So you’ve heard about the Inhumans in Marvel Comics, but you’re not quite sure who they are or what their deal is, huh? Well, get ready to have your curiosity satisfied! In today’s article, we’re going to shed some light on these mysterious characters and give you a brief introduction to the world of the Inhumans. From their origins and unique powers to their complicated family dynamics and intricate society, you’ll soon understand why these superhumans have captured the imagination of comic book fans for decades. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of the Inhumans!
The Origins of the Inhumans
The Inhumans are a fascinating group of characters in the Marvel Comics Universe who trace their origins back to ancient times. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the Inhumans first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 in 1965. These individuals were not born with their powers; instead, they were experimented on by an advanced alien race known as the Kree.
The Experiment on Humans
The Kree, a powerful extraterrestrial species, sought to create a race of superhumans to serve as their ultimate weapon. To achieve this, they experimented on a group of early humans using Terrigen Crystals. These crystals, containing a substance called Terrigen Mist, triggered a process known as Terrigenesis within the humans, altering their DNA and granting them incredible powers.
Terrigenesis
Terrigenesis is the transformative process that occurs when an Inhuman is exposed to the Terrigen Mist. The Terrigen Mist unlocks their latent potential and changes their physical form, granting them unique abilities. The outcome of Terrigenesis varies for each individual, with some manifesting powerful abilities, while others may undergo physical transformations.
Hidden Society
Following their transformation, the Inhumans retreated to the secluded and technologically advanced city of Attilan. Located in a remote region of the Himalayas, Attilan serves as the capital of the Inhuman society. Hidden from the outside world, Attilan is a place where Inhumans live and thrive, away from the prying eyes of humanity.
The Royal Family
Within the society of Inhumans, there exists a royal family that holds significant power and influence. Let’s take a look at some of the key members of the Inhuman royal family and their unique abilities.
Black Bolt
Black Bolt, also known as Blackagar Boltagon, is the silent and enigmatic leader of the Inhumans. His voice is so powerful that even a whisper can unleash a destructive shockwave capable of leveling entire cities. To control his powers, Black Bolt is in a constant state of silence, communicating primarily through sign language or telepathy.
Medusa
Medusa, the queen of the Inhumans, possesses prehensile hair that she can manipulate and control at will. Her hair is incredibly strong and can be used as a powerful weapon, capable of restraining opponents or delivering devastating blows.
Crystal
Crystal, the sister of Medusa, has the ability to manipulate the four classical elements: earth, air, fire, and water. She can summon and control these elements, shaping them to her will. Crystal’s powers also extend to harnessing the energy of the environment.
Karnak
Karnak is a master martial artist, known for his remarkable insight and analytical abilities. He has the power to see the flaws and weaknesses in any person, object, or structure, making him a formidable strategist and tactician.
Gorgon
Gorgon possesses the lower body of a bull, complete with hooves and immense strength. With a single stomp, he can create powerful shockwaves and seismic vibrations, capable of causing devastation in his wake.
Triton
Triton is an aquatic Inhuman, adapted to live in the depths of the oceans. He possesses enhanced physical attributes, including the ability to breathe underwater, night vision, and the ability to withstand extreme pressures.
Lockjaw
Lockjaw is a giant dog-like creature possessing the power of teleportation. With a single bark, he can create a portal that allows himself and others to travel instantly across vast distances.
Powers and Abilities of the Inhumans
The Inhumans are a diverse group, each possessing unique powers and abilities as a result of their Terrigenesis. Here are some of the common abilities found among the Inhuman population.
Terrigenesis
Terrigenesis is the pivotal event that grants Inhumans their powers. Only those exposed to the Terrigen Mist can undergo this transformative process, unlocking their genetic potential and granting them incredible abilities.
Enhanced Physical Attributes
Many Inhumans possess enhanced physical attributes, such as strength, speed, agility, and endurance. These traits often surpass the capabilities of regular humans, making them formidable in combat and physical activities.
