These two issues comprise the middle of a four-part storyline in Marvel Team-Up featuring Namor, the second of which features Captain America (with a brief appearance by him in the next). The story actually began in issue #6 in a team-up with Spider-Man, which was Namor’s first appearance in the 616 Universe since he returned from the “Heroes Reborn” world with the rest of the Avengers and Fantastic Four in Heroes Reborn: The Return #4. Unfortunately, Spidey finds Namor very disoriented, unsure of who he is, and apparently unable to breath water. In issue #8, Doctor Strange determines that his experiences on the other world fractured his mind, and gives him the Talisman of Abraxas (the green pendant around his neck below) to help him control his emotions.
It is in this broken state that Cap finds his fellow Invader in issue #9…
…and helpfully recaps the events of the last issue for him. (There is underwater political strife in the current Namor series too, which I highly recommend—Cap likes it too!)
Cap is blunt with his old friend, first nearly shaming him (above) for not being on the scene already, then launching into a chorus of “this is not the Namor I know.”
Cap gets his wish, for better or worse, as the two head to Atlantis and Namor loses it when he sees the wetsuit he must wear underseas. (“I’ve never seen Namor like this” is rich, considering he said nearly the same thing above when Namor was calm!)
After he settles down—and perhaps sees his fine self in a mirror—Captain Atlantis apologizes to his friend and asks why he stands by him, and gets an answer that’s sentimental, dutiful, and inspiring at the same time.
Below, Namor compares New Atlantis to—hey, what’s that supposed to mean? (Even Cap is surprised by this slanderous insult.)
Without the Talisman, Namor starts attacking the Atlanteans until Cap stops him and recommends he focus on the guy in charge—and Namor actually listens.
When Namor relies on Cap’s loyalty, Cap is hesitant but supports his friend… but if you thought Namor was going on the attack again, then it’s your turn to be surprised.
Cap is surprised too, but is torn between letting Namor’s plan play out and saving his life… so he finds a way to do both, explaining to the Atlanteans why their former leader is taking such a risk.
The gambit works: The Atlanteans themselves save Namor and rise up to overthrow their false king Keerg.
Once back on the throne with his rule affirmed, Namor feels that his attempts to work with the surface world were what led to his people turning to Keerg, so he promises a combative stance once again, which leaves Cap concerned. (Just look at the concern on his face!)
Namor’s stance seems to be confirmed when a fleet of private submarines from the surface world approaches, and he promises to fight “the forces of fascism” (more accurately capitalism, but whatever) wherever they appear, not just in Atlantis itself.
Cap taps out after issue #9 ends, after which the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing takes over in issue #10. Cap does appears on the two-page spread below, giving Ben a sitrep, providing a little more context to why the Atlanteans had sided with Kreeg and his alliances with private interests on the surface world (the same one that sent the submarines later).
You’ll no doubt be happy to learn that, by the end of issue #11, Namor discovers his failing powers and his inability to breathe water were psychosomatic, and he returns to the majesty and belligerence we have come to know and love.
ISSUE DETAILS
Marvel Team-Up (vol. 2) #9, May 1998: Tom Peyer and Glenn Herdling (writers), Dave Ross (pencils), Tom Wegrzyn (inks), Tom Smith (colors), Bill Oakley (letters). (More details at Marvel Database.)
Marvel Team-Up (vol. 2) #10, June 1998: Tom Peyer and Glenn Herdling (writers), Pat Olliffe (pencils), Al Williamson (inks), Tom Smith (colors), Ken Lopez (letters). (More details at Marvel Database.)
Not yet collected.
ALSO THESE MONTHS: Captain America #5, Avengers #4, and Wolverine #124 (May 1998), Captain America #6, Avengers #5, and Marvel Universe #1 (June 1998)
THE VIRTUES OF CAPTAIN AMERICA 
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