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Hello and welcome to another edition of Marvel Snapshot! In this week’s edition, the spotlight will be on none other than the leader of the Inhumans, Black Bolt! Yes, this silent but deadly, stoic leader has a wife that can use her hair to do things that should be illegal, a family crazier than the Kardashians, and a voice that can level a city! He was introduced by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby back in 1965 (Fantastic Four #45). Let us now take a closer look at Blackagar Boltagon!

After being exposed to the Terrigen Mist when he was just an embryo, Black Bolt was imbued with the ability to manipulate electrons, and when he speaks a powerful blast that can shake a universe is rendered. This was his blessing and curse, because he cannot speak at all without that happening, so he must telepathically communicate with his wife, Medusa. Along with Gorgon, Karnak, Triton, and Crystal, they form the Inhuman Royal Family. He rules the Inhumans that reside in Attilan (in the Himalayas, then the Moon), and they have few enemies because of their reputation. One constant enemy, though, is Black Bolt’s brother, Maximus.
Another big time villain was the malevolent Maelstrom. This crazed character from Black Bolt’s past has beleaguered him a few times with devastating results. Black Bolt and the Inhumans were quiet for a while, but that all changed when it was revealed  that Black Bolt was secretly replaced by a Skrull impostor during the events of Secret Invasion. You see, Black Bolt had become part of a secret group called “The Illuminati.” This group, comprised of himself, Namor, Professor Xavier, Dr. Strange, Tony Stark, and Reed Richards, decides that they will secretly meet, and make decisions without informing the other superheroes of Earth during certain crises. The first mistake they make is sending the Hulk into space because of his constant rampages. Then, they ticked off the Skrulls and ended up being captured and replaced by shape-shifters. When all of that goes sour, the group disbands.

Next, we see the silent ruler get mixed up in an interstellar war with the Shi’Ar, who are now led by the ruthless Vulcan. The Inhumans were returning to space when they make the decision to overthrow the Kree leaders. They do so, but then ignite a war with the Shi’Ar, and their new leader, Vulcan. Vulcan is a very powerful mutant who is the brother of Scott and Alex Summers. He has extraordinary powers, and he and Vulcan end up locked in a battle that seemingly destroys both of them (War of Kings). He has since returned, but what he’ll do next is anybody’s guess.
As usual, check out my recommended reading list, and then some great covers, as well! See you in two weeks!
Recommended Reading
Essential Fantastic Four vol. 3 – Tpb
Essential Thor vol. 3 – Tpb
Marvel Masterworks The Inhumans vol. 2 – HC
New Avengers: Illuminati – HC
War of Kings: Road to War of Kings vol. 1 – Tpb
War of Kings – HC

Billy Dunleavy
billy@comicattack.net