Joe Quesada will take Marvel readers on an epic journey to find out what it takes to survive with only your wits and a clam shell in Namor: the First Inhuman miniseries, taking place during this summer’s Secret Wars event.
UXN: Joe, thanks for taking the time to speak with us about your personal project as part of Marvel's Secret Wars event. Can you tell us a little about your plans for the miniseries?
JOE Q: Well, Namor's in a dark place. He's just found out that everything he knew about his parents and heritage is false. As you'll have seen from recent issues, Namor is a mutant no more! And while I can't go into many details for now, I can tell you that Namor's well-known temper and rage lead him to end up being washed ashore a very unusual island that long time Marvel readers will recognise.
UXN: This wouldn't this be the island that first showed up back in Uncanny X-Men (1st series) #147?
JOE Q: Yes! Except its a little different now
UXN: But the last time it was seen, the island was sucked into the N'Garai dimension, how is it back?
JOE Q: Mike Marts told me you guys were on the ball with continuity! All I can say is that it will be revealed during the course of the miniseries. While Namor may have some down time initially to think about his predicament, it won't be long before he realizes he's not alone, and his very life may be in threat!
UXN: Namor's been around a long time, but has always struggled with his own title. Is this miniseries an attempt to try and give the character a chance to shine?
JOE Q: It's no secret that Namor has struggled to keep his own title, but I've been a big fan of the character for years and never understood why he didn't have the popularity of Wolverine. (Maybe it's the speedos?) So, given the Secret Wars event, I felt it was time to put my reputation on the line, get back into writing and drawing a regular comic again and show Namor the love that he richly deserves.
UXN: Is this just a feeble attempt to reboot the character?
JOE Q: Haha, not at all. I see it as an oppurtunity to strip back the character, and reveal his true self...
UXN: Well, judging by the cover, you've certainly stripped him bare...
JOE Q: Well it was a terrible STORM that put him in this predicament; that's all I'm saying! While we'll cover this in flashbacks, the miniseries is primairly going to deal with how Namor can survive in the wilderness... and his personality.
UXN: Given his new ties to the Inhumans, are we going to see any of those characters in the book?
JOE Q: Not during the miniseries, but by the end they'll be a new status quot for Marvel's First Inhuman!
UXN: Marvel has said several times that these Secret Wars tie-ins are not throwaway stories, and that they’re planting the seeds for things to come in the “All-New Marvel” era to follow. Does this series signal big things to come for Namor post-Secret Wars? Can’t you hint a bit at the direction the character is heading in?
JOE Q: Yes! Just like Black Bolt, Namor has been a king and everyone knows you can't have 2 kings ruling! Is it important to the hundred year tapestry of Marvel Comics and does it plant seeds that are so important that you just HAVE TO READ IT? You be the judge.
Secret Wars begins in May.
NAMOR: THE FIRST INUMAN #1
JOE QUESADA (writer/artist)
- Stranded on a seemingly deserted island in the Bermuda Triangle
- Still reeling from the revelations of his genetic heritage
- The Sub-Mariner must use all his wits to stay one step ahead of those hunting him!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99