Namor
is an undersea hero originating from the mythical
kingdom of Atlantis. Namor is the son of a human sea
captain and a princess of Atlantis. Possessing the
super-strength and aquatic abilities of the "Homo
mermanus" race, Namor was alternatively portrayed
as a good-natured, but short-fused superhero, and
a hostile invader seeking vengeance for perceived
wrongs that misguided surface-dwellers committed against
his undersea kingdom.
Arguably
the first known comic book anti-hero, the Sub-Mariner
has remained a historically important and relatively
popular Marvel character.
Powers
Namor possesses a high level of superhuman strength,
enabling him to lift/press up to 100 tons while in
contact with water; his strength gradually decreases
according to the length of time he is out of water
and can eventually dwindle to no more than slightly
above human level. In addition to his great strength,
Namor possesses superhuman stamina and durability,
a result of his body’s adaptation to underwater
pressures. He also possesses superhuman agility, reflexes,
and speed, with a maximum swimming speed of roughly
sixty miles per hour. Namor is able to fly via the
finlike wings on his ankles, and he possesses a telepathic
rapport with many, but not all, forms of marine life.
Like all Atlanteans, he has a prolonged lifespan and
his body is specially developed for underwater conditions,
granting him specialized blood circulation to withstand
freezing temperatures and highly developed vision
to see clearly even in murky ocean depths. This hybrid
physiology means he can survive indefinitely underwater
or on land (though he would still need occasional
contact with water to survive). Namor possesses an
empathic bond with his cousin Namorita.
In
the past, Namor has demonstrated additional powers
similar to the attributes of various forms of sea
life, including the electricity-generating capabilities
of an electric eel and the radar sense of cavefish;
however, he has demonstrated such abilities only sporadically,
suggesting that they depend upon some factor of his
Atlantean mutant nature that is not yet understood.
When not exposed to water, Namor’s physical attributes
gradually decline and can diminish over time to near-human
levels, robbing him of his strength and rendering
him vulnerable to conventional injuries; renewed exposure
to water will immediately restore his abilities. Complete
lack of contact with water will prove fatal in about
a week’s time. Namor has demonstrated a vulnerability
to oxygen imbalance when remaining too long in either
water or air, resulting in manic-depressive mood swings;
he can prevent this imbalance by dividing his time
between the two atmospheres. He has occasionally used
scientific or magical means to regulate his oxygen
levels.
