Click card to flip
NAMORTHE SUB-MARINER • IMPERIUS REX
Marvel's first mutant and one of comics' oldest heroes. Namor McKenzie is the half-human, half-Atlantean King of the undersea kingdom, possessing superhuman strength, flight via ankle wings, and the arrogance of royalty. He's been both hero and villain, fighting alongside Captain America in WWII and against the surface world when Atlantis is threatened. Tenoch Huerta's MCU debut in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" reimagined him as the ruler of Talokan, bringing a fresh cultural perspective while maintaining his regal defiance.
CARD
#073
DEBUT
1939
FIRST
MPFW #1
DEMAND
VERY HIGH
AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY WATCH
HIGH PRIORITYNamor is a founding member of the Illuminati—the secret council that plays a central role in the "Secret Wars" comic storyline. With Doctor Doom confirmed as the villain for "Avengers: Doomsday" (2026) and "Avengers: Secret Wars" (2027), Namor's Illuminati connection makes him a prime candidate for major involvement.
SECRET WARS CONNECTION
In comics, the Illuminati's actions directly cause the incursions that lead to Secret Wars. Namor destroys an alternate Earth to save his own—a morally complex moment that could translate to film.
INVESTMENT IMPLICATION
Any Illuminati formation in the MCU would require Namor. His established presence in Wakanda Forever positions him perfectly. Watch for casting news about other Illuminati members.
Card Gallery
2025 TOPPS MARVEL MINT
This premium trading card is part of the 2025 Topps Marvel Mint collection. Each card showcases Marvel's greatest heroes and villains with exceptional artwork and collectible value.
Marvel's First Mutant
Namor first appeared in Motion Picture Funnies Weekly #1 (April 1939), created by Bill Everett. This makes him one of Marvel's oldest characters, predating Captain America by two years. He's often called Marvel's first mutant—his ankle wings are a mutation that no other Atlantean possesses. This dual heritage (human father, Atlantean mother) has always made him an outsider in both worlds.
During World War II, Namor fought alongside Captain America and the original Human Torch as part of the Invaders. After the war, he became an antagonist, attacking the surface world when Atlantis was threatened. This moral complexity—hero or villain depending on circumstances—makes Namor unique among Marvel's A-listers.
Namor has served on the Avengers, Defenders, X-Men, and the Illuminati. His romance with Sue Storm (Invisible Woman) has been a source of tension with Reed Richards for decades. His famous battle cry "Imperius Rex!" and his arrogant demeanor have made him one of Marvel's most distinctive characters.
Powers and Abilities
ATLANTEAN PHYSIOLOGY
- Superhuman strength (class 100)
- Underwater breathing and pressure resistance
- Enhanced durability and longevity
MUTANT ABILITIES
- Flight via ankle wings
- Aquatic telepathy (marine life)
- Amphibious adaptation
MCU: The Feathered Serpent God
Tenoch Huerta debuted as Namor in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" (2022), with a significant reimagining. Instead of Atlantis, he rules Talokan—an underwater Mayan civilization. His people worship him as K'uk'ulkan, the Feathered Serpent God. This cultural shift avoided comparisons to DC's Aquaman while honoring Mesoamerican heritage.
The film established Namor as a morally complex figure—he genuinely wants to protect his people but is willing to wage war on the surface world to do so. His conflict with Wakanda ended in an uneasy alliance, setting up future appearances. Huerta's performance captured Namor's arrogance and charisma perfectly.
INVESTMENT ALERT: Namor cards are PREMIUM investment targets. His MCU debut was critically acclaimed. Illuminati membership positions him for Secret Wars. His first appearance (MPFW #1) is one of the most valuable Golden Age comics. Any Fantastic Four crossover would spike interest due to Sue Storm connection. X-Men mutant status adds another angle.
Team Affiliations
ILLUMINATI
Secret council member
INVADERS
WWII hero team
X-MEN
Mutant alliance
2025 Marvel Mint Collector Analysis
Card #073 Namor is a PREMIUM Silver tier card with exceptional investment potential. His MCU debut was acclaimed. Illuminati membership positions him for Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. His Golden Age first appearance adds historical significance. Fantastic Four and X-Men connections provide multiple crossover angles. This is a must-have for serious collectors.
PARALLEL CHASE
Teal and Blue parallels match his oceanic kingdom
INVESTMENT RATING
VERY HIGH - Secret Wars potential + MCU established