Sub-Mariner: The Depths (2008) #3

My complaint in the previous post about Namor's lack of involvement could technically apply here, but it doesn't.

In The Depths, Namor's presence is felt rather than seen, by design. He is considered an urban legend by the public at this point and a researcher named Randolph Stein is tasked with disproving his existence. As Stein encounters increasing evidence of the Sub-Mariner's existence, however, it becomes more difficult for him to deny that the legends just might be true.

Though Stein recognizes that he might be becoming a little loopy as a result of his environment, he has little choice but to forge on. They arrive at the Mariana's Trench station, referred to as the last outpost on their journey.

As they approach it, they are concerned about a lack of communication from the station. They go in regardless, but armed as best as they can. You know, just in case.

This is where this book does what it does best. It builds a creepy tension. They are drawn to a noise...

...and eventually come to find that all seven members of threw crew have been slaughtered. As the fear builds the men start to turn on one another and question Stein's leadership.

Of course the assumption is that Namor slaughtered everyone.

One the station's workers (McKeogh) filmed the operations. The "klakk" noise was caused by his camera still rolling on the floor.

Stein locates McKeogh's developing room and intently watches the man's last recordings. McKeogh is talking into the camera but something draws his attention while he is recording.

And with that glimpse of what appears to be an ankle with wings, Stein is that much closer to becoming a believer.

Of course, we can safely assume that Namor didn't butcher seven men. So while we get the story gradually builds Stein's fear while reducing his skepticism, the reader can't help but wonder what did cause the slaughter?

The pace can be slow but each issue reinforces that this is among the highest quality material ever produced for Namor, even if Namor's presence consists of glimpses and shadows. I'll be sad to reach its end.