In this episode:
Mike and Ed discuss the war declared by the OTHER version of Atlantis (this one under the seas). Will the new threats cause surface dwelling rivals to unite the way they did in World War II? While the invasion was thwarted by Reed Richards and the Fantastic Four, does this mean that all global shipping is at risk? How are we going to protect our global supply chains from undersea threats?
In this issue:
Namor the Submariner, ruler of the undersea kingdom of Atlantis, declares war on the surface world.Meanwhile, the FantasticFour decide to go on a cruise, with the hopes of sighting a sea monster as per the rumours abounding the seven seas. The cruise starts off all right, and when the Four see a sea monster, they head into the ocean, whereupon they are captured by Namor, who explains how he had sent the sea monsters to the surface in the hope that they would attract the attention of the Fantastic Four. Complicated mission accomplished, Namor. Namor then demands that the Four relay to the United Nations that the seas and the skies above them are his imperial domain. Reed relays the message to the United Nations, and they convene a meeting to discuss Namor’s demands. An expert on Atlantis testifies about the origins of the water-breathing Atlanteans, and how they evolved separately from humanity, below the seas, as Homo Mermanus. The Atlantis expert further explains how the Atlanteans created an advanced civilization that evolved separately from the surface world. He also explains how Namor is half Atlantean/half surface dweller, and how his unique physiology led to him possibly being the first mutant of our time. The expert is then unmasked - it was Namor all along - and he declares war on the human race. The Atlanteans invade New York City, quickly bringing it to heel. Reed Richards then figures out how to defeat the Atlanteans, who are wearing helmets with sea water in it, as that is how they breath. Reed creates a device to cause the water in their helmets to evaporate, which leads to them leaving the surface and plunging below the surface to breath in sweet, sweet water. The Four then battle Namor in an epic conflict. Ultimately the battle ends when Namor rescues Sue Storm from a watery grave. The Atlanteans feel betrayed by Namor’s decision to save his enemy, and abandon him. Sad, sad Namor reflects on how it all came crashing down, and bemoans his lonely lot in life.
Assumed before the next episode:
Humanity is feeling nervous about having an advanced civilization off their shores. And they are confused - are there now two Atlantises? Atlantes?
This episode takes place:
After the Atlanteans have been repulsed from the surface world.
Episode 66: What is the Plural of Atlantis? Atlantes? Whichever it is, Atlantis Attacks! (Fantastic Four Annual #1) -- July 1963