The Incredible Hulk (1962) #118; "A Clash Of Titans"

With Namor coming to the Hulk's defense in the New Avengers: Illuminati issue reviewed last week, let's segue to the Avenging Son's appearance in the Jade Giant's own book, from 1969.

Oh, look, there's Dorma in danger again...

We get handy catch-up text to kick off the proceedings.

That strange cruiser is piloted by Dorma. Although she recognizes the floater as a surface dweller, she chooses to rescue him. If he's of any importance, that act could help cement peace with the land lubbers. All right, good thinking, blue lady.

But upon her arrival in Atlantis, we learn that not everyone is a fan.

Fara figures she can suggest to Namor that Dorma is having an affair with some skinny, pale, surface dude and get the prince all good and worked up. Use his temper to her advantage, so to speak.

Namor is already in the process of ranting about the surface world with Vashti when she interrupts, which works in her favour.

Namor has to see this for himself to he storms off to Dorma's quarters. Banner wakes up while the two Atlanteans argue. Waking up in a strange room to a bunch of yelling is hard on his nerves. He gets all worked up and we know that means. Hulk smash!

Our clash of Titans begins. Dorma gets knocked out in the action so Fara sees an opportunity.

Dorma helpless??  No way!!

A throw down between Hulk and Namor can't help but create significant collateral damage and Fara also gets caught in the spray. Namor gets knocked into a wall, and...

Oh. Well, so much for Fara. We didn't have time to get attached. Too bad. She could have been a good wildcard trouble maker.

Namor digs Dorma out but the Hulk isn't done yet. He launches himself at Namor.

Hulk gets literally blown out of the water so Namor goes to look for him.

"...And have found...a man!"

So he leaves. He doesn't check if Banner's okay or any such. he doesn't question what happened there. He's determined that Hulk is no longer a threat so it's back home because he's got renovations to finish. Okay!

I enjoyed that Namor didn't feel like a guest star in this book. He didn't just show up to have his ass kicked and make the Hulk look invincible. He arguably got more attention than the Hulk did in the Hulk's own book. That's rare so it made for a fun read, even if the finish was a little clunky.