Originally Posted by
Reviresco
After Robinson's non-stop veneration of Jim Hammond in his run of Invaders AND Squadron Supreme, I'm fine with the Torches not getting so much focus. Plus, "focus" on the Torches seems to result in some awful changes, i.e. Iron Torch, Torch losing his powers, Torch getting his powers warped, Torch getting "decommissioned," etc., etc. etc. Not to mention poor Toro getting his origin and powers re-written so often. I will say Zdarsky's view on Torch and Namor's relationship is different than what I've grown accustomed to -- at least as the series progressed. In the beginning, where Hammond is the one reminding Cap of who Namor is to them -- that seemed on target to me. Namor ripping off Jim's head? Absolutely no way. I know Zdarsky did it to illustrate how far Machan had tainted Namor, but I still feel that's a line he wouldn't have crossed, anymore than he would have killed Cap, or nearly killed Stingray (looking at you Aaron).
The Vodan thing is kind of strange. I thought in Best Defense the Vodani were a lost tribe of Atlantis that somehow got on that planet? Of course, I could be remembering wrong. It seemed more ambiguous as to the Vodani origins in those issues. But I agree. I don't think the Atlanteans should be space aliens.
Yep, the transformation into human and the powers Namor lost wasn't really explained ... or made sense. He should have still had his ankle wings and flight, and the powers of Hydroman, you'd have thought. I am torn about those powers, though. It was cool to see, and makes sense for the character, but was it too much? I'm not usually a fan of power creep.
I agree. The attempt to kill Machan, when he's possessing Roman, is off. It's not Roman's fault, any more than it is entirely Namor's fault. Though, one could argue, I suppose, that one reason why Namor is eager to execute him, is because he blames himself, and there's some projection going on. However, that's not made clear at all. Also, I don't see Namor letting the American's imprison Roman, either. Namor is loyal, especially to the women in his life. And after all he put Nae and Roman through, I just don't see him throwing Roman and that relationship with the Petersons away.
But again, with one major disagreement (which I'll try to get into later), most of my complaints / questions are trumped by all the good things Zdarsky did (OMG all the HUGS!), as well as the great art. Too bad it looks like Aaron is going to completely ignore the series as far as Namor, and maybe Cap, is concerned.