The Saga of the Sub-Mariner # 1 1988 NM-

The Saga of the Sub-Mariner # 1, published in November 1988, is the first issue in a twelve-part limited series that retells the entire life story of Namor, the Sub-Mariner, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his first appearance. 

The issue is titled "A Legend A-Borning" and is framed as Namor writing his life story as a chronicle after the apparent death of his wife, Marrina. The narrative covers the ancient history of Atlantis leading up to his unique birth. 

• Ancient Atlantis: The story provides a historical overview of the ancient, land-based civilization of Atlantis and its eventual sinking due to the Celestials' judgment on the Deviant-ruled Lemuria. This cataclysm forces the surviving humans to adapt and evolve into Homo mermanus.
• The Oracle Incident: The main focus is on the year 1920 and the events leading to Namor's conception. The American icebreaker ship, the Oracle, is performing scientific work near the Atlantean capital in the Antarctic, the explosions from which wreak havoc on the undersea city.
• A Tragic Romance: Emperor Thakorr's daughter, Princess Fen, is sent to the surface to investigate. She is captured but soon falls in love with the Oracle's captain, Leonard McKenzie, and they are married aboard the ship.
• Birth of a Prince: Weeks later, an Atlantean war party searches for the missing princess. A skirmish breaks out, and Leonard McKenzie is killed. Princess Fen is brought back to Atlantis, and from this tragic union is born Prince Namor, a pink-skinned mutant, marking him as the first mutant in the Marvel Universe. 

• Writers: Roy Thomas and Dann Thomas
• Penciler: Rich Buckler
• Inkers: Bob McLeod and Bill Everett (reprinted panels)
• Cover Art: Rich Buckler and Bob McLeod