Energy Manipulation
Several Inhumans have the ability to manipulate various forms of energy. This includes the ability to generate blasts of energy, absorb energy from their surroundings, or even control and manipulate existing energy sources.
Telepathy and Mind Control
Some Inhumans are gifted with telepathic abilities, allowing them to communicate with or control the minds of others. These telepathic powers can range from simple mind-to-mind communication to full-fledged mind control.
Shapeshifting
A subset of Inhumans possess the power to alter their physical appearance and shape. They can transform into other individuals, mimic the appearance of objects, or even change their anatomical structure to adapt to different situations.
Superhuman Senses
Certain Inhumans have senses that exceed those of ordinary humans. They may possess enhanced hearing, sight, smell, or even an extrasensory perception that allows them to perceive things others cannot.
The Inhuman City of Attilan
Attilan serves as the heart of Inhuman society and is both a physical and cultural marvel. Here are some key aspects of the city and its significance to the Inhumans.
Unusual Location
Attilan is situated on the Blue Area of the Moon, a region with a breathable atmosphere created by the alien race known as the Watchers. The city’s unconventional location provides the Inhumans with isolation and protection from outside interference.
Advanced Technology
Attilan possesses highly advanced technology that far surpasses that of Earth. The Inhumans have developed remarkable scientific and engineering capabilities, incorporating advanced weaponry, transportation systems, and medical technologies into their society.
Society and Culture
Inhuman society is structured hierarchically, with the royal family at the top. The general population is divided into castes based on their genetic potential and abilities, with those possessing powerful or useful abilities holding higher status.
Terrigenesis Chambers
Within Attilan, there are special chambers where Terrigen Mist is released, allowing new Inhumans to undergo Terrigenesis and discover their powers. These chambers are an integral part of Inhuman culture and serve as a rite of passage for individuals seeking to unlock their true potential.
Inhuman Enemies and Allies
Just like any superhero group, the Inhumans have faced their fair share of enemies and found allies along the way. Let’s explore some notable individuals and factions that have crossed paths with the Inhumans.
Maximus the Mad
Maximus, the brother of Black Bolt, has a complicated relationship with the Inhumans. He possesses formidable mental abilities but has often used his powers to plot against his own family and the Inhuman society. Maximus frequently acts as a villain, seeking to overthrow the rule of his brother and seize power for himself.
The Kree Empire
The Kree Empire, the alien race responsible for experimenting on early humans, has a long and complex history with the Inhumans. While some Kree factions have viewed the Inhumans as a threat, others have formed alliances and relationships with them, recognizing their potential as powerful allies.
Other Marvel Superheroes
The Inhumans have crossed paths with numerous other Marvel superheroes, both as allies and adversaries. They have frequently interacted with characters such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, participating in joint missions or facing off against common enemies.
Illuminati
The Inhumans are founding members of the secretive group known as the Illuminati. This alliance includes some of Marvel’s most prominent heroes, such as Iron Man and Doctor Strange. The purpose of the Illuminati is to address threats and challenges that require a collective response and coordination between superheroes.
Inhumans in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Inhumans have made their presence felt in various forms of media, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Here is a look at their portrayal in different mediums.
Introduction in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The Inhumans were first introduced in the television series “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” In this show, the Inhumans were depicted as individuals who gained their powers from exposure to Terrigen Crystals, similar to their comic book counterparts. This portrayal paved the way for further exploration of the Inhumans in other Marvel media.
The Inhumans TV Series
The Inhumans were also given their standalone television series titled “Marvel’s Inhumans.” This series focused on the royal family and their struggles within their society and the wider world. While the series faced mixed reviews and a limited run, it showcased the potential of the Inhumans as central characters in their own narrative.
Inhumans in Other Marvel Films and TV Shows
Following the introduction of the Inhumans in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and the standalone TV series, the Inhumans have continued to make appearances in other Marvel films and TV shows. They have been featured in projects such as “Avengers: Endgame” and “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” further expanding their presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Significant Inhuman Storylines
Over the years, the Inhumans have been involved in several major storylines in the Marvel Comics Universe. Here are a few notable story arcs that have had a significant impact on the Inhuman mythos.
