Everything We Know About Stingray, Marvel’s Undersea Avenger

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Walter Newell, more commonly recognized as the character Stingray, is one of the less popular heroes who has left significant marks throughout the years. Making his debut in issue #95 of Tales to Astonish in 1967, this brilliant engineer and oceanographer has been entangled in some of Marvel’s most dramatic incidents, such as the Armor Wars and Civil War. Although many readers might not recognize Stingray, the hero has served on various superhero teams, including the Avengers and Deadpool’s Mercs for Money.

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed that Stingray, a character frequently sidelined, has been given a significant resurgence in the current Namor series penned by Jason Aaron. The latest developments could potentially signal a more promising future for our aquatic hero. With Namor dismantling the Atlantean monarchy and uniting the seven kingdoms in issue #8 of Namor, the fate of this new Atlantean Government and their interactions with the surface world might rest heavily on Stingray’s shoulders.

The lesser-known Marvel Hero has a long history

From a young age, Walter Newell displayed signs of his exceptional intellect, fueled by an insatiable curiosity about the unexplored mysteries hidden within the oceans. He channeled this passion into earning a doctorate in oceanography, and during his spare time, he honed his engineering skills to innovate technologies for exploring and navigating the seas.

Walter’s ambition ultimately led him to create an underwater city – a subterranean haven capable of sustaining human life beneath the Earth’s vast oceans. However, this marvel was met with treachery when the villain Plunderer launched an attack on the city. Fortunately, Walter was rescued by Namor and Lady Dorma.

In his role as Stingray, Walter frequently crossed paths with various other superheroes, including the Defenders. Remarkably, he also engaged in a battle against the Hulk in the 1977 issue #221 of The Incredible Hulk (written by Roger Stern, illustrated by Sal Buscema, Alfredo Alcala, Janice Cohen, and Denise Wohl). Over time, Stingray took on the responsibility of caring for Hydrobase and the Hydro-Men. Eventually, this underwater facility became the Avengers’ main headquarters following the destruction of their previous home, Avengers Mansion, at the hands of the Masters of Evil.

In another battle, Stingray crossed swords with Iron Man during Armor Wars, a conflict sparked when Tony Stark suspected that his armor was built using Stark tech. The underwater hero’s tenure at Hydrobase eventually came to an abrupt end when Doombots submerged it into the ocean in issue #311 of Avengers (written by John Byrne, Paul Ryan, Tom Palmer, Nelson Yomtov, and Bill Oakley). Later on, Quasar rescued Walter, leading to his official induction as an Avenger once they returned to the Avengers Mansion.

Walter Newall became a valued ally to many heroes.

Besides collaborating with the Avengers, Stingray also maintained a close friendship with Namor and joined him on numerous expeditions. On several occasions, he even worked together with Namor, the Sea King, and the Atlanteans at their underwater base. However, in time, Stingray found himself at odds with his former Avenger comrades when Namor mysteriously disappeared following accusations of wrongdoings against the surface world.

The team broke up following the discovery of Namor, with Stingray then rejoining the Avengers as Kang the Conqueror started assaulting global heroes. In Kang’s attack, Stingray fought together with rebelling Atlanteans against their current king, Attuma. Later, Stingray departed from the team again and became a member of Captain America’s covert Avengers during the Civil War incident.

After engaging in multiple other thrilling escapades prior to the Avengers & X-Men Axis event, Newall found himself involved. During this event, Doctor Doom formed his own Avengers group when the original heroes mysteriously vanished, and he switched allegiances to the good side. Alongside Stingray and the rest of the team, they fought against an evil Scarlet Witch. However, due to their interference in containing her power, Doom reduced a part of the Scarlet Witch’s abilities, leaving the Avengers abandoned.

Initially, Stingray joined Deadpool’s “Mercs for Money” team, acting as a global extension of Deadpool while other vigilantes assumed his identity. However, unbeknownst to most, Stingray was covertly working under Steve Rogers’ supervision, monitoring the team. The group disbanded when its members grew tired of Deadpool’s antics. Since then, Stingray has made a reappearance in “Avengers” #9 (penned by Jason Aaron, David Marquez, Justin Ponsor, and Cory Petit). In the latest Namor series penned by Jason Aaron, Stingray is set to have a more significant role in the Marvel Universe, marking a new chapter for the Atlanteans.

The Stingray sets Namor on his new path

The 2024 Namor series (penned by Jason Aaron, Paul Davidson, Alex Lins, Neeraj Menon, and Joe Caramagna) portrays the former King of Atlantis, who is now incarcerated in Sea Cage Prison for his previous actions against humanity. Following attempts on his life by assassins, Stingray pays him a visit and discloses that these events are connected to a larger conflict brewing under the ocean known as World War Sea. With Namor’s throne unoccupied, the seven rulers of the sea realms have ignited a civil war among themselves, posing a significant threat not only to Atlanteans but also to those on the surface.

As an ardent admirer and supporter of Namor, the Sub-Mariner, I was thrilled when his esteemed status as the foremost oceanographer allowed for his temporary release from confinement. This gave him the opportunity to return to the depths of the sea and bring order among his people once more.

In a spectacular display of power, Namor vanquished the Seven Sea Lords. However, after gaining knowledge about his realm, he made a momentous decision – one that would change the course of Atlantis forever. He demolished the throne, symbolically dissolving the division among the Seven Kingdoms.

In its place, Namor forged a united Atlantis, where seven representatives from various oceanic regions now govern in harmony on a council, ensuring balance and peace across the world’s vast oceans.

Following the establishment of the latest Atlantean administration, the United Nations Security Council designates Newall as the intermediary linking the new Atlantis with the surface world. Given that Atlantis is now a mobile island, its inhabitants able to roam across the ocean, Namor relinquishes his people’s destiny and ventures off to explore hidden underwater realms.

Stingray could be the new unofficial King of Atlantis on the surface

As Namor dives back into the deep sea depths and the alliance between Atlantis and the surface world remains fragile, it seems like I, Stingray, will step up to be a key figure in this upcoming change. Comic #8 of Namor (written by Jason Aaron, Paul Davidson, Alex Lins, Neeraj Menon, and Joe Caramagna) hints that I’ve been invited to the new Atlantis, making me their voice to the people above. Although I’m not the king, my role as a liaison places me in a position of influence that I seldom experience.

The prospects of Stingray are promising, yet there are numerous hurdles to overcome as Atlantis and the surface world adapt to their evolving alliance. In this context, Stingray serves as a symbolic figurehead for Atlantis, potentially seen as a new ruler by those on the surface, thereby reshaping the existing power dynamics amidst simmering conflicts between the two groups. It remains undecided if Aaron or another author will continue the narrative in a future series, but it’s evident that the creator has intriguing ideas for the character’s development and potential reign.

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2025-05-01 06:57