Namor: How He Changed From The Comics To The MCU
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever introduced us to the character of Namor. In the movie, the character of Namor differs from the one fans were familiar with in the comics. However, his motives remain the same. The Namor in the movie is still an antihero character like in the comics.
In the comics, Namor is known as Namor the Submariner. He is the mutant hybrid ruler of Atlantis who was born to a human father and an Atlantean mother. His name means “avenging son” in Atlantean. Namor has telepathic abilities that come from his Atlantean heritage, which allows him to communicate with and command sea life and Atlantean soldiers. He is also a member of the Illuminati and has even guarded two infinity stones at one point.
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In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Namor is still a mutant, but instead of Atlantis, he is now the leader of the underwater city known as Talokan, with roots back to the Mayans. Namor was born to humans, but his parents were infected by smallpox, thanks to the Spanish conquistadors. Their shaman found a local plant with healing properties. Namor’s mother drank the plant, while he was in the womb, and he was born with wings on his feet and an extended lifespan. His real name is Ku’kul’kan, which means “feathered serpent god,” but the conquistadores called him Namor, “Niño sin amor,” or child without love.
While their origins may differ, both the comics and the movie Namor have the same motives—protecting their city and people from the dangers of the surface world. Both characters want to protect their vibranium from the surface world, as they know the surface world would destroy their civilization in order to take all of it. Both will fight to protect what is theirs and are not afraid to go to war. Both are stronger the strongest among their people, and more powerful than the people of the surface world. The water increases their strength, and they are able to fight and remain unscathed for long periods of time. Both characters have the ability to fly, thanks to the wings on their feet.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever changes Namor’s story for the better. It gives a new spin to the character, that fits better with the overall story happening in the movie. It is interesting to learn more about the Mayans, and even have the character descended from them. This Namor can also be compared to Kilmonger in their ideals in how both wanted their people, the ones who have been persecuted, to take up arms against the people they consider the villains. Despite their methods, their motivations are not in the wrong, and the audience can sympathize with these antiheroes.
Namor is a great addition to the MCU, and being introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an excellent choice. He also has one of the simplest, yet coolest introductions in the MCU as well. While we have learned a lot about this character in the movie, I hope we get to see more of him in the future, whether in future Black Panther films or even a solo movie.
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Source(s): Marvel, Marvel Cinematic Universe Wiki