Warning: This post contains spoilers for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness saw the surprise appearances of many characters throughout the Marvel multiverse. One of the cameos fans had no idea was coming was the appearance of Black Bolt as a member of the Illuminati in Earth-838.
While fans only got a small glimpse of the king of the Inhumans, Black Bolt definitely stood out as one of the strongest characters and most intriguing characters in the film and has most fans wondering about the character's origins, power, and place in the MCU.
Reality-Shattering Voice
Black Bolt's signature ability, his quasi-sonic scream, is one of the most devastating powers in all of the comics. His powers stem from harnessing electrons from the speech center of his brain, causing his voice to have to power to level mountains.
This power has performed many feats for Black Bolt, such as absolutely eviscerating Vulcan, who was an omega-level mutant, and destroying Thanos' armor. However, the comics have shown Black Bolt go as far as ripping a hole in reality with his voice, proving that his scream is not to be trifled with.
First Appeared In Fantastic Four
Although he is known for his role in the Inhumans issue of comics, Black Bolt made his first Marvel appearance in Fantastic Four #45. Appearing at the very end of the issue, Black Bolt is introduced as the leader of the Inhumans he stopped a potential fight from ensuing with the Fantastic Four.
Despite being a completely unknown and new character at the time, this issue would not only kick-start Black Bolt's comic book run, but also introduce Marvel's newest team of superheroes.
Black Bolt Is The King Of The Inhumans
Black Bolt (aka Blackagar Boltagon) is a part of the royal family of Attilan, the major city of the Inhumans. After accidentally killing his parents in an attempt to destroy a Kree spaceship, Black Bolt would become the new king of the Inhumans at just 20 years old.
With one of the more tragic origins seen in comics, Black Bolt didn't let this stop him from being a just and caring leader. Although he wasn't ready to become king, as the strongest Inhuman, Black Bolt proved to be a worthy ruler who always uses his power to protect his people over himself.
Isolated As A Child
As a newborn, Black Bolt had no control over his abilities and had a temper tantrum that almost destroyed all of Attilan. Because of this, Black Bolt was given an energy-harnessing suit and forced to live in a soundproof chamber until he could learn how to control his abilities.
He would eventually learn from his father, Agon, how to control his powers, but having no other with other Inhumans caused Black Bolt's childhood to be one of loneliness and solitude.
Superhuman Strength, Stamina, and Durability
Most fans know Black Bolt because of his quasi-sonic scream, but he also possesses all of the abilities of a superhuman. After being exposed to Terrigen gas, (the source of the Inhumans' powers), when he was just an embryo, Black Bolt was seen to become stronger than other Inhumans.
Having superhuman strength, stamina, and durability combined with his own unique powers makes Black Bolt one of the most well-balanced heroes in Marvel Comics.
Sibling Rivalry
While he definitely has his own fair share of villains, Black Bolt's biggest and most popular villain is actually his own brother, Maximus. Jealous of his brother's claim to the throne, when Black Bolt and Maximus reunite after Black Bolt gets released from isolation, Maximus tries to provoke his brother to talk in order to prove he isn't worthy to be king.
Despite coming nowhere close to Black Bolt in of strength and power, Maximus has a powerful mind and intellect. Being the true definition of an evil genius, Maximus' Shakespearean-esque rivalry with his brother is one of the most interesting sibling dynamics in all of the comics.
Flight
As if this character isn't already strong enough, Black Bolt can use his electron manipulation to create an anti-gravity field that enables him to fly. Not only is this impressive on its own, but he is also able to reach speeds of up to 500 mph.
Though it's a power typically overlooked by most, this ability essentially grants Black Bolt a power comparable to superspeed, furthering his case as one of the strongest characters in the Marvel Universe.
Marriage To Medusa
Not to be confused with the snaked-haired Greek demigod, Black Bolt is married to Medusa, who is a fellow Inhuman in Marvel comics. She definitely lives up to the name as she has complete psychokinetic control of her hair (to the point where she can use her hair to lift almost two tons).
Despite not being able to talk, Black Bolt showed fans that he still has the capacity to make emotional connections in his relationship with the red-haired Inhuman.
War Against X-Men
Perhaps the best Inhumans story arc came when they faced off against the X-Men. During this arc, there were heightened tensions between the two groups after everyone discovered that a Terrigen cloud posed a great threat to mutants. However, in trying to destroy it, the X-Men would end the Inhuman race, causing conflict between the two superhuman races to ensue.
In a conflict that sees Black Bolt easily defeat Cyclops, Black Bolt showed that he will always do whatever is necessary for the sake of his people and that the Inhumans are no second-rate superhero team.
He Has Fought The Hulk (And Won) Multiple Times
One of Black Bolt's most frequent comic book showdowns is against the Hulk. Being much inferior to Hulk in of physical strength made this no easy task, but Black Bolt was able to use his sonic scream to defeat the raging beast not just once, but on multiple occasions.
The fact that Black Bolt was able to beat the Hulk, a character who many consider to be the strongest comic book character of all time, showed fans that Black Bolt is much more than just "the guy who screams."