We are back with our Hero Spotlight series, this article we will focus on The Inhumans seeing as it is the 60th anniversary of the team!

The Inhumans are a Marvel Comics superhero team with a rich, complex history that blends science fiction, royal drama, and superhero action. Though probably lesser known than the Avenger,X-Men, or Fantastic Four, they still have some amazing story lines!

Origins and Creation

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #45 (December 1965)

Creators: Stan Lee (writer) and Jack Kirby (artist)

Originally introduced as a mysterious group of superpowered beings, the Inhumans quickly became central figures in Marvel’s cosmic mythology.

In-Universe Origins

The Inhumans are descendants of early humans who were genetically experimented on by the alien Kree millions of years ago. These experiments were part of a failed Kree attempt to create a super-soldier race to aid in their war with the Skrulls. The Kree abandoned the project, but the genetically modified humans survived and thrived.

They eventually formed a secret society, hidden from humanity, with their own advanced technology and culture. They live in a city called Attilan, originally hidden in the Himalayas, later relocated to various locations (the moon, under the ocean, etc.).

Terrigen Mist

The key to their powers is exposure to the Terrigen Mist, a mutagenic substance derived from the Terrigen Crystals. The mist causes Terrigenesis, a process that activates latent powers in Inhuman DNA. However, the effects are unpredictable — some Inhumans gain powerful abilities, while others become deformed or dangerous.

Key Members

Black Bolt (Blackagar Boltagon): King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful it can destroy cities.

Medusa: Queen and Black Bolt’s wife, with prehensile, super-strong hair.

Karnak: A philosopher and martial artist who can find the weakness in anything.

Gorgon: Has super strength and seismic hooves.

Crystal: Controls the elements; she’s also been romantically linked to the Human Torch and Quicksilver.

Triton: Amphibious, adapted to underwater life.

Lockjaw: A giant teleporting bulldog.

Major Storylines and Eras

Silver and Bronze Age (1960s–1980s)

Introduced as allies and occasional adversaries of the Fantastic Four. Explored in solo stories and in backup features in titles like Thor and Amazing Adventures. The Inhumans struggle with isolationism vs. engagement with the outside world.

Genetic Politics and Civil Unrest (1990s)

Stories began to delve into the caste system of Attilan and the moral implications of forced Terrigenesis. Black Bolt’s rule and the monarchy were often questioned and the conflict with the Kree re-emerged.

Paul Jenkins & Jae Lee’s 1998 Series

A 12-issue maxi-series that redefined the Inhumans with a darker, more introspective tone. Explored the burdens of royalty, the oppression of lower castes, and the complexity of their society. This run was critically acclaimed and won an Eisner Award.

House of M / Silent War / War of Kings (2000s)

Tied more heavily into cosmic Marvel events, we see Black Bolt join the Illuminati, Attilan is relocated to the Blue Area of the Moon, battles with the Shi’ar Empire, Kree, and involvement in massive space wars. And In War of Kings, Black Bolt is presumed dead after a battle with Vulcan (brother of Cyclops and Havok).

Inhumanity and Inhumans Push (2010s)

Following Infinity (2013), Terrigen Mist is released into Earth’s atmosphere, activating latent Inhuman genes across the globe.

Many new Inhumans (“NuHumans”) are introduced.

Marvel used this era to position the Inhumans as major players, partly to diversify their universe and due to movie rights issues with the X-Men.

Inhuman, Uncanny Inhumans, and All-New Inhumans explored this new status quo.

Decline and Aftermath (Late 2010s–2020s)

The Inhumans’ push waned after Marvel and Fox resolved movie rights issues, leading to a resurgence of the X-Men and decline of the Inhumans’ prominence. The Terrigen Mist was eventually destroyed, making new Terrigenesis impossible.

Black Bolt’s rule ended; some characters like Medusa and Crystal still appear occasionally. Unfortunatley most Inuhumans were sidelined or forgotten.

TV Adaptations

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013–2020): Introduced NuHumans like Daisy Johnson (Quake), playing a central role in several seasons.

Inhumans (2017): A short-lived ABC TV series focusing on the royal family. Critically panned and canceled after one season.

Rumors of reboots or integration into the MCU continue, especially after Black Bolt appeared in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022), portrayed by Anson Mount from the TV series.

Themes and Legacy

The Inhumans’ stories often explore, isolationism vs. global responsibility, genetic determinism and free will, royal power and rebellion, and what it means to be human or “other”

Though their popularity has fluctuated, the Inhumans remain a fascinating and unique corner of the Marvel Universe.