Inhumans Review

Inhumans
Marvel Comics – Marvel Knights
Softcover Trade Paperback
288 Pages
$24.95
ISBN 0785107533

Contributors: Paul Jenkins, Jae Lee, Richard Starkings, Dave Kemp, and introduction by Alex Ross

Reprints: Inhumans #1-12 (of 12)

Synopsis: The Inhumans are a race living in secret isolation for millennia in the domed city of Attilan with a society based on diversity. Their king Black Bolt bears a terrible burden possessing a voice powerful enough to level mountains and must remain in complete silence. He is represented by his wife Medusa and surrounded by the royal family.

Attilan has moved to the recently risen Atlantis where human nations are focusing efforts to mine rediscovered technology. Maximus the Mad languishes in prison dreaming insane dreams as a new group of youths pass through the transforming Terrigen Mists. His terrible plot hatches and brings humanity within reach of the city, endangering all within. Only Black Bolt can save them, but what if he does nothing at all?

Pros: Lee’s art is elegant with a touch of realism, he does some great redesigns for Karnak and Gorgon, Jenkins captures the core of these characters and spins a tale appropriate to all, mature tone with some action, introduces a new set of young Inhumans which appear in a sequel, the scene with humans dressed up as Inhumans is great, nice insight into Triton’s past and the sinking of the Lusitania, more insight into Inhuman culture

Cons: You’ll need a rudimentary knowledge of the Inhumans and their society prior to reading this story, along with how Atlantis is on the surface again (see Fantastic Four: Atlantis Rising storyline) and why the Inhumans are back on Earth (they were originally in the Blue Area of the moon), Lee’s art tends to be really dark and shadowy, I get the feeling the Inhumans lives are very antiseptic and forced (old traditions), it’s uncertain if anything of lasting importance happens in this story, Alpha Primitives still lurking in the dark with no resolution

Mike Tells It Straight: Great story and art on this one makes it a strong recommendation. Jenkins revitalized the Inhumans franchise for Marvel with this subtle, complex story. It definitely builds to a climax and has a few twists to keep you entertained, but you have to be patient. I still don’t know what Black Bolt’s thinking!

TO BUY and Recommendations: