – his amnesia, the destruction of Atlantis, and his initial hostility towards humanity – set the stage for numerous storylines and conflicts that would shape the Marvel Universe for decades to come, contributing to the rich tapestry of superhero comics.
Namor’s Conflict with the Fantastic Four
Namor the Sub-Mariner’s return to the Marvel Universe quickly escalated into a fierce confrontation with the Fantastic Four. His anger towards the surface world, fueled by the destruction of Atlantis, led to a series of dramatic events that would shape the relationship between Namor and Marvel’s First Family for years to come, reminiscent of the complex relationships between superheroes and their adversaries in Golden Age DC Comics.

In a display of his immense power and rage, Namor used the Horn of Proteus to awaken Giganto, a colossal whale-like creature with arms and legs. This ancient Atlantean beast was sent on a destructive rampage through New York City, causing widespread chaos and destruction. The Fantastic Four, Earth’s newest superhero team, found themselves facing their most formidable challenge yet, in a scenario that echoed the city-wide battles often seen in Golden Age comic books.
Mr. Fantastic attempted to slow Giganto’s advance by creating a smoke screen with his Fantasticar. However, his efforts were thwarted when the Human Torch tried to assist, only to have his flames extinguished by Giganto’s powerful water spout. The creature’s immense size and strength proved to be a formidable obstacle for the fledgling superhero team, showcasing the kind of larger-than-life threats that became popular in Silver Age comic years.
The Thing’s daring plan to stop Giganto

As the situation grew dire, the Thing, known for his incredible strength and bravery, devised a bold and dangerous plan to stop the rampaging Giganto. In a move that showcased his selflessness and determination, he strapped a nuclear bomb to his back and walked directly into Giganto’s mouth. This daring act was meant to plant the explosive device inside the creature and end its threat once and for all, demonstrating the kind of heroic sacrifice often seen in superhero comics.
The Thing’s journey inside Giganto was not without its challenges. He encountered unexpected obstacles, including still-living creatures that Giganto had swallowed. Despite these setbacks, the Thing persevered, demonstrating the unwavering courage that would become his trademark. His successful mission resulted in the defeat of Giganto, as the nuclear explosion vaporized the creature’s internal organs while leaving its armored hide intact, a testament to the innovative and sometimes outlandish solutions found in Silver Age comics.
Sue Storm’s confrontation with Namor

