Warning! Spoilers for She-Hulk #4 by Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics just remembered that a powerful Inhuman hero exists, as Karnak makes a surprise cameo appearance in the latest issue of She-Hulk's adventures. In She-Hulk #4, several potential superhero clients visit the law office of Jennifer Walters - including Karnak. Unfortunately, it's the first time in a while the hero appeared in the comics following the disastrous Inhumans live-action show that sidelined the characters.
The Inhumans played an important part in Marvel's history in the comics, as the Jack Kirby and Stan Lee creations made regular appearances in the pages of the Fantastic Four, Avengers, and even had their own ongoing series in the mid-70s. However, Marvel Comics pushed the Inhumans heavily after scaling back on the X-Men after not having the film rights to Marvel's mutants. In the early 2010s, the Inhumans were crucial to multiple events and storylines. But, when Marvel reacquired the rights to the X-Men and a critically-panned live-action Inhumans television series was canceled, the heroes were put in time out by the publisher. Since then, a few Inhumans heroes have made minor appearances. But, this week, a surprise hero, Karnak, makes an unexpected cameo in She-Hulk #4.
In She-Hulk #4 by Rainbow Rowell, Luca Maresca, Rico Renzi, Jen Bartel, and VC's Joe Caramagna, Jennifer Walters turns to her law office finding several heroes waiting to talk to her. After explaining that her boss doesn't want extra-human clients, Karnak, in his green hood, responds with, "what about Inhuman clients?" Eventually, She-Hulk agrees to take on the cases of her fellow heroes, as long as they're discreet about it.
While Marvel Comics has slowly begun remembering and reintroducing some Inhuman characters, such as Black Bolt appearing in the recent Darkhold miniseries, and Romeo playing a key part in the recent Iceman Infinity Comic, it's still surprising to see Karnak at all. While he's a valued ally to the Inhuman Royal Family, Karnak, whose powers allow him to identify weaknesses in his opponents, has been M.I.A. for some time in the comics. So seeing him randomly show up in She-Hulk is a welcome yet unexpected development, even if he only has a single line.
Does Marvel remembering Karnak mean the Inhumans are set for a Marvel Comics comeback? Probably not, as the TV show seemed to destroy their presence in the comics. However, while somewhat insignificant in the larger scheme of things, Marvel seems comfortable using them in minor parts, which is a considerable role upgrade over what they've had the past couple of years. Hopefully, Marvel continues using the Inhumans, even in small roles like Karnak's brief appearance in She-Hulk #4, because the universe is better with them in it.