Marvel Comics Just Confirmed One of the Newest MCU Additions is a Psychopath
Anyone who has already seen the most recent Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, will be familiar with the newest character introduced to the MCU, Namor.
The convoluted character made audiences wonder for most of the film just what his intentions were. However, ultimately he turned against Wakanda and even killed Ramonda to Shuri's dismay. Namor may be a new character in the cinematic universe, however, in the comics he has a long and complicated past often depicted as an anti-hero. A side of him which the Marvel comics emphasize just how psychotic he can really be at times.
Although Wakanda Forever slightly altered some of Namor's backstory from the comics, much about his character was kept the same.
Not only is he a superhuman with many powerful gifts, but he is also the ruler of Atlantis. Throughout the comics, Namor often demonstrates he will do absolutely anything for the sake of his people; particularly if he believes it will protect them.
Among his more heinous acts, Namor has on multiple occasions attempted to destroy Wakanda and the Black Panther throughout the comics, choosing to see both at times as direct threats to his Kingdom.
He has also taken extreme measures in the past, including decimating innocents if he deems it necessary. At one point Namor aligns with Thanos (as well as others) in a universal killing spree they believe to save their universe from extinction. He takes the opportunity to destroy Earth-4290001 when no one else will do what is needed.
All of his morally questionable deeds clearly make him at least a partially villainous character. However, it is his lack of compassion and regret, as shown in the comics, which truly makes him a psychopath. This is best demonstrated in the Marvel comic Avengers Assemble: Alpha #1.
The plot sees the Avengers travel back in time only to encounter the original Avengers of 1,000,000 BC. Not initially trusting these new heroes, a fight erupts between them. In one scene the original Ghost Rider battles Namor and the Atlantean King falls victim to the penance stare.
Ghost Rider's most formidable power, the stare inflicts the pain and suffering on its victim that they have inflicted on others. Although Ghost Rider's power can impair the most powerful of his rivals, Namor shrugs it off fairly easily.
Clearly not conflicted by the suffering of his past victims, this moment validates his true nature as a complete psychopath. The only other villain to express such resistance to the penance stare is the mad titan, Thanos himself.
As for the MCU, we may see more of Namor and his psychopathy later on within the Marvel films. During the Secret Wars storyline, Namor and the Black Panther make peace to help defeat Doctor Doom. Although not much is leaked about future Marvel projects, we know it is likely there will be some similarity in the upcoming 2026 movie Avengers: Secret Wars. Maybe this time we'll see more of Namor's better side.