Everything You Need to Know About Namor in Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals is bringing together some of the most legendary figures in Marvel history, and few heroes (or anti-heroes) are as iconic as Namor the Sub-Mariner. As the King of Atlantis, Namor is one of the oldest and most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe, known for his superhuman strength, aquatic abilities, and fiery temper.

Often walking the line between hero and villain, Namor is both a protector of his people and a ruthless warrior, willing to wage war on the surface world when threatened. His complex personality, incredible strength, and command over the seas make him one of Marvel’s most compelling and unpredictable characters.

This article explores Namor’s origins, powers, and how he fits into Marvel Rivals, offering insight into the original Marvel anti-hero.

Image: Marvel Comics

Who is Namor?

Namor the Sub-Mariner first appeared in Marvel Comics #1 (1939), created by Bill Everett, making him one of Marvel’s first superheroes—even predating Captain America.

As the half-human, half-Atlantean prince, Namor was born with superhuman abilities that made him stronger than any Atlantean or surface-dweller. Over the decades, he has served as a hero, villain, monarch, and Avenger, fighting for Atlantis while often clashing with the surface world’s heroes.

His arrogance, regal authority, and occasional alliances with Marvel’s greatest teams make him a one-of-a-kind character who always follows his own path.

Character Lore

The Birth of the Sub-Mariner

Namor was born to Princess Fen of Atlantis and Captain Leonard McKenzie, a human explorer, making him a hybrid of two worlds. However, when Atlantis was attacked by humans, Namor grew up with deep resentment toward the surface, believing his people were constantly under threat.

War Against the Surface World

Throughout Marvel history, Namor has repeatedly waged war on humanity whenever Atlantis was endangered. His first battles were against the United States Navy, but over time, he has gone toe-to-toe with the Fantastic Four, Avengers, and X-Men whenever their actions threatened his kingdom.

Despite his fierce temper and warlike tendencies, Namor has often proven himself to be a true hero, willing to defend the planet when greater threats arise.

King of Atlantis & Shifting Alliances

Namor’s complex relationships make him one of Marvel’s most unpredictable characters. Over the years, he has:

• Served as an ally and enemy to the Fantastic Four, often clashing with Reed Richards over his obsession with Sue Storm.
• Joined the Avengers during times of cosmic crisis.
• Led the Defenders, forming a powerful trio with Doctor Strange and the Hulk.
• Served as a villain during Marvel’s Dark Reign, working alongside Norman Osborn’s Cabal.
• Become one of mutantkind’s strongest allies, leading the Phoenix Five in Avengers vs. X-Men.

Despite these shifting allegiances, Namor’s first loyalty is always to Atlantis, and he never hesitates to turn on his former allies if it means protecting his kingdom.

Image: Marvel Comics

Namor’s Powers and Abilities in Marvel Rivals

Superhuman Strength & Durability

Namor is one of the strongest beings in the Marvel Universe, able to:

• Lift over 100 tons, making him stronger than most Avengers.
• Fight evenly with Hulk, Thor, and Black Panther.
• Withstand attacks from cosmic-level threats thanks to his Atlantean physiology.

Aquatic Abilities & Hydrokinesis

As the ruler of the ocean, Namor has complete mastery over water, including:

• Breathing underwater and extreme pressure resistance, allowing him to travel through the ocean depths effortlessly.
• Commanding marine life, similar to Aquaman.
• Water-based attacks, using moisture in the air to enhance his physical strength or generate powerful hydrokinetic blasts.

Flight

Unlike most Atlanteans, Namor has a mutant gene that grants him the ability to fly, thanks to the tiny wings on his ankles. This makes him just as deadly in the air as he is underwater.

Image: Marvel Comics

Namor’s Story in Marvel Rivals

After uniting the undersea civilizations under his rule, Namor sets his sights on conquering the surface world, starting with Jeju Island. Viewing humanity as a destructive force poisoning the oceans, he seeks allies among the Mutants of Krakoa, traveling through a dimensional gateway to their island in the future. Magneto, Storm, and Magik greet him, acknowledging his Mutant heritage but cautioning against mass genocide. Though Magneto offers aid if Namor’s people are endangered, he warns that Krakoa stands against the indiscriminate slaughter of humans.

Undeterred, Namor returns to Talocan, determined to proceed with his assault. He commands his forces to prepare for war, vowing to claim Jeju Island in the name of the seas. Despite Magneto’s warning, Namor remains resolute—if necessary, even Krakoa may fall after the surface world.

Image: Marvel Comics

Essential Namor Comics

For those wanting to explore Namor’s most defining stories, here are some must-read comics:

Namor, The Sub-Mariner (1990-1995) by John Byrne

• This series dives deep into Namor’s role as a king, warrior, and businessman, showcasing his struggles with ruling Atlantis.

Fantastic Four (1961) by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby

• The one that started it all. This establishes Namor’s longstanding rivalry with Reed Richards and obsession with Sue Storm, defining his early conflicts with the surface world.

Avengers vs. X-Men (2012) by Jonathan Hickman, Jason Aaron & Brian Michael Bendis

• In this series, Namor becomes one of the Phoenix Five, gaining god-like power and waging war on the Avengers in one of Marvel’s biggest events.

The Defenders (1971) by Steve Englehart

• This showcases Namor as one of the founding members of the Defenders, alongside Hulk and Doctor Strange.

King in Black: Namor (2020) by Kurt Busiek

• A modern exploration of Namor’s past, revealing hidden depths to his connection with ancient Atlantean threats.

Namor is not just a superhero—he is a king, a warrior, and a force of nature. His presence in Marvel Rivals brings a brutal melee powerhouse with aquatic manipulation, making him a threat both on land and underwater.

Whether he’s defending Atlantis, battling the Avengers, or standing alongside the X-Men, Namor is a character who refuses to be ignored. In Marvel Rivals, his overwhelming strength and water-based abilities ensure that he dominates the battlefield, just as he does in the comics.