REVIEW: ‘Namor: Conquered Shores,’ Issue #5

Namor: Conquered Shores #5 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Christopher Cantwell, art by Pasqual Ferry, colors by Matt Hollingsworth, and letters by Joe Caramagna. After the human settlement was destroyed and Steve Rogers was killed, Namor attacked Human Torch. Now he faces the forces of Atlantis, humanity, and machine-kind all at once.

At the conclusion of the limited series, the story becomes one of vengeance and built-up tensions. The consequences of Namor’s violence aren’t what I had predicted by the end of the last issue but in comes Attuma with his own ramifications. The stakes couldn’t be higher at the end of the world, going beyond desperation. This leads to a violent conflict where loyalties are both tested and tarnished. What initially seems to be a mystery solved by something predictable is actually a plot much deeper. The final part of the issue cuts deep into what makes Namor who he is and is a really heartbreaking conclusion to this story. It takes that constant theme of toxicity between Atlantis and humanity and irrevocably damages it. But it’s not a defacto finale, bringing with it those pearls of hope that have sparkled in this sad story.

Namor has been beautifully written by Cantwell. This is a real test for him here, where his unerring loyalty to Atlantis blurs against the connection he has always had with his friends. Instantly he feels remorse for his fight with the Torch, a great insight into how hot-headed and impulsive he is. This issue also brings in Attuma, who has only been referred to in passing. The dialogue is fantastic, brimming with emotion from everyone involved. It does feel like, finally, there is growth within Namor by the end of the issue.

The art is superb. Ferry brilliantly captures emotions that can often be hard to be so specific with. The fatalism that is felt is etched onto Namor’s face so brilliantly that it is haunting. It is like he has consigned himself to failure. These last survivors are tired. Then comes a showdown, and the slogfest is excellent. It’s a battle of brutality and devastation, with characters going in for the kill. Attuma looks amazing, huge, and imposing. The colors are also terrific. They aren’t particularly striking, with the largest exception of that being Human Torch’s intense flames. But they are extremely pretty. The blues aren’t overused, and that makes way for a warmer palette by the final part of the comic. The letters are great and dynamic. 

Namor: Conquered Shores #5 is a stunning finale. Cantwell approaches this series with what I saw was the inspiration of a book/film like Children Of Men, which has this melancholy around it that seems to imply impending doom. But with those glimmers of hope that are stitched in, it is so gravitating. The writing is phenomenal, and the heaviness of almost every page provides weight. The art is impactful and atmospheric. Just a spark of light in a dying world of darkness makes it all worth it.

Namor: Conquered Shores #5 is available where comics are sold.