While the rest of the team battled Giganto, Sue Storm found herself in a unique position to confront Namor directly. This encounter marked the beginning of a complex relationship between the Invisible Woman and the Sub-Mariner that would have lasting implications for both characters and the Marvel Universe as a whole, reminiscent of the complex relationships often explored in graphic novels.
Sue’s interaction with Namor revealed a different side of the Atlantean prince. Despite his anger and destructive actions, Namor showed a surprising level of concern for Sue’s safety. When Sue was put in danger during the conflict, Namor immediately halted his attack on the other Fantastic Four members to ensure her well-being. This action hinted at the complex emotions and motivations driving Namor’s character, adding depth to his portrayal as an antihero.
The confrontation between Sue and Namor also highlighted the tensions within the Fantastic Four, particularly in Sue’s relationship with Reed Richards. Namor’s passionate and direct approach stood in stark contrast to Reed’s often distracted and aloof demeanor. This dynamic would continue to play out in future storylines, adding depth to the characters and their relationships, a hallmark of the evolving storytelling in comic book history.
As the conflict reached its climax, the Human Torch played a crucial role in ending Namor’s assault. Using his flame powers, Johnny created a heat funnel that sent Namor flying back into the ocean, separating him from the Horn of Proteus. This action effectively ended the immediate threat and forced Namor to retreat, but it also set the stage for future encounters between the Sub-Mariner and the Fantastic Four, contributing to the ongoing narrative that is a key feature of superhero comics.
The confrontation between Namor and the Fantastic Four in this early Silver Age story established a pattern that would define their relationship for years to come. Namor’s actions, driven by a mix of anger, duty to his people, and complex emotions, would continue to bring him into conflict with the surface world and its heroes. At the same time, his interactions with the Fantastic Four, especially Sue Storm, would reveal a more nuanced and sometimes sympathetic side to his character, showcasing the evolving complexity of comic book characters.
Significance of Namor’s Silver Age Return
Namor the Sub-Mariner’s return in Fantastic Four #4 marked a significant moment in Marvel Comics history. As one of the first superheroes created by Timely Comics, Marvel’s predecessor, Namor’s reintroduction bridged the gap between the Golden Age and the emerging Silver Age of comics. This revival brought a character with a rich history dating back to 1939 into the modern era, allowing Marvel to connect its past with its present and contributing to the ongoing evolution of comic book history.
The Sub-Mariner’s comeback had a profound impact on the Marvel Universe. By integrating Namor into the world of the Fantastic Four, Marvel created a sense of continuity and depth in its fictional universe. This move allowed newer readers to experience a character with a long-standing legacy while providing longtime fans with a familiar face in the rapidly evolving comic book landscape, demonstrating how comic books became popular across generations.
Establishing Namor as an antihero
Namor’s Silver Age return played a crucial role in establishing him as one of Marvel’s earliest and most complex antiheroes. His reintroduction in Fantastic Four #4 portrayed him as a character driven by anger and a thirst for vengeance, yet with noble qualities that set him apart from typical villains. This nuanced characterization laid the groundwork for Namor’s future development as a morally ambiguous figure, a concept that became increasingly prevalent in comic book art and storytelling.
The destruction of Atlantis, revealed in his Silver Age debut, became a defining element of Namor’s character. It provided a compelling motivation for his actions and added depth to his antagonistic relationship with the surface world. This tragic backstory allowed readers to sympathize with Namor even as he came into conflict with Marvel’s heroes, blurring the lines between hero and villain in a way that was characteristic of the evolving comic book culture.
Setting up future storylines and conflicts
Namor’s return in the Silver Age set the stage for numerous future storylines and conflicts that would shape the Marvel Universe for decades to come. His complex relationship with the Fantastic Four, particularly his infatuation with Sue Storm, became a recurring theme in Marvel Comics. This dynamic added tension to the team’s dynamics and created opportunities for both conflict and cooperation, contributing to the rich tapestry of superhero comics.
The Sub-Mariner’s reintroduction also paved the way for exploring themes of environmentalism, nationalism, and the clash between different civilizations. His role as the ruler of Atlantis and protector of the oceans provided a unique perspective on global issues, allowing Marvel to address real-world concerns through the lens of superhero storytelling, a trend that became increasingly common as comic books evolved.
Namor’s Silver Age return had far-reaching consequences for the Marvel Universe. It led to his involvement in various superhero teams and alliances, including the Avengers, Defenders, and even the X-Men. His status as Marvel’s “first mutant” added another layer to his character and connected him to the growing mutant mythology within the Marvel Universe, showcasing how comic book publishers continued to expand and interconnect their fictional worlds.
The significance of Namor’s Silver Age return extends beyond his individual character. It demonstrated Marvel’s commitment to building a cohesive universe by incorporating elements from its past. This approach helped create a rich, interconnected world that has become a hallmark of Marvel Comics and influenced the broader comic book industry.
Conclusion
Namor’s Silver Age debut in Fantastic Four #4 has had a lasting influence on the Marvel Universe and comic book history as a whole. His return bridged the gap between different comic book eras, introducing a complex antihero to a new generation of readers. The circumstances of his comeback, including the destruction of Atlantis and his conflict with the Fantastic Four, set the stage for countless storylines that would shape Marvel Comics for years to come.
This iconic issue not only revived a classic character but also deepened the Marvel Universe, adding layers of complexity to its heroes and villains. Namor’s role as both ally and adversary to the surface world has continued to be a source of compelling narratives, contributing to the rich tapestry of superhero comics that has captivated readers since the Golden Age.
To dive deeper into the rich history of Marvel Comics and the broader world of comic books, take some time to read specific Marvel comic book issues that showcase key moments in the evolution of these beloved characters. From the Golden Age comics of the 1940s to the Silver Age innovations of the 1960s and beyond, the comic book industry has continually reinvented itself, creating new superheroes, exploring complex themes, and pushing the boundaries of comic book art.
The enduring legacy of Namor’s Silver Age return serves as a testament to the character’s appeal and the creative vision of Marvel’s storytellers. It also highlights the ongoing evolution of comic books, from their origins in comic strips to the modern era of graphic novels and cinematic universes. As we continue to explore the vast world of superheroes and their adventures, we can appreciate how characters like Namor have shaped the landscape of comic book culture and continue to inspire new generations of readers and creators alike.