Namor The Sub-Mariner Epic Collection: Destiny Or Death

Sub-Mariner gets his own title in the heyday of the Marvel Age!

It’s undersea action at its finest as a roster of legendary creators guides the Sub-Mariner to glory! First, Stan Lee and Gene Colan continue their triumphant run as Namor is driven to madness — first by the Puppet Master, then by political intrigue with Warlord Krang. Next, Namor becomes the prime target of the shadowy Secret Empire in an astonishing crossover with the Incredible Hulk. Another clash with Iron Man further elevates these iconic tales, featuring art by Jack “King” Kirby himself! Sub-Mariner creator Bill Everett makes a celebrated return to illustrate an epic war against Attuma. And finally, Roy Thomas and “Big” John Buscema launch Namor into his solo series with a historic team-up alongside the Inhumans’ Triton!

COLLECTING: Tales to Astonish (1959) #77-101, Iron Man and Sub-Mariner (1968) #1, Sub-Mariner (1968) #1-3; material from Not Brand Echh (1967) #1, 4, 9, 11

Written by: Stan Lee & Roy Thomas with Archie Goodwin, Raymond Marais, Gary Friedrich & Arnold Drake

Penciled by: Gene Colan, Bill Everett & John Buscema with Marie Severin, Dan Adkins, Werner Roth, Jack Kirby, Jerry Grandenetti, Tom Sutton & Ross Andru

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs