The Perfect Opponent for Namor the Sub-Mariner: Setting the Stage for the Original Human Torch

Namor the Sub-Mariner's Debut in the MCU

The live-action debut of Tenoch Huerta's MCU character marks a significant development for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After years of anticipation, Namor the Sub-Mariner finally made his appearance in 2022 with the release of Phase 4's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This introduction has placed Namor and his kingdom in the cinematic world of Marvel, opening up new possibilities for storytelling and character interactions within the MCU.

Captain America the original human torch on display

Namor the Sub-Mariner's entry into the MCU is a major milestone, considering his rich history in Marvel Comics. With his own rogues' gallery and a cast of supporting characters, Namor brings a unique corner of the Marvel Universe to the big screen. While Marvel has initially portrayed him as a villain to Shuri, there is untapped potential for exploring Namor's character and introducing new adversaries and allies for him in future MCU projects.

Namor the Sub-Mariner's Debut in the MCU

Captain America: The First Avenger Set Up Namor's First Rival

The groundwork for a potential rival to Namor was laid over a decade ago in the MCU, specifically in Captain America: The First Avenger. An Easter egg in the Stark Expo scene hinted at the introduction of the original Human Torch, Jim Hammond, a Golden Age character in Marvel Comics. This setup foreshadowed the possibility of pitting the Human Torch against Namor, drawing from their historic confrontations in the comic books and their eventual alliance as part of Captain America's World War II superhero team, the Invaders.

Human Torch Jim Hammond vs Namor in Marvel Comics

The rich history of Jim Hammond a.k.a. Human Torch, who first appeared in 1939's Marvel Comics #1, presents an opportunity for the MCU to delve into the character's significance and establish him as a formidable rival to Namor. The stage is set for the potential rekindling of their rivalry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, building on their iconic clashes and complicated relationship from the comic book canon.

The Potential Rivalry: How The Original Human Torch Can Fight Namor in the MCU

Despite the apparent mismatch in physical strength, the Human Torch possesses unique abilities that make him a compelling adversary for Namor. Drawing from the events in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where Shuri exploited Namor's vulnerability to dehydration, it becomes evident that the Human Torch's fire-based powers offer a strategic advantage in a potential confrontation with Namor. While lacking raw power compared to Namor, the Human Torch's ability to produce fire presents a formidable challenge and an intriguing dynamic for their potential clashes in the MCU.

The prospect of a Namor vs. Human Torch showdown in the MCU opens up various narrative possibilities. With the original Human Torch's existence already established in the MCU, there are opportunities to explore his reawakening in the modern world and integrate him into future storylines. This could lead to the fulfillment of a 12-year-old setup for Jim Hammond to become a prominent MCU superhero, paving the way for a compelling rivalry and eventual team-up with Namor in upcoming MCU projects such as Avengers 5 or Avengers: Secret Wars.