Film Review: Marvel Knights: InHumans (2013)

SYNOPSIS:

The Inhumans have always been one of Marvel’s most enduring oddities. A race of genetic freaks, they live secluded in their island kingdom of Attilan, preferring not to mix with the outside world. Even stranger, their genetic mutations are self-endowed; each Inhuman, as a coming-of-age ritual, endures exposure to the Terrigan Mists, a strange substance that imparts unearthly powers, some extraordinary, some monstrous. But now the kingdom of Attilan is under attack from without and within. Can the Royal Family, led by Black Bolt (who cannot speak for his voice carries the destructive power of an atom bomb) repel the foreign invaders who blast at their outer defense, as well as the internal threat of Black Bolt’s brother, Maximus the Mad?

REVIEW:

A favorite comic series of mine, it is finally great to see this odd bunch put into motion. There of course is the super powered King Black Bolt, equipped with the power to destroy worlds with a mere whisper. A unique character who is restrained to speak in danger of total destroying that which he utters a sound against. His role is one of royalty married to the dynamically haired Medusa. The team of the Inhumans are also joined by royal members Karnak, Gorgon, Triton, Crystal, and Maximus the Mad. Lockjaw is the royal canine equipped to transport and teleport who is often called upon for its unique abilities. Maximums the Mad, an enemy to the race, is quarantined to a prison which cannot be broken or escaped.

The species is referred to as the “Inhumans” who live within a domed Island called Attilan. They are comprised of genetic mutated oddities which acquire their transformation thru a ritualistic process referred to as Terrigan Mists exposure achieved by committing themselves to the process and leaving behind their child hood. What is most curious is that the transformation is undetermined until completion chancing the odds of supreme genetic powers or monstrosity deformation. The transformation is irreversible and is a result and regarded as a form of selective breeding.

Also curious is that Attilan is located on Earth shielded by their impenetrable dome shaped surrounding while choosing to stay isolated to their own ways of life and routines of their society. Their race is one of classes that differentiate between alphas and lower machine dwellers.

This aspect while fictional and science-fiction-rooted is uniquely familiar to our own struggles in humanity. The particulars are seemingly based on the results of the transformation thru Terrigan Mists exposure (called Terrigenesis) which determine the roles and fates of those who agree to endure it.

As the film introduces us to the ways of Attilan, its true intention reveals itself as a plot develops on Earth with the Russians attempting to instigate a war against Black Bolt and his people. The US washes their hands and refuses to aid Attilan while also claiming support for Attilan’s plea for peace. Maximus plots further calling upon the aid of the below-surface working class, and a mirror teleporter who calls himself Woz while Black Bolt allows the city to be attacked without recourse. This decision confuses the citizens who are made to suffer as the city becomes under attack. In all, a master plan is understood by those closest to him but yet to be revealed until the appropriate time.

Also curious is that Attilan is located on Earth shielded by their impenetrable dome shaped surrounding while choosing to stay isolated to their own ways of life and routines of their society. Their race is one of classes that differentiate between alphas and lower machine dwellers.

This aspect while fictional and science-fiction-rooted is uniquely familiar to our own struggles in humanity. The particulars are seemingly based on the results of the transformation thru Terrigan Mists exposure (called Terrigenesis) which determine the roles and fates of those who agree to endure it.

As the film introduces us to the ways of Attilan, its true intention reveals itself as a plot develops on Earth with the Russians attempting to instigate a war against Black Bolt and his people. The US washes their hands and refuses to aid Attilan while also claiming support for Attilan’s plea for peace. Maximus plots further calling upon the aid of the below-surface working class, and a mirror teleporter who calls himself Woz while Black Bolt allows the city to be attacked without recourse. This decision confuses the citizens who are made to suffer as the city becomes under attack. In all, a master plan is understood by those closest to him but yet to be revealed until the appropriate time.

There is an agenda for the land of Attilan. That agenda is fully explained in its final act, though viewers will be kept on edge till that time. The script here is smart, political, compassionate and dark at times making for a really great motion comic book experience.

This film is one of the many releases under the Marvel Knights brand emplying motion comic technology full of quirky embellishments. Though for those who haven’t experienced it, I do highly recommend this film. There is a certain brilliance to the illustration which is forced into animated pieces. The process is unique and highly watchable. My impression of this particular edition is that it is quite intensive in its presentation as a new story to wrap your head around.

Those who are not familiar with the comic book series itself, will have to quickly get accommodated to the particulars of the Inhumans race. That being said, it is super hero material that is fresh and inviting. Much like the worlds of Asguard or the planets of the Green Lantern mythology, The Inhumans have their own kingdom of which they have accustomed their lifestyles.

Illustration is provided by the brilliant artistry of Jae lee and Paul Jenkins. Each episode is presented one at a time, but collected onto on disc. While the story and the art here is amazing, it becomes tiring to keep watching the intros with every episode.

In summary, this is a great a story that really does a bang up job of bringing to life a graphic novel. The animation itself is of a different breed but none-the-less still impressive. I will definitely check out other Marvel Knights releases!