Sub-Mariner Comics #31
The Man Who Grew!
Sub-Mariner's arch-nemesis Dr. Dill has perfected a growth formula which he intends to use against Namor in order to cause him to grow to gigantic size and fall off the Earth itself. He quickly tracks down the Sub-Mariner and offers him friendship and purchases Namor a soft drink. Although Namor sees Dill slip his formula into the drink, the Sub-Mariner foolishly drinks it anyway and soon finds himself growing out of control.
While Dill and his gang plot to rob a gold shipment, the Sub-Mariner finds himself growing at an alarming rate and at the demands of New York City, flees the metropolis before he can cause any more damage. Forced out to sea, Namor happens upon the robbery and grabs Dill's ship and forces him to administer the antidote. Namor is restored to his normal size and turns Dill and his men over to the authorities.
Recurring Characters
Sub-Mariner
Continuity Notes
This story states that Doctor Dill is Namor’s arch-nemesis. No, you did not miss an iconic “stupid scientist becomes Namor’s arch-nemesis” issue.
The Lost Land!
Having a night alone with Betty Dean, the Sub-Mariner tells her a story about his ancestor who lived in Atlantis centuries ago before the continent sunk....
During those days Tolan felt an ill omen that would bring the end of his kingdom. One day, an inventor named Nagorbu developed a new magnet that could repel human flesh and offered it to Tolan as a new weapon they could use to gain superiority over the universe. Tolan believed that such a device was evil and ordered it dumped into the ocean where it sank to the bottom of the sea. However, Nagorbu had gathered faithful followers who attempted to retrieve the magnet and use it. However Nagorbu's constant searching and digging caused floods that eventually sank Atlantis and the survivors of that disaster developed the ability to breath under water and rebuilt their kingdom.
... Finishing his story, Namor is asked by Betty what happened to the magnet. Namor explained that the magnet eventually sunk to the centre of the Earth, eventually creating gravity. When Betty asks if the story is true, Namor tells her that he is uncertain how much is truth and how much is fiction.
Recurring Characters
Sub-Mariner, Betty Dean
Continuity Notes
This is the first time that Namor’s undersea home is called Atlantis. If you want to get anal about it, Namor’s home is actually the royal city of Tha-Kor (per Marvel Atlas #1) named after the then-ruler of the Atlanteans. Atlantis is a colloquial name for whatever major city the Atlanteans reside.
Still, this story completely refutes the “Great Cataclysm” which states that the sinking of Atlantis happened during the Second Host of the Celestials. It’s a really complicated affair. If you want a detailed explanation the Appendix has a good explanation here. A Coles Notes version can be found in History of the Marvel Universe #1.
The Sea Wolf
Buster Miller is harassing two young girls out tanning on a lake, by showing off. Seeing this Namor teaches Miller a lesson by pretending to drown and then out racing him, delivering Buster the humility he deserved.
Recurring Characters
Sub-Mariner
Hypnotist Horror
Lem Snipe, a Nazi spy arrested during the war has finished serving his time and is being released from prison. Angry that he was captured by Captain America, the criminal decides to get revenge against the hero using the hypnosis techniques he learned while in prison.
To test out his abilities, he goes to a local diner and forces the waitress to walk out into the street into the path of on coming traffic. Coincidentally enough, Captain America's alter ego Jeff Mace is outside when it happens and he saves the girl from a fatal accident. Walking the girl back to the diner, Jeff spots Snipe and recognizes him. He quickly leaves and changes into Captain America and attacks him. Their fight takes them out into the alley behind the restaurant where Snipe attempts to use his hypnotic powers to will Captain America dead. However, the hero manages to have a stronger will than Snipe and survives while Snipe himself is driven mad and institutionalized.
Recurring Characters
Captain America
Continuity Notes
Per What If? #4, the appearance of Captain America here is attributed to Jeff Mace.
Lem Snipe states that he was captured by Captain America during World War II while he was a spy for the Nazis. Which means that he was either nabbed by Steve Rogers or William Nasland the only two men who were active as Captain America during the war. Jeff Mace’s ability to recollect this is likely due to the fact that he is familiar with the missions carried out by his predecessors.
The Drink of Death!
The Sub-Mariner is tricked by the Spoiler into drinking a potion that the villain claims will cause Namor death if he comes into contact with water. The Spoiler then mocks the hero before going off and robbing the captain of the ship "Good Heart" which was carrying money for an orphans fund. When the captain returns to shore and asks Namor for help, the hero -- fearing the effects of the Spoiler's potion -- turns his back on him. The story is picked up by the press, disgracing the Sub-Mariner.
Aboard the Good Heart, the Sub-Mariner tries to explain his delicate situation when the Spoiler returns to steal the rest of the money. Namor fights the Spoiler who then flees in the water. Namor takes a gamble and dives in after him and finds out that he is unaffected and easily beats the Spoiler, who admits that the potion did not really work. The Spoiler is turned over to the authorities and Namor's reputation is redeemed.
Recurring Characters
Sub-Mariner
