The Fantastic Four were investigating the ruins of the long lost continent of Atlantis, recently discovered by Susan and Johnny Storm's estranged mother, when they came upon an ancient tomb of the single most dangerous criminal in Atlantean history, the hibernating Namor. They unknowingly freed Namor from captivity and were attacked by him. After the brutal fight in which he had defeated Johnny only to be knocked out by Ben Grimm, he was apprehended and taken back to the Baxter Building. The four believed him to be the great King Namor.

Once back at the Baxter Building Namor revealed that he had allowed himself to be captured, and claimed the Atlantean race was a million years more evolved and scientifically more advanced than humans. He offered to share his knowledge, but only with the beautiful Sue Storm. Sue, curious about the knowledge agrees to talk to him.

However, in Times Square, Namor revealed his true colors as he assaulted Sue in the streets. Reed Richards had deciphered the Atlantean language and realized that it wasn't a tomb that the Fantastic Four discovered, but a prison. The Fantastic Four were able to slow Namor down until he summoned a gigantic tidal wave in the shape of an angry Poseidon, capable of sinking New York; however, Namor promised he wouldn't sink New York if Sue gave him a long, passionate kiss. When she did, Namor flew off to an unknown location. Namor was referred to by Reed as "possibly the greatest metahuman on earth".