WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Avengers #42, by Jason Aaron, Luca Maresca, David Curiel and VC's Cory Petit, on sale now.
In the Avengers "Enter the Phoenix" storyline, multiple heroes and villains of the Marvel Universe have been taken by the Phoenix and pitted against one another in a series of one-on-one fights. The Phoenix has created this contest to determine who will be chosen as its new human host. So far, there have been multiple battles, from Captain America and Doctor Doom to Black Panther's fight against the Man-Thing, and they have all been brutal. Now, in Avengers #42, it's finally Namor the Sub-Mariner's turn to fight.
The King of Atlantis has been edging on villainy for the past few years and he has made it clear that he intends to be the one who bonds with the Phoenix. Now that's it his turn, Namor fights -- and he fights to win. In fact, he is so determined that he even ends up creating killer new animal sidekicks.
Namor's first fight for control of the Phoenix began in Avengers #41. In the issue, he was pitted against Echo. Their battle began underwater at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Now, the fight stretches into Avengers #42 as the two characters, now both powered by the Phoenix Force, clash without holding back. Since Namor essentially lives underwater, he has a clear advantage. He is used to fighting in such an environment, and now that he has the fiery powers of the Phoenix, he is even more of a threat.
For some time now, the Sub-Mariner has been manipulated by Mephisto to become a true menace for the Avengers. Namor has never been a fan of the humans who live on the surface world, but he's now been getting ready for war -- and the Phoenix Force would allow him to win with ease. The promise of the Phoenix's power fuels him in this fight and propels him to fight without mercy.
Unfortunately, Echo is out of her depth (pun intended), and Namor takes things to the next level by combining his Phoenix abilities with his power to control marine life. He reaches out and takes control of multiple sharks, empowering them with the fire of the Phoenix. With their sharp teeth, massive size and great numbers, sharks are already frightening animals in the depths of the ocean. Now, the Sub-Mariner has made them even more dangerous by making them a part of the Phoenix. He sets the school of burning animals loose on Echo, and they swiftly attack his opponent. They provide the distraction he needs to overcome Echo and secure his victory.
This gives us just a small idea of what Namor is capable of with the Phoenix Force, and it shows us what is really at stake. Namor simply can't win because, if he does, flaming sharks may just be the least of humanity's problems.
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