As most know, the live-action edition of Marvel's "Inhumans" sprung from out ABC's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.", but this Kree offspring has since become its own entity. To strengthen this intent, the initial installment has premiered via IMAX: a clever way for the network to spark interest in the show, especially since the once secured "S.H.I.E.L.D." has bordered on cancellation; plus we all know what happened to "Agent Carter" (such a damn shame). Well, so much for the past...
The hero of Marvel's latest, filmed endeavor is Jack Kirby/Stan Lee's Black Bolt (a nifty name that jives with the man's stylish attire), King of Attilan (a kind of moon-base Atlantis), played by "Hell On Wheels'" Anson Mount (one of my favorite, current thespians). There's emphasis on Bolt's cultural background and its connecting deceit in the early phase of the story, with royal panache and colossal-canine CGI complementing the progression.
Bolt doesn't speak and yet isn't necessarily mute. Though Anson's character communicates mostly through sign language, his mutagenic specialty is a destructive scream, which can obliterate opponents in a snap (and even those close to him, if he's not careful).
Supporting Anson/Bolt is Iwan Rheon as Maximus, our hero's shifty, power-hungry brother; Serinda Swan as Bolt's fiery haired Queen Medusa (okay, she may not turn one to stone, but if you get fresh, she'll likely smack you with her crimson strands); Sonya Balmores as Auran; Isabelle Cornish as Crystal; Eme Ikwuakor as Gorgon; Ken Leung as Karnak; Ellen Woglom as Louise; and Mike Moh as Triton.
Indeed, there are obvious nods to Greek/Roman mythology by the mere mention of certain names, but any variation of superhero, to some extent or another, can trace its roots to those forever popular, ancient ones. Indeed, this incarnation exudes as much of an Olympian regality as it does Atlantean.
For the record, the ninety-minute (or thereabout), theatrical premiere is a swell kickoff: sprawling, exotic and cool. The ponderous padding of "S.H.I.E.L.D." is non-existent as well, replaced by a swift sweep into fugitive-on-the-run fun.
It's sure nice to get the early scoop on the eight-episode series, and I hope we'll get a larger crop of episodes somewhere down the line, assuming the ensuing entries equal the premiere's wonderment. Who knows? "Inhumans" might even surpass Phil Coulson and his anguished agents in televised longevity.
"Inhumans" debuts on ABC September 29.
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