MONOLITH
Classification: Extraterrestrial technology
Creator: Unidentified Kree scientists
User/Possessors: Kree Science Council
First Appearance: Inhumans I#3 (February, 1976)
Powers/Abilities/Functions: The Monolith was a sophisticated homing device intended to broadcast a signal from Attilan to the Kree homeworld Hala. This signal traveled faster than light, providing reliable data. It worked in conjunction with the Kree Kaptroids, robots designed to capture Inhumans for use by the Kree. When malfunctioning, the Monolith's homing frequency would instead send out shockwaves that caused earthquakes in Attilan.
History:
(Inhumans I#3 (fb) - BTS) - Long ago in prehistory (more than 25,000
years ago), the Kree established the Monolith deep beneath the
Inhumans' city Attilan. The Monolith was intended to work in
conjunction with the Kree Kaptroids and send out a regular homing
frequency to the Kree to assist them in monitoring the Inhumans, should
the day arise in which the Kree needed to make use of the Inhumans.
(Inhumans I#3 (fb)) - After the Kaptroids were activated but then defeated by the Inhumans Royal Family, the Monolith began to malfunction. Instead of a homing signal, it began to transmit shockwaves that resulted in earthquakes in Attilan above. Seeking the source of the tremors, Black Bolt ventured beneath Attilan and discovered the Monolith. As Black Bolt wondered if the Monolith were causing the quakes, he brushed his hand against the item. This caused the Monolith's power to flare up again and Black Bolt fled the chamber as the Monolith apparently self-destructed.
(Inhumans I#3) - On Hala, the Kree Science Council convened a meeting regarding the Monolith's signal, as they could tell the homing frequency had been "erratic." Council head Phae-Dor surmised the Kaptroids had either malfunctioned or failed in their mission. Wishing to use the Inhumans as canon fodder in the War of the Three Galaxies, the Council resolved to send Shatterstar to deal with the Inhumans.
Comments: Created by Doug Moench, George Perez and Mike Esposito.
This Monolith definitely reminds one of the Monolith in Arthur C. Clarke's short story "The Sentinel" (which inspired 2001, although those two Monoliths are a bit different).
Per What If I#30/2, Attilan was moved from its original locale to the Himalayas. This means the Monolith - and the Kaptroids - were lifted along with the city (which is plausible, considering how large the city's foundation is shown to be during the move). Always check the basements when you move to a new place, folks!
Profile by Prime Eternal.
CLARIFICATIONS:
This Monolith should not be confused with:
images: (without ads)
Inhumans I#3, page 6, panel 1 (main)
Appearances:
Inhumans I#3 (February, 1976) - Doug Moench (writer), George Perez (pencils), Mike Esposito (inks), Marv Wolfman (editor)
First posted: 01/06/2023
Last updated: 01/06/2023
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
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