The Inhumans #6
Published and © by Marvel, August 1976
Title: “A King of Ruins”
Synopsis: Black Bolt screams, leaving Attilan in ruin. Facing their darkest moment, Maximus attacks the royal family once more!
Writer: Doug Moench
Penciler: Gil Kane
Inker: Frank Chiaramonte
Review: Doug Moench sets the tone for this issue on page two: “It is the ultimate in chaos and cataclysm, the apotheosis of apocalypse.” That’s a tad over the top, but this climactic issue is quite dramatic. A moment of weakness from Black Bolt leads to the destruction of Attilan – and gives Moench a chance to explore and develop the now-humbled leader. Six issues in and the Inhumans are starting to feel more like characters than cutouts. Gil Kane’s art continues to be dynamic, though Frank Chiaramonte’s inks aren’t an improvement.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “When Black Bolt finally cracked under torture and destroyed the Great Refuge, the guilt with which he consumed himself made him a genuinely tragic figure.” – Ed Via, The Comics Journal #63, May 1981 … “An all-around nice production.” – Martin Lock, Comics Unlimited #37, July 1976
Cool factor: Maximus the Mad, betraying his family. Again. No offense to the mentally ill, but why hasn’t someone capped this fool yet?
Notable: The “Black Bolt’s Bulletins” letters page includes loooong LoC from Elfquest co-creator Wendy Pini.
Collector’s note: Beware, this issue contains Marvel Value Stamp (Series B) #7. … According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 30¢ variant of this issue, as well as a 10p British edition.
Character quotable: “So, this is how it ends. All of Attilan – the entire Great Refuge – destroyed in a single instant – a single instant of weakness.” – Gorgon, letting his cousin know what he really thinks
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this review was published in Comics Buyer’s Guide #1653, May 2009.
