This comic book review is of the story titled “Sub-Mariner! Joins The Evil Mutants”  from X-Men #6 with a cover date of in July 1964.  While the X-Men have been seen in other titles, this is the first guest star from the marvel universe at large to appear in the X-Men’s own title, as we witness Namor joining the evil mutants.

the question one has to ask in reading this story is if it is well thought out with the existing continuity for Namor, or just  a silver age comics ploy to sell people upon a young title? In this case, (even if it was a ploy) the story and continuity where clearly in the minds of Stan lee and Jack Kirby, as you will see below.

Artwork

I feel Jack Kirby did a good job drawing this issue of X-Men. one of the great additions of this issue was motion lines, a way of following the fast paced action. This is not the first time we have seen this, but for me anyway it stands out in this issue. For example if you take a look at the panel I included, you have strong motion lines showing the angel’s flight path, as well as lesser (more common lines showing how toad dodged the assault.  This is augmented by the fact that most everyone else is motionless, showing just how fast the scene is transpiring.

Characters & Development

The X-Men

in a way, our hero’s develop the least in this issue. Their is no great change for any of the characters or there interrelationships with each other.  While this issue maintains the status Que with our hero’s it is far from boring.

Magneto & The Evil Mutants

Magneto on the other hand, seems to be developing new powers.  This was hinted at in X-Men #4, but here it is in the forefront. Magneto having a strong level of telepathic powers like that of the Professor. While I am sure this fact will fade away in time; or even be retconned out. At this time I feel that it must be mentioned.

Namor the Sub-Mariner

In a way, Namor is the star of this story, and it is all about him. He is the one who  develops, even if it is only to realize once again that he can trust no surface dweller.    This is also the first hint of his ultimate fate of being known as marvels first mutant.

Originality & Continuity

This story was done nicely in regards to continuity.Taking into account not only the ongoing continuity in X-men’s comic book working in a reference of the Sub-Mariner’s appearance  in Fantastic Four #27 as well as  mentioning his experiences with the hulk in Avengers #3.  This all adds to how this issue is really his story, and building into his existence the idea that he may just be a mutant.

the idea of Villain teams up’s are not unheard of, and this tale does emulate a lot of the attributes of Avengers #3.  yet I feel there are some fair aspects of originality in this volume, even if it does reuse ideas from other recent titles.

Story

overall this story was a good tale for the X-men,  offering them a much firmer standing in the overall marvel universe. For a Namor fan, I would say this issue is a must read.