I must admit, I have a soft spot for Marvel‘s minority communities. I think they serve as an interesting metaphor for real world minority issues, and both their stories and complex histories offer an interesting juxtaposition between the real and fictional where oppression and integration is concerned. The new Inhumans volume puts that community in center stage following the ground breaking aftermath of the recent Infinity mega event.

Inhuman #3 follows the current  exploits of earth’s inhuman population, which has grown considerably following Black Bolt’s decision to release Terrigen into the global atmosphere. The lynchpin of this current volume, the revelation of the existence of multiple Inhuman tribes  (previously hidden among earths human population) offers a fresh and interesting status-quo for the Inhuman community, one that was previously monolithic , scarce, and reclusive.

This new tribal nuance to the inhuman state of affairs has already begun to reflect multiple and completing ideologies. Lash of Orollan appears to take a merit based view towards terrigenesis, holding to the view that only those who are “worthy” should be allowed to enjoy the benefits of terrigenesis. On the other hand, New Attilan currently ruled by Queen Medusa, holds to a more egalitarian ethos, where the free dispensing of terrigenesis has been a staple of their culture for centuries.

This is an interesting point to ponder, as it seems that the affordances of culture are directly tied to abundance of  given resources (or the lack thereof). In issue 3 we learn that Orollan only possessed 3 terrigen crystals. We know from past volumes that Attilan has always had an abundance of Terrigen. I have always wondered if Wakanda would have been as xenophobic and isolationist as it is if it didn’t enjoy all the economic and geopolitic clout that its vibranium deposits had blessed it with. We see here how history and circumstance  indelibly marks certain cultures in the Marvel U, Attilan and its emerging sister tribes appear to be no exception

Orrollan and Attilan’s forces come to a violent conflict in this issue,  a conflict  quickly  calmed by revelations of the former King Black Bolt’s overarching plan. This reveal has implications for every Inhuman on the globe and could potentially unite them all as a result.

This has been interesting series so far that as placed the inhumans on a bold new footing. It will be very interesting to see how all the Inhumans resolve their issues and their place amongst each other as well as the greater Marvel U. It will also be interesting to see where the power of balance falls between the various Inhuman tribes. There is a lot of dust to settle that should make for a very engaging series.

Story: Charles Soule Art: Joe Madureira
Story: 8.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5  Recommendation: Read

Final Thoughts

The Infinity event mentioned six locales/tribes where hidden Inhumans reside, it would be interesting to see if more show up later on.

Medusa’s statement to the rest of the world and the new emerging Inhumans was very reminiscent of Cyclops’ during the founding of Utopia in Dark Avengers #8.

The multi-tribal status of the Inhumans is very similar to the post schism state of the X-men

The notion of “Inhuman sovereignty” will be a tricky one to unpackage, given the now global reach of the Inhuman population and the multitude of tribes available for them to identify with.

I just have to say Medusa is so badass….I love her especially when Black Bolt is not in the picture, she really takes to the throne well, and shines.

Memorable Quotes

“Not Everyone with potential deserves it” – Lash (Inhuman #1)

“There are other tribes..You have a choice ” – Lash (Inhuman #1)

“They’re scared & they’re a powerbase, people will try to use that power “- Captain America (Inhuman #2)

“My Enemies all have one thing in common Lash….they fall ” – Medusa  (Inhuman #3)