Sub-Mariner: The Depths #1 – Review

By Peter Milligan (Writer) and Esad Ribic (Artist)

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect heading into this Marvel Knights mini-series and after reading the first issue I still don’t. My confusion stems from two main things: the exposition heavy nature and the incredibly unique (horror-like) tone.

The story begins by introducing Marlowe and Dr. Rudolph Stein, two very different men whose paths in life looked to be intertwined by the mystery surrounding the mythic city of Atlantis. Marlowe, seemingly on the brink of insanity in the opening pages believes that Atlantis exists and has driven himself to the very extreme in order to find it. Dr. Stein, known worldwide as “The Great Debunker,” is a man of science hired to find the missing Marlowe and, if possible, Atlantis. The set-up is extremely weighty and well done, but by the time things really get rolling (with creepy dialogue about the deep and the Sub-Mariner), the issue comes to an end. I look forward to what is coming next and hope that subsequent chapters can keep up the eerie tone.

The writing by Peter Milligan and the artwork by Esad Ribic really come together to make Sub-Mariner: The Depths something of a complete package. Milligan’s story carries a historical weight that fits the realistic nature of the book and Ribic’s extremely impressive, cinematic artwork makes a good read even better. My only worry is that the high quality of the artwork may begin to suffer as deadlines for the series approach – which would be a shame considering how this could turn out to be one of the best looking comics to come out in quite some time. To be honest, I think it would look more at home as a Radical series than a Marvel one.

Overall, I really enjoyed the first chapter of this unique Namor story. Good writing and great artwork come together to make for a compelling book, but I can’t shake the feeling that this one might end up working better as a trade. My recommendation? Check out this first issue and see if it’s something you would rather read all at once or as a monthly series. (Grade: B)

-Kyle Posluszny