Marvel's Eternals are the next big team to hit the big screen, but comic book fans are already aware of this influential group. Ajak is perhaps one of the most important members of the team and an incredibly powerful piece of this immortal puzzle. As a molecular manipulator, Ajak holds reality in his hands, becoming a supremely dangerous Deity.
Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe adaptation of the character might be quite different from what audiences have come to know in the comics, there's still a great deal to learn about Ajak in the source material which could influence his big-screen portrayal.
Gender Change
Fans may wish to read plenty of Marvel comics about the group before their debut in theaters. However, there's a noticeable difference between the Ajak on the page and the one that audiences are about to see on screen, because the MCU chose to change the gender of the character.
The Ajak of the comics is male, but the version that will be starring in the Eternals will be played by the talented Salma Hayek. The actress has noted in interviews that many of the qualities between the comic and screen version are the same, with Hayek taking a motherly role within the group.
Leadership
In the comics, Ajak has been the leader of the Eternals on a few occasions and indeed this will be the case in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well; although Ikarus and Thena are more associated with the position. The character is wise and measured, showcasing many perfect qualities to be the leader of this complex cosmic group.
Of course, that doesn't mean that Ajak has been successful in totally controlling his brethren with the likes of Druig proving to be unpredictable and unstable. However, Ajak has also been shown to be able to work amongst other teams outside of a leadership role.
The Polar Eternals
There are actually different types of Eternals, with some created by the initial Celestials and some becoming a sub-race of those original creations. Ajak is actually a member of this sub-race known as the Polar Eternals. The character was technically born in Siberia.
Interestingly it's the Polar Eternals that have been mistaken as Mayan and Aztec deities in the past, due to their travel across Earth. This may come into play in the films in regards to the human perception of these people. The Polar Eternals are not any lesser than the normal Eternals and other members of this sub-race include Valkin, Akpaxa, and Legba.
Extended Family
Ajak enjoyed a relatively normal family life in his earlier days. His parents were Rakar and Amaa, two Eternals who lived within the land known as Olympia. They were incredibly powerful and Ajak served as a Celestial Priest, which his family was proud of.
His brother was the unpredictable Arex and was sometimes known as Ajex The Lesser, a name that infuriated him. He eventually came to live in Polaria with his mother and was another known member of the Eternals who eventually lost his life in battle. His family were all powerful members of the group, but they are unlikely to make an appearance on screen.
Involvement In Ancient Human History
The Eternals are not supposed to interfere with human affairs, but that doesn't mean they haven't influenced them on numerous occasions. Ajak has played a critical part in ancient civilization on a number of occasions. Firstly, he was actually involved in the Trojan War.
The Trojans mistook the Eternal to be the Greek hero Ajax, a descendant of Zeus. In Central America, he was also worshipped like a God; the kind the MCU has previously teased. Some Aztecs assumed he was Quetzalcoatl, while the Incans named him Tecumotzin a leader of the skies and lord of flight. The latest trailers for The Eternals suggest that the group may be even less involved in human history than the comics.
City Of Space Gods
Ajak has a powerful connection to the City of Space Gods, a land that has been known to be inhabited by Celestials and Deities. Ajak spent a great deal of time living there as he awaited the other Eternals, turning himself into atoms to reside in this cosmic realm.
Ajak even allowed the human, Doctor Daniel Damian to live there with him. What's more, his past as a Celestial Priest foreshadowed the fact that he could somehow communicate with the Celestials that roamed the City of Space Gods, demonstrating his severe power. The Celestials play a part in the film so there's a chance this mythical location could be appearing.
Battling Deities
Comic book fans of the Eternals will know that over the years Ajak has tested his might both against and alongside other well-known Deities. Ajak was known to have fought with Thor in the past, before facing him in a losing effort in a battle for the ages. Larger threats emerged for Ajak though.
Zeus of the Olympians is an all-father obsessed with power and opposed the Eternals due to thinking of them as warriors that fought on behalf of the dangerous Celestials. Ajak and Zeus came to blows with the Eternal actually standing toe to toe with the Greek God. Some of these conflicts may occur on the big screen in the future.
Monstrous Transformation
Doctor Damian eventually betrayed his friend Ajak, turning him into a beast by using old Celestial technology. The scientist had a strong level of control over the Eternal, which led him into a violent rage, attacking the other members of his team.
However, while he was sent to kill the twins of Thena and Kro, he killed multiple other children. The Eternals saved him but in his grief, he destroyed both Doctor Damian and himself. Much like all other Eternals, this disintegration would not be the end of the immortal.
The God Squad
One way the Eternals could drastically change the Marvel Cinematic Universe is by introducing a range of other Godly Pantheons as well. Ajak is no stranger to working alongside alternative Deities and even joined the team known as the God Squad, led by Hercules.
The team had a vital role to play during the Secret Invasion of Earth. The Skrulls waged their war in the name of their Gods of old, meaning the God Squad set on a path to defeat these dangerous entities. It was a battle for the ages and Ajak was ultimately killed by Kly'bn the Eternal Skrull.
Powers And Abilities
Ajak boasts many of the same abilities as the other Eternals. Of course, his molecular manipulation sets him apart from the rest, considering he can quite literally change whole beings into atoms, as he has demonstrated on many occasions. He also uses this gift to be able to levitate and fly.
Like other Eternals, the character is immortal and has risen from death time and time again. He is resilient, holds great strength and invulnerability, and can also use cosmic energy. He has been known to communicate with Celestials which is a very influential gift. From the trailers it appears that these gifts could certainly come into play.