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Would you work with a sworn enemy… if the threat were hell itself? The unlikely team event between Black Panther and Namor in their latest series, Condemned by Ethan Parker and Griffin Sheridan (the duo known for The best of queens), Explore the answer to this question.
It delves into the ramifications that followed events such as T’Challa’s removal from the throne and his return to the force, along with Namor’s resignation as King of Atlantis. There is a strong contrast that is obvious when we read panels of both of them protecting their nations.
Wakanda warns you: This article contains spoilers for both. Condemned #1 and Captain America #15.
Namor is still adored and grateful by many of his subjects, while T’Challa is actively disliked despite being king again, even by his Dora Milaje, who make their feelings of contempt for his throne obvious. That could be due to a personality difference. Wakandans are probably more apt and likely to speak so harshly against T’Challa due to his gentler personality, unlike Namor.
On the topic of them being kings, for some strange reason, they’re both drawn with baby faces in this. I’m not a fan of that. They look like guys approaching 20 years old, and that doesn’t really fit the level of experience they have or the length of time they’ve ruled their respective kingdoms. Also, this direction doesn’t work as a contrast to Dr. Doom. With his serious eyes, steely attire, and strong demeanor, he just doesn’t contrast well when seeing their baby faces. Other than that, the art is solid.
Doom attacks Atlantis along with the hellspawn demons, after reaching a deal with Mephisto in Captain America #15 to get his life back. In exchange, he agrees that his soul will be Mephisto’s after his death.
The thematic twist here is really intriguing. Normally Atlantis suffers attacks from above. The surface world is where the battle tends to find Atlantis, if not from within. This time, the attack comes literally from the center of the earth. Instead of from above, Atlantis suffers from below, as the sea floor opens and demons run rampant.
The other downside is that Namor’s hero friends tend to go down to Atlantis and ask for help, or Namor goes up to the surface world to attack. In CondemnedNamor turns both tropes on their head as he rises, but this time he’s the one asking for help.
Namor is dismayed that Wakanda allows T’Challa to return to the throne, but he needs Wakanda’s help to save Atlantis. Despite no longer being king, the love he has for his people is immense.
By the end of this five-issue miniseries, a change of status quo should occur. In my opinion, Wakanda’s disagreement with T’Challa has gone on too long, and this story is a good place to turn that around. Or at least, sow its seeds.
The main complaint is that T’Challa fought his way back to a monarchy from Wakanda’s democracy. In the face of hellspawn, written decisions could be used to place the nation in situations where they cannot wait for a parliamentary vote and need immediate action. This is where a monarch’s edge and T’Challa’s quick, mature decision-making abilities can shine.
Leaving aside the topic of kings and nations, I’m curious as to why Doom went to Atlantis instead of Latveria. That is his home and he still knows the terrain. He also still has a lot of equity as a ruler, and Salvation failed to fill the power vacuum left in his absence. Furthermore, Zdarsky Captain America revealed that he left a clone behind. According to number 15, there is much more to do in Latveria than in Atlantis, unless the following Cover The issue will expand on the deal made with Mephisto.
Classification: 3.6/5