Silver Surfer and the Inhumans
In the landmark storyline “The Coming of Galactus,” the Inhumans joined forces with the Silver Surfer to confront the cosmic threat posed by Galactus. This epic event showcased the Inhumans’ abilities and established their role as powerful players in the Marvel Universe.
War of Kings
“War of Kings” was a major crossover event in which the Inhumans faced off against the Shi’ar Empire. This conflict led to dramatic changes within the Inhuman hierarchy and set the stage for future storylines centering around the royal family.
Infinity
During the “Infinity” event, the Inhumans faced a global threat from the alien race known as the Builders. This storyline introduced new concepts, such as the Inhumanity and the emergence of new Inhumans, expanding the diversity and scope of the Inhuman population.
Inhumanity
Following the events of “Infinity,” the storyline “Inhumanity” explored the fallout of the Terrigen Bomb, a device that released a massive amount of Terrigen Mist into the Earth’s atmosphere, awakening latent Inhuman genes in many individuals worldwide. This event created new challenges and opportunities for the Inhumans, as they grappled with the sudden influx of new Inhumans and the implications of their emerging powers.
Inhuman Comics and Series
As a popular and enduring comic book franchise, the Inhumans have been featured in numerous comic book series over the years. Here are a few notable titles that delve into the world of the Inhumans.
The Inhumans
“The Inhumans” was a limited comic book series that explored the origin and society of these extraordinary beings. It delved into the internal struggles of the royal family and their interactions with other Marvel characters.
Inhuman
The series “Inhuman” followed the aftermath of the Terrigen Bomb event and the global emergence of new Inhumans. It focused on the challenges faced by the newly empowered individuals and the Inhuman society as a whole, as well as their interactions with the outside world.
All-New Inhumans
“All-New Inhumans” was a comic book series that brought together a team of Inhumans, led by Crystal, on various missions around the world. The series showcased the diversity and capabilities of the Inhumans as they faced unique challenges and dealt with the consequences of their actions.
Royals
“Royals” is a comic book series that explores the cosmic side of the Inhumans. The story follows the royal family and a team of Inhumans on a mission to uncover the secrets of their origin and the hidden history of the Kree Empire.
Secret Warriors
“Secret Warriors” features a team of young Inhumans, led by Quake (Daisy Johnson), as they navigate the complex world of espionage and secret wars. The series showcases the Inhumans’ abilities and their involvement in larger Marvel storylines.
Controversy and Missed Opportunities
While the Inhumans have had their share of success in the Marvel Comics Universe, they have also faced controversy and missed opportunities along the way.
Cancelled Inhumans Film
In 2014, Marvel announced plans for an Inhumans film set to be released in 2019. However, due to various factors, including production issues and a shifting focus within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the project was ultimately cancelled. This led to disappointment among fans who were eagerly anticipating a big-screen adaptation of the Inhumans.
Negative Reception
The Inhumans TV series faced significant backlash and negative reception upon its release. Critics and fans alike criticized various aspects, ranging from the production quality to the handling of the characters and storylines. The negative reception further dampened the Inhumans’ presence in mainstream media at the time.
Future Outlook
While the Inhumans have faced setbacks and mixed reception, they continue to be a unique and integral part of the Marvel Comics Universe. With ongoing comic book series, appearances in other media projects, and their established presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the future of the Inhumans remains open to further exploration and development.
Conclusion
The Inhumans are a complex and diverse group of characters with deep roots in the Marvel Comics Universe. With their distinctive powers and abilities, as well as their rich mythology and society, the Inhumans have captured the imaginations of fans for decades. While they have faced challenges and controversy, their enduring popularity and presence across various forms of media continue to solidify their place in the Marvel Universe. Whether in the pages of comic books, on the small screen, or on the big screen, the Inhumans are sure to leave their mark for years to come.
