In the third issue of Namor the Sub-Mariner: Conquered Shores, the Atlantean regent learns how key Frankenstein’s monster is to humanity’s survival.
In Namor the Sub-Mariner: Conquered Shores, the Atlantean regent is cutting a much different figure than Marvel fans are accustomed to. In this alternate reality, Earth’s been gassed and doomed by the Kree, with many heroes who went to battle them in space ending up dead, too. It’s left a small resistance on the planet, including the likes of Captain America, hoping mankind could restart and regain some semblance of normalcy.
However, hope’s dwindling by the day, not to mention Namora, after taking over Atlantis, isn’t keen on saving survivors as she wants her empire to grow. This led to Namor trying to figure out a way forward with both species, working with Luke Cage to get Jim Hammond (the original Human Torch) as a fuel source to help reboot the planet. Shockingly, in Namor the Sub-Mariner: Conquered Shores #3 (by Christopher Cantwell, Pasqual Ferry, Matt Hollingsworth, and VC’s Joe Caramagna), it turns out the key to salvation is actually the Frankenstein monster.
Marvel’s Frankenstein Has Been Protecting Humanity
Namor and Luke ventured into the Baxter Building to unlock secrets Reed left behind. After reminiscing about his failed romance with Sue, Namor got what he needed to get to Latveria, worried about the future. He was also concerned about Machine Man’s warning that the Torch was plotting a new robot apocalypse. When they finally arrive at Latveria, Luke and Namor, get attacked by Frankenstein’s monster as they try to seek answers Doom left behind.
The creature admits he won’t let anyone harm his little family, revealed to be the last pocket of humanity alive. Much to Namor’s surprise, the folks there are procreating, which means mankind’s not sterile as the resistance thinks. Still, the monster batters Namor, not caring for diplomacy, as he doesn’t trust any Atlantean who’s been hostile in the past. Admittedly, it’s precious that this creature who’s been stitched together is taking care of innocents, as he’d appreciate, the sanctity of life.
Marvel’s Frankenstein Has a History with Namor
In the main-616 continuity, Namor and the Invaders feuded with a Frankenstein monster during their fight against the Nazis in World War II. But while that creature was sympathetic when Stan Lee and Joe Maneely introduced him in the ’50s, this iteration has a lot more sympathy and tragedy embedded, all due to his purpose as the ultimate guardian. He cares for the women and kids most, which is why he just won’t trust Namor. He’s seen Namor and Atlantis wage war way too many times, so he’d prefer to stay hidden with the Doombots aiding him on the bodyguard mission, per Doom’s last directive.
Still, despite their sordid past in this universe as well, Namor would like the creature to give him the benefit of the doubt. Namor does save one of the kids from drowning, so the Frankenstein monster is seeing a sliver of light in him. Desperate times also call for desperate measures, with the being realizing he does need backup for the job at hand. Ultimately, he accepts Namor’s promise that Atlantis can offer refuge, leaving fans eager to see how they work together to preserve and expand the population. More so, should Torch really bring forth killer bots, they’d need to have each other’s backs on a surface that doesn’t have too many freedom fighters left.
