The Inhumans are a fictional race of superhumans appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. They were created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, making their debut in Fantastic Four #45 in December 1965, though individual members like Medusa and Gorgon had appeared in earlier issues. The concept of their hidden city, Attilan, dates back even further to a story by Kirby in Captain America Comics #1 from 1941.
The Inhumans are an offshoot of humanity genetically altered by the alien Kree millions of years ago. Their society is built around exposure to the Terrigen Mists, a mutagenic substance that grants each Inhuman a unique superhuman ability. The stories typically center on the Inhuman Royal Family, led by the silent king Black Bolt, whose voice can level cities, and his queen Medusa, who possesses prehensile hair. Other prominent members include Karnak, Gorgon, Triton, Crystal, and the teleporting canine Lockjaw.
Over the decades, the Inhumans have played significant roles in major Marvel storylines, including the Kree-Skrull War, Silent War, Secret Invasion, and Infinity. In 2013, Marvel Comics launched a major push for the characters with the Inhumanity event, which saw new Inhuman populations emerge worldwide after the Terrigen Mists were released across Earth. This led to several new series, including Ms. Marvel featuring Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager who discovers she is an Inhuman.
The Inhumans have become a distinctive part of the Marvel Universe, exploring themes of isolation, genetic destiny, and the tension between tradition and change. Their complex royal politics and Shakespearean family dynamics set them apart from typical superhero teams, making them one of Jack Kirby's most enduring creations.
