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K**Y
Epic Inhumans Story Falls Short of Being Great
First released in the late 90s, the maxiseries of “The Inhumans” by writer Paul Jenkins offers an epic story that is greater than the sum of its parts. There is an interesting plot here mired, as other reviewers have noted, too much exposition. That can be excused in some cases--it’s hard to write a character like Black Bolt who is mute and Lockjaw who is a dog--but it leads the story to drag. Add in some strange plot twists and too many characters fighting for attention and there are moments when the reader’s attention will be lost. The art team led by Jae Lee generally does a fine job. There were moments when this book felt like it was jelling into something special, only to underwhelm. Simply put, the book needed more focus and that keeps it from really being memorable. However, if not great, this is a good book and most Marvel fans, especially those of the Inhumans, will enjoy it. Recommended.
S**N
Inhumanly good
These stalwart characters that have been in the Marvel line for 45 (+) years have never achieved the success of their contemporary characters in X-Men and Avengers, but like virtually all Kirby/Lee creations they are totally iconic.In the late 90s Jimmy Palmiotti and Joe Quesada started the "Marvel Knights" imprint at the House of Ideas. it was a more adult approach to storytelling in the line that mirrored DC's Vertigo imprint. I worked exceptionally because eventually Quesada became EIC at Marvel.This book- written exceptionally by Paul Jenkins and beautifully illustrated by Jae Lee is among the finest set of stories of not just the Marvel Knights experiment, but Marvel's history as a whole.Full of intrigue, angst, speculation, madness, action, betrayal and revenge: This comic makes the Royal Family of Attilan look even more frightening and dare I say interesting than the Borgias. Only the Borgias didn't have super powers derived from exposure to the Terrigen Mists.There are some excellent character building moments in this collection that have defined Black Bolt and company and made them bigger players on the Marvel Stage than they had eve been previously in the Marvel Universe. It is an exploration on race, the caste system, the power of the throne and the responsibility that lies with wearing the crown and last but not least the importance of family.This series is being collected in digital format and will be given the motion comic treatment this spring. THAT if nothing else is a testament to how incredible this storyline is... nearly 15 years after it's initial release.
K**G
A real treat.
While I have read Marvel Comics for a good portion of my life, my acquaintance to the Inhumans was only through the cursory exposure from various X-Men storylines. I purchased the TPB mostly because of positive reviews and an admiration of Jae Lee's art. Boy am I happy that I did.This work serves as a superb demonstration of what the comic book can achieve as an art form. The multiple story arcs all hold the reader's interest well. The writing is tight and tells a surprisingly complex story in 12 issues with few wasted words/frames. Jenkins manages to introduce the book's characters and backgrounds in a natural, uncontrived manner, which is a rare feat in this medium.The artwork is a pure joy. Jae Lee's style fits the material and sets the mood perfectly. The amount of detail in each frame, especially involving facial expressions, is remarkable and goes a long way to drive the storyline.If I have one criticism, it would be that certain elements of Jenkins' writing style are overused throughout the book and become slightly irritating. Still, this book easily ranks as one of the best TPBs I have ever picked up.
J**R
Good introduction to the Inhumans
I picked this up after watching the new show as I wanted to see what these guys were all about. Overall it does get slow at some points, but the overall story does have its twists and turns and you get an idea of how the Royal family thinks. I particularly liked the art and Maximus in this story, and you got a feeling that he is truly a madman. The story can be a bit confusing at times, but it made sense at the end, so definitely check it out!
C**N
I see the appeal but...
The Inhumans are a fascinating Marvel concept linked to Bronze Age Fantastic Four, so the revival in the late 1990s and aughts is by no small part thanks to the book by Paul Jenkins. The Inhumans get compared to the X-men a lot as they are super beings from genetic mutations, but they have the arc of classical tragedy, not social metaphor. While this starts strong, it loses its way in the middle and the Black Bolt strategy almost seems like a Dues Ex Machina. Jae Lee's art is good but uneven and overly heavily inked. I would recommend this as a way to understand Inhuman's appeal, but it's not as strong as story as a I hoped. It wanted to either be longer or shorter: it needed to be more compressed or to have significantly more development. There is too much exposition, but not enough time for complete character development.
B**R
Pretty good
I hadn’t read much on the Inhumans prior. They were mostly relegated to the role of supporting cast where others assumed the spotlight. This was therefore a welcome collection. The writer and artist complemented each other’s style. The theme around the weight of responsibility was well carried out. The plot kept me guessing as to the end. In short, this was a good story showcasing the unique story telling venue that comic books offer. I’ll likely read it again.
R**O
Beautiful art in this series
Beautiful art in this series, people say it's the best Inhumans storyline. Perhaps that is the case, and it is definitely better than what I've seen of the TV series thusfar, but most of the story is all of the major characters sitting around talking about how they aren't going to do anything. The universe created for these characters seems surprisingly terrible - I thought there might be a metaphor they might go for regarding slavery (which is a big part of Inhuman culture, apparently?), but that never happened.I would never say to not bother with a series, but there are several marvel graphic novels that would be a better place to start than this one.
B**X
A fascinating original for grown ups
I liked this very much since it had the same feeling of invention and grown up complexity of the excellent Superman 'Red Son'. The mixed bag of varied and very flawed superheroes called the Inhumans live in isolation in the domed city of Atillan, and are ruled over by a king so powerful that he can't speak in case his voice kills them all. As a result, Black Bolt is an enigma, trapped inside his thoughts and his intentions cloudy to his subjects, who can only take it on faith that he will do everything he can to keep them safe. With his insane brother raging in the dungeons, and a political 'underclass' of workers who have failed to successfully transform into superheroes and been left inferior, this is a complex and very adult tale even before the risk of conflict rears its head. Several of the character relationships are more damaged and deeper than expected, and although there are odd digressions (one chapter is largely told from the point of view of the dog for no apparent reason) it's constantly morally challenging and clever. The art is very good, the story very well told, and the characters are highly memorable. A very distinctive book that deserves a place on every graphic novel fan's shelves.
B**N
Great artwork illustrates a great story featuring the Inhumans of fabled Attilan
This book collects the Inhumans mini series which ran for twelve issues, written by Paul Jenkins and wonderfully illustrated by Jae Lee, whose talent is to turn line drawings into wonderful painted works of art. Different issues tell the on-going story from the perspective of an individual Inhuman, including the dog Lockjaw, and commences with a group of teenage Inhumans requiring to enter the terrigen mists so as to bring their powers to the full. But for all, it does not end well and the insane Maximus sees a way to usurp his brother, King Black Bolt, from his throne. Meanwhile, with Attilan nestled alongside Atlantis and under threat from armed human forces, it is inevitable that Prince Namor of Atlantis will make a cameo appearance. The story was fast pacing from cover to cover but it was the excellent artwork which really blew me away.
N**H
Great Comic!
I've only heard about the Inhumans from Agents of Shield and then I saw them in Attilan from MUA3 on nintendo switch. I wasn't sure what quite to expect but this was a great story! You truly get a feel for the characters and it does go to a dark place. I fell in love with Black Bolt and his powers and his Queen, Medusa was incredible in this story. It portrays the Inhumans as a people with history, culture and incredible power. I really recommend it if you're interested in learning more about them.
K**E
Worth it
I’ve heard mixed reviews for this story and just thought I’d take a chance on it, I’m ever so glad I did!While certain issues are lacklustre or at times dull, the artwork outshines them. The story itself is sound enough and you can really feel Maximus’ hatred towards Black Bolt at timesOverall I’m glad I picked up this comic. Fairly pricey but definitely worth it
H**R
Great book
Came in in great condition, great art and great story
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