Featuring: Fantastic Four
Release: September 8, 1964
Cover: December 1964
12 cents
Script: Smilin’ S. Lee
Art: Jolly Jack Kirby
Inks: Chucklin’ Chic Stone
Lettering: Amiable Art Simek
20 pages
| Previous | #272 | Next |
|---|---|---|
| Sgt. Fury #12 | Reading order | Tales of Suspense #60 |
| Fantastic Four #32 | Fantastic Four | Fantastic Four #34 |
Kirby has used these photo collages a few times now, but this is the first cover that combines art with photographs in a cool collage.
This is the first time Stan’s name has ever been abbreviated in the credits: “S. Lee”. I’m guessing the letterer just ran out of room.
Namor is again the king of Atlantis (the exact same month Aquaman is first named king of Atlantis at the Distinguished Competition). Namor has the most fickle people. They moved the entire kingdom once so he couldn’t find them because of his affection for Sue. But I guess that’s all forgotten now.
The story is that Dorma betrayed Namor because he scorned her love, so she helped Attuma’s armies gain entry to Atlantis so Attuma could seize the throne. Women, eh?
Regretting this, she sought out the Fantastic Four for help. Due to Namor’s pride, they only helped in secret, taking out Attuma’s traps and leaving Namor to a fair duel with Attuma.
Let’s check out the nifty photo collage page. Kirby has mostly used the effect for outer space before. This image and the cover depict the world beneath the sea.
Where did Reed go? I just see a manta ray.
Not sure why Namor never sees the Fantastic Four. Might be for the in-story reasons about his sense of pride, but perhaps Stan wanted to avoid a straight team-up, to hedge on the question of whether they should next meet as allies or enemies.
Whether Namor knows about it or not, the Fantastic Four coming to Namor’s aid represents a turning point in the relationship. They had previously only met Namor as an enemy. Since Namor has often tried to conquer or otherwise seek vengeance against the surface world, it’s surprising they were willing to put so much effort into keeping him on the throne. I guess he’s the devil they know.
Sue thinks Namor should settle down with Dorma. Reed finally seems confident that Sue has chosen him over Namor.
Nobody mentions that Namor and Dorma are cousins. We learned that when we first met both way back in Marvel Comics #1. The cousins thing has not been mentioned in either of her two modern appearances. The writers seem to have forgotten, or are unconcerned about it. After all, Namor and Dorma are royalty. Royals are famously unconcerned with things like that.
Rating: ★★★½, 61/100
Significance: ★★★★☆
I read this story in Fantastic Four Epic Collection vol. 3: The Coming of Galactus.
You can also find it on Kindle.
Characters:
- Thing/Ben Grimm
- Invisible Girl/Sue Storm
- Mr. Fantastic/Reed Richards
- Human Torch/Johnny Storm
- Lady Dorma
- Namor the Sub-Mariner
- High Priest of Atlantis
- Attuma
Story notes:
- Creature from deepest part of ocean discovered by Coast Guard and sent to Reed for study.
- Lady Dorma needs device to breathe on surface; seeks the FF’s help to save Sub-Mariner because she loves him.
- Namor had recently reunited with his people and again been crowned king. Now the high priest warns that Attuma wants the crown of Atlantis.
- Dorma betrayed Namor to Attuma because Namor scorned her, but then Attuma broke his promise not to harm Namor.
- Namor refers to himself as a “prince of the blood”.
- Oxo-spray allows FF to breathe under water; bathysphere will take them to Atlantis.
- Sue is impressed by Namor’s prowess.
- Namor forgives Dorma for betrayal.
| Previous | #272 | Next |
|---|---|---|
| Sgt. Fury #12 | Reading order | Tales of Suspense #60 |
| Fantastic Four #32 | Fantastic Four | Fantastic Four #34 |
