Namor

 

Title: From the Deep Seas to Comic Book Icon: The Evolution of Jack Kirby's Sub-Mariner

Introduction:

In the vast universe of Marvel Comics, few characters have as unique and fascinating an origin as the Sub-Mariner. Created by a true legend of sequential art, Jack Kirby, the Sub-Mariner has captivated readers since his first appearance in 1939. In this article, we will explore how Kirby developed the character into one of the most iconic and complex figures of the world of comics.

A tragic origin:

The origin of the Sub-Mariner was steeped in tragedy from his first steps in Marvel. As told by Kirby, Prince Namor was the hybrid son of an Atlantean princess and a human sailor. As a child, Namor found his mother dead, killed by a submarine, and this tragedy profoundly affected his future.

An anti-hero at war:

In the 1940s, during World War II, Namor appeared in several adventures drawn by Jack Kirby. During this time, the Sub-Mariner embodied an anti-hero, a rebellious spirit always in conflict with the world of humans. Her anger and resentment of him enabled her to take on enemies like the Nazi Dashboard, filling the pages of comics with epic submarine battles.

The return to the origins:

After a long absence from the comic book pages, the Sub-Mariner returned in 1962 thanks to the pen and drawings of Jack Kirby. In this new incarnation, Kirby rewrote the character's origin, reiterating his hybrid nature and his sense of belonging to two different worlds. This emotional undertone helped make the Sub-Mariner an even more interesting and complex character.

A comic icon:

Under Kirby's leadership, the Sub-Mariner became an icon of Marvel comics throughout the 1960s and 70s. His controversial character and relative sense of justice captured the attention of readers, who loved the character's moral ambiguity. Namor frequently found himself in conflict with both the world of superheroes, such as the Avengers, and surface heroes, including the Fantastic Four.

Kirby Returns:

After a long time away from the Sub-Mariner, Jack Kirby returned to write and design the character in a new series in 1975. This return to basics gave Kirby further opportunities to develop the character's complexity and depth. With epic storylines and breathtaking visuals, Kirby once again confirmed his status as the master of comics and made the Sub-Mariner even more fascinating.

Conclusions:

Jack Kirby's creation of the Sub-Mariner was a turning point in the history of Marvel comics. Through his artistic and narrative brilliance, Kirby has transformed Prince Namor into a complex, fascinating and at the same time controversial character. The Sub-Mariner remains an undisputed icon of comics, thanks to the innovation brought by Kirby in shaping his existence and to his tragic roots of a hybrid being, torn between two worlds in eternal conflict.