The Avengers (1963) #267: "Time...And Time Again!"

The previous issue of this series was reviewed recently and in terms of Namor content, it was basically a throwaway. This one is as well so we'll get through it and move on to something else for a while.

Kang likes to screw around with time and in doing so has created a number of alternate timelines. As a result, he has also created copies of himself in those timelines. He is now attempting to destroy those copies and be the one and only.

What does that have to do with Namor? Precious little, I'm afraid. But the issue starts to hint at things to come for the Atlantean monarch.

Back in issue 263, a couple of cops showed surprise at seeing Namor with the Avengers. You try to destroy the surface world a few times and some people just can't seem to let it go.

Writer Roger Stern provides us with a reminder of this attitude by the general public towards Namor as The Wasp arrives at Avengers manor to be greeted by protestors.

Namor doesn't give a carp's ass though because he's out with Captain America and the Captain Marvel of the time, Monica Rambeau. They're testing out the team's new sub so of course he'd prefer to hang with them.

Cap suggests that being an Avenger will help bring out Namor's good side as opposed to his ego and arrogance. Gad, let's hope not! He also recognizes that Rambeau doesn't quite trust the avenging son. That might be a little nugget to file away.

The other team members have been abducted by Kang and thrown into his scheme so presumably this bunch will head off for the big rescue in the next issue, but for now that's it for Namor. Hopefully he starts throwing some fists in the next one, I can only read about the Wasp and the Black Knight so much!

The Avengers (1963) #266: "...And The War's Desolation"

We move forward in Namor's first stint as an Avenger today, finally reaching the conclusion of the pointless interruption that was Secret Wars II.

Namor's presence is minimal in this book. The Beyonder's demise in the Secret Wars II mini series caused damage to the earth's crust and the planet is in danger of falling apart as a result. This is not the type of situation to which the Avenging Son is best suited.

There is one moment of heroism though. During the earthquake, the Black Knight, tool that he is, sent plunging towards lava. Namor with the quick, selfless rescue!

But...This book had a tendency to want to bring a little humility to our favourite undersea monarch so while Namor makes the save, he needs one, too. 

That's right, the Fantastic Four have just shown up.

That's about it for the prince. As the cover suggests, the Molecule Man is talked into saving the planet but Namor's involvement from here is reduced to the occasional comment or thought bubble during a larger conversation. The end.

But it is a welcomed end and sneaking a peek ahead, it appears that Namor will be much more involved before long.