Namor the Sub-Mariner has reached a higher level of popularity thanks to his debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. In the film, his charm, power and ruthlessness were all fully displayed and perfectly showed why he's always been such a deadly force in the Marvel Universe. But one of the most exciting aspects of his character that was showcased was his famous ankle wings. Not only were they perfectly displayed in the film, but the action sequences explained how he used them in battle when he took to the skies. As a result, it's also created renewed attention to his wings in the comics.

As far as his printed history goes, Namor's wings have been taken as something of a given. Never under or overplayed, they've always been a huge aspect regarding his ability to fly and have, for the most part, not been explored further. However, there's no doubt that his ankle wings have a comical quality, as their small size shouldn't carry Namor to such heights. But even though they could be a point of humor for many, readers and creators must never make light of just how important his wings are. Those same ankle wings have played a part on at least two occasions in showing how powerful they make Namor.

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Namor's Wings Make Him Incredibly Fast

namor-wings-mom

Namor's wings had always granted him the ability to fly, even when he was created by Bill Everett. But in his earliest comic appearances, his wings did more than keep him in the air. They were also a source of incredible speed. In Sub-Mariner Comics #38 by Bill Everett, Namor was shown saving his mother and quickly flying away with her on his back. Even with the weight of a full-grown adult on his back, his wings still managed to carry them at the speed of a bullet. But had he not had someone on his back, it's likely he could've flown even faster. While brief, the scene was definitive in his early history as it showed the earliest example of the speed at which he could fly. Years later, he would have to rely on this speed as well, as he faced characters like The Human Torch.

This was one of the earliest examples of why his wings are so crucial to his character, as he had already been shown to swim at great speeds. By showing how much speed and control he had in the air, it fit his metaphor of being a child of the land and sea. Furthermore, the drive to save his mother also explored how far he was willing to push himself to save someone he loved. From that point on, his wings would also allow him to decrease speed and stabilize to maneuver in different directions. That said, no matter how fast he stopped and took off, he always maintained the super speed. But speed was only a small aspect of why his wings are possibly his most important attribute.

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Namor's Strength Is Best Used Alongside His Wings

Namor destroys Sentinel

While speed has always been important for movement, they can also be repurposed to increase strength as well. In Namor's case, one of his most powerful feats happened while he was in the air. In Sub-Mariner #3 (by Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson and Phil Briones), Namor tried to uncover a plot to usurp his rule of Atlantis. However, the plan enacted involved the destruction of a surface world town, incriminating the ruler. After seeking aid from Professor Xavier, Namor was faced with a squad of Sentinels sent by S.H.I.E.L.D. Rather than bend the knee, he quickly took to the skies and ripped the Sentinels apart. In one instance, he took the arm of one of the mechas and used it to destroy another without touching the ground.

Even though his strength was the main focus here, his ankle wings allowed Namor to distribute his weight and likely amplify his strength to rip apart a massive robot. Some of the strongest Mutants imaginable have even struggled with this feat, and yet, Namor did so while flying. In the end, Namor has always been a character willing to dispel any doubts an individual may have against him. But he always did so while showcasing the power his ankle wings had. Because of this and the fact that they are so crucial to his power and characterization, it's impossible to think of them as anything less than impressive.