When Attuma Strikes! (1964-1965) Reading Order

The barbaric Atantean called Attuma makes his debut, making his intentions to rule the undersea kingdom of Atlantis abundantly clear! Don’t let those bunny ears fool you – this warlord is more that capable of stealing the throne from Namor Sub-Mariner and of going go toe-to-webbed-toe with the Fantastic Four. And even if luck isn’t on Attuma’s side this time around, that won’t stop him taking out his rage on Giant-Man and the Wasp!

Minor Crossover: Two separate but connected stories that, when read together, show Attuma’s full plight.

Must Reads: Story arcs marked with a ✔are must-read stories from this time period, along with any key related stories and often-forgotten tales that are worth a read.

Anthology Issues: When an issue contains multiple stories, the relevant story is denoted with square brackets. For example, [2/5] refers to the second story of the five stories in that issue, so you don’t need to read the other four. 

Want to keep it simple? Here’s the chronological reading order without story descriptions, or spoilers:

  • Fantastic Four #33
  • Tales to Astonish #64 [1/2]

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Must ReadsTitle, Issue Number & Synopsis
Fantastic Four #33
Namor the Sub-Mariner is challenged by the barbaric warlord Attuma for the throne of Atlantis. But when Namor momentarily rejects Lady Dorma’s affections, she betrays him to Attuma, giving the warlord the means to break past his defences. Dorma calls upon the Fantastic Four to come to Namor’s aid. While the FF secretly deal with the barbarian’s hordes, the Sub-Mariner defeats Attuma. The Fantastic Four depart before the Sub-Mariner becomes aware of the team’s presence in Atlantis.

1st appearance: Attuma
Tales to Astonish #64 [1/2]
The Wasp goes on holiday on her own after upsetting Hank Pym. Having failed to take Atlantis, Attuma decides to take his frustrations out on the surface world instead. He manipulates the seas themselves to snatch the plane that so happens to be carrying the Wasp, and takes her hostage. She signals Pym who rushes to her rescue as Giant-Man. The two Avengers overcome Attuma and his army and make their escape, also expressing their love for one another.

Must ReadsIssue & FalloutEvent / Crossover
Tales of Suspense #66 (1965)
Attuma returns, making his next bid to attack the surface world; Iron Man repels the attack by destroying Attuma’s Nautilium weapon.
Sub-Mariner #36-37 (1971)
Attuma makes his next bid to take over Atlantis during the wedding of Namor and Dorma; Namor discovers another traitor allied with Attuma within Atlantis; while defending Atlantis from Attuma, Lady Dorma is murdered by Llyra.
New Defenders #143-146 (1985)
First appearance of Atlantean warrior Andromeda (initially appearing in the guise of ‘Andrea McPhee’).
Alpha Flight #37-39 (1986)
Avengers #272 (1986)

Attuma successfully claims the throne from Namor.
ASSAULT ON ATLANTIS
Iron Man Annual #10 (1989)
X-Factor Annual #4 (1989)
Web of Spider-Man Annual #5 (1989)
Attuma forms an alliance with Ghaur and Llyra and initiates a major attack on the surface world; Ghaur and Llyra betray Attuma; Andromeda is revealed to be Attuma’s daughter; first mention of Attuma’s wife (and Andromeda’s mother), Lady Gelva.
ATLANTIS ATTACKS
Dark Reign: Made Men #2 (Digital Comic)
Attuma’s origins are revealed.
DARK REIGN
Indestructible Hulk #5 (2013)
Attuma is revealed to have taken over Lemuria.
MARVEL NOW!

Notable collected editions that bring When Attuma Strikes together…

Collected Edition TitleIncludes…
Fantastic Four Epic Collection: The Coming of Galactus (vol.3)

Fantastic Four Omnibus vol.2

Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four: The World’s Greatest Artist’s Edition (IDW)

Marvel Masterworks: Fantastic Four vol.4

Namor, the Sub-Mariner Epic Collection: Enter the Sub-Mariner (vol.1)
Fantastic Four #33
Ant-Man/Giant-Man Epic Collection: Ant-Man No More (vol.2)

Marvel Masterworks: Ant-Man/Giant-Man vol.2
Tales to Astonish #64

Reading Order ©OmniverseComicsGuide 2023

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