Fabian Nicieza Introduces a New King of Atlantis in Giant-Size Fantastic Four #1 (Exclusive)

A forgotten ruler of Atlantis is coming again in a main approach. 2024 is the fiftieth anniversary of Marvel’s Giant-Size comics, with the writer celebrating by returning to the format every month of the yr. Acclaimed author Fabian Nicieza is penning February’s Giant-Size Fantastic Four #1, that includes a story that uncovers a soiled secret in Atlantis in the shape of Natlus. Namor the Sub-Mariner has been the face of Atlantis ever since his debut, however his time as ruler is in a rocky establishment since he is now in an Atlantis jail. Unfortunately, Natlus’ return will solely carry extra drama to the ocean world. The query is how will the Fantastic Four issue into the political intrigue.

ComicBook.com spoke to Fabian Nicieza about Giant-Size Fantastic Four #1 to find out how Nicieza got here up with the backstory for Natlus, what Namor thinks about Atlantis having a secret ruler he did not learn about, and the way the Fantastic Four discover themselves caught in the center, and collaborating with artist Creees Lee. Plus, we will solely reveal inside pages for Giant-Size Fantastic Four #1 with artwork by Creees Lee and colours by Arif Prianto.

What Namor thinks of Natlus

ComicBook.com: Atlantis seems to be in a interval of transition with Namor imprisoned. What’s his state of thoughts earlier than and after Natlus arrives?

Fabian Nicieza: I think about his state of thoughts is annoyed on account of that entire imprisonment factor you talked about. Namor has a very transient function in the Giant Size FF concern and I think about he has a lot extra to cope with proper now that resuscitated thousand-year-old former monarchs.

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Atlantis drama

How do the Fantastic Four get entangled in the Atlantis drama with Natlus?

You know that ol’ pesky Walt Newell aka Stingray asking Reed if he can assist some underwater exploration for brand spanking new algae-driven vitality sources goes to result in buried tombs each single time!

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Natlus backstory

I like how Natlus’ title reversed is “Sultan.” Obviously, you may’t inform us an excessive amount of about him, however are you able to discuss the way you went about crafting his backstory?

Well, the story goes when creating Namor, Bill Everett simply spelled Roman backwards, and I wished Imperius Rex to have a related method — sultan outlined as sovereign, ruler and energy, appeared to suit the invoice and Natlus has a good two-syllable ring to it that went nicely with Namor.

I wished to dig into Atlantean and Lemurean lore and say a little one thing about trendy instances as nicely, however I am unable to give an excessive amount of away about Natlus with out revealing a story twist, however I’ll say he dominated a few thousand years in the past and his reign lasted for about 100 years earlier than he was exiled. And, he was additionally the primary — and doubtless final — king who was an Atlantean/Lemurian hybrid.

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Collaboration w/ Crees Lee

What has the collaboration been like with Creees Lee? Are there any pages that you simply’re excited for followers to take a look at?

We did not have a lot of contact! I want we had, however Creees agreed to attract it after I’d delivered the script after which a few weeks later simply as I used to be about to ask when pages can be dropping a PDF of all the concern, totally inked, landed in my inbox!

So, I mentioned, “Hmm, I guess pages dropped.” And I opened up the file and mentioned, “Hmm. That’s nice. Oooh, that’s good. Hey, that worked. Man, this kid’s pretty good. Oh, nice intro of Natlus.” I did dialogue tweaks and off it went.

Every e-book has its personal course of and this one was type of executed in mutual isolation, however I’m proud of the tip outcomes.

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The future of Natlus

Lastly, the rest you want to go away with followers for what to stay up for in Giant-Size Fantastic Four?

I feel Natus could possibly be a actual fascinating character if future writers select to proceed the issues I arrange in the difficulty, however time will inform on that. I hope readers benefit from the concern. I brazenly want I’d had extra pages to inform as massive a story as the unique Giant Size titles, whose fiftieth anniversary we’re celebrating, have been capable of inform, however I’m actually completely satisfied any time I can write the FF and getting so as to add a little to the mythology of Atlantis was a lot of enjoyable, too!

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