Review by Tim Sheridan
“Tomb of Namor” Part one
Writer: Mark Millar
Penciler: Greg Land
Inker: Matt Ryan
Colorist: Justin Posner
Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos
Production: Brad Johansen
Assistant Editors: John Barber & Nicole Wiley
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Publisher: Marvel Comics
After over a year and a half of disappointment, I am finally really enjoying this book. I always wanted to, and I kept giving it the benefit of the doubt, but something was always missing for me. Now, finally, this book is picking up steam. Mark Millar has moved on from his gimmicky debut “Crossover” story, and delivers one of his best unironic superhero tales. And the art by Greg Land and Matt Ryan is simply beautiful.
Apparently Sue and Johnny Storm’s mother is back (she was away for 15 years while working on some top secret project) but she has a mission which needs the help of the FF. She’s found the LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS (yes, that all had to be in caps, because whenever you say LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS, it should be in a BOOMING VOICE!).
Anyways, while down there, the FF stumble across the tomb of some dude named Namor, and then out of nowhere, someone (presumably Namor) begins to attack. And that’s it! End of issue. Great cliffhanger too, just look at that last page!
The Namor of our normal Marvel universe always struck me as sort of a lame character, just Marvel’s answer to DC’s equally lame Aquaman. Actually, Namor (1939) is older than Aquaman (1941) and, Peter David’s run not withstanding, much less whiny. -Editor K. But already, this Ultimate incarnation has me intrigued.
What I really liked about this issue was the writing for the Sue/Mom relationship. This was done a lot differently than I anticipated, and if you read it, you’ll see it’s a rather unique dynamic we have unfolding. This brings a new element to the character of Sue, and I really hope Millar continues with this.
This is also a great jumping-on point for new readers too, so encourage people to pick this up. The title has never been better.
