Sub-Mariner 70th Anniversary

Wow, and I thought I was old! This year Marvel Comics is 70 years old (from 1939 - 1961 they were called Timely). Captain American, Sub-Mariner, and Human Torch (not the one in the Fantastic Four) were amongst their first super hero characters so Marvel is producing one shot specials for the occasion. A couple of weeks ago the Captain America one shot came out by James Robinson (Starman) and fantastic artist Marcos Martin (Batgirl Year One and Robin Year One) and today the Sub-Mariner one shot graces ye old comic shoppe.

Sub-Mariner Comics #1 (this is what the one shot is called) has two new stories and a short reprint by Bill Everett. The lead story is written by Roy Thomas (who's written many Marvel and DC super hero comics but is probably best known for his long stint on Conan when Marvel was publishing it) with beautiful art by Mitch Breitweiser and colors by his wife Elizabeth. The story is set in WWII so of course it features Nazis and it's one of the best Namor (Sub-Mariner's name) stories I've read. The second new story is by Mark Schultz ( writer / artist of Xenozoic Tales and writer of the Prince Valiant newspaper comic) and drawn by Al Williamson, with his usual grace, flair, and great story-telling prowess'. This story is also set during World War II and is a great adventure yarn with some great Namor character bits. If the upcoming Human Torch one shot is half as good as the Captain America and Sub-Mariner ones have been, readers and comic art lovers should be in for a treat.