Support by buying at your local comic shop http://www.findacomicshop.com/ or purchase a digital copy.

• Price: $16.99 (Each Volume)
• Rating: All Ages
• Pages: 248
• On Sale: Nov, 2017
• Writer: John Byrne
• Pencilled: John Byrne
• Inked: Bob Wiacek
• Colors: Glynis Oliver
• Letters: Ken Lopez
• Editor: Terry Kavanagh
• Publisher: Marvel Comics 

From the publisher: Vol.1 – Namor, the Sub-Mariner! The world’s first mutant! King of Atlantis! See one of Marvel’s most iconic characters written and penciled by the talented John Byrne! As Namor finally learns the truth about his nasty temper, he faces the corporate threat of the diabolical Marrs’ twins, tames the deadly Griffin, is sued for his attacks on New York and gets beheaded! It’s Namor like you’ve never seen him before! Guest-starring Namorita, Iron Man and the Fantastic Four!

From the publisher: Vol.2 – Continue the saga of the Sub-Mariner with this second volume chronicling the adventures of Atlantis’ Avenging Son, as presented by superstar writer/artist John Byrne! Marvel as Namor reforges alliances with his fellow Invaders, battles long-forgotten foes from World War II, and begins to unravel the mystery of Immortal Iron Fist and current Defender Danny Rand! All while dealing with the most insidious force of all: corporate scheming and subterfuge! Guest starring Captain America, Spitfire, Union Jack, the original Human Torch and more!

Our WTComics WeView – For every comic fan there are certain creators that resonate. They become your creators and are mainstays for you. For me, that’s John Byrne.

I began following Byrne on his Fantastic Four run in the 80’s, and his versatility over the years has amazed me. Whether reinventing Superman or creating The Next Men while turning a genre on its head, John Byrne was in a class by himself. Not only was he writing my favorite adventures, but he was also drawing them in spectacular fashion! I can’t think of a figure in comics that is more important to my early days of comic reading than Byrne. My podcast compatriots agree, as you can hear on the We Talk Comics Episode 158 – Byrne After Reading.

For this review I decided to read Namor Visionaries Vol. 1 & 2. Marvel’s Namor has always been a complex character, sometimes more villain than hero. This ambiguity has probably kept me away so far, but I was fairly optimistic the book would triumph over my reservations. Unfortunately as I turned the pages my optimism faded, though not for the reason expected. John Byrne was crafting a story that was engaging and well-drawn, but every couple of pages I found that something that destroyed my enjoyment.

This comic hasn’t aged well. Whether it’s a dress with huge shoulder pads or casual misogyny, there’s constant reminders that this book is 28 years old. Still, despite these complaints, I like the story. Namor; exiled as King of Atlantis, is establishing himself as the president of a multi-million dollar company. Joining him at Oracle Inc. is his cousin Namorita, and the New Warriors member is a personal favorite of mine.

In truth, I want to recommend these volumes to anyone interested in vintage Byrne despite the outdated elements, but ultimately I can’t. While the dated fashions and attitudes were problematic, there is one moment in the second volume that destroyed all good will for me. A so called loving mother refers to her obviously autistic son as “retarded”, using that or similar words multiple times. I do understand in 1991 that term was more easily accepted, but I cannot recommend a book in 2018 that uses it in such a casual way.

I had hoped to unearth and share a new story from an old friend, but instead I now leave you with a warning… Time is sometimes a cruel mistress. I will always love the vast majority of John Byrne’s work, and Namor the Sub-Mariner has some things to like, but perhaps it’s best to leave it in the past. Instead I suggest grabbing his aforementioned Next Men or Fantastic Four runs, I think you’ll be much happier. As for Namor, well… I leave only slightly distraught, and would love to hear your thoughts.

Review by Chris
Edited by Brett and Mo

Love the review? Hate the review? Disagree with me? I’m happy to talk comics on twitter @Chris_WeTalk

Three great ways to subscribe to We Talk Comics now. Try us on iTunes. For those of you looking for an alternative we’re now available on Stitcher Radio. You can also check the show out on the versatile TuneIn radio.

And join the We Talk Conversation on Twitter @wetalkpodcasts. Plus