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Queen Medusalith "Medusa" Amaquelin is the wife of Black Bolt, sister of Crystal and the Queen of the Inhumans. During Maximus' coup, she was sent to Earth by Lockjaw, but not before being depowered by her brother-in-law. There she met and formed a close relationship with Louise Fisher, who helped Medusa reunite with her family. Upon returning to Attilan, they tried to prevent Maximus from destroying the city, but being unsuccessful, Medusa and Black Bolt led the Inhumans to a settlement on Earth that became their new home.
Medusa and her sister Crystal were born to the InhumansAmbur and Quelin in the city of Attilan. Her parents believed in tearing down the caste system and overthrowing the Inhuman Royal Family that had ruled Attilan for centuries. However, the rebellion failed and Medusa's parents were then executed by the king and queen at the time. Medusa and her sister were spared from the fate of their parents.[2]
Medusa, like most Inhumans, went through Terrigenesis. She emerged from her cocoon with the ability to control her hair. Due to the caste system of Attilan she was placed in the upper part of the city, a place of comfort and relaxation. During this time, she befriended Maximus.[1]
Shortly after Black Bolt accidentally killed his parents, Medusa went to visit him in the Quiet Room, telling him that everyone in Attilan feared him but she did not. While she actually went there to gloat about the deaths of Agon and Rynda as they had effectively made her an orphan, she saw pain in Black Bolt's eyes, the same pain she felt after her parents' death. So instead of gloating, she befriended the silent king. They developed their own sign language and became very close. This closeness eventually developed into a romance and then into marriage.[1]
Queen of Attilan[]
Terrigenesis Ceremony[]
Many years after her marriage to Black Bolt, Medusa ruled alongside him as Queen of Attilan, doing so required many responsibilities and duties. One of those duties was overseeing the Terrigenesis ceremony. At one of these ceremonies, Bronaja and his sister Iridia went through Terrigenesis. Iridia emerged with butterfly-like wings and Bronaja at first appeared to manifested no ability. However, when Maximus touched him in an act of reassurance, this caused Bronaja to collapse on the ground and his eyes to go completely white. Bronaja recovered but he told Maximus that "snakes had him pinned against a wall".
Later at dinner, Medusa was informed of the apparent demise of her cousin Triton. It was here that Medusa was informed by Black Bolt of an Inhuman Outbreak on Earth: Inhumans who stayed behind on Earth when much of the Inhuman population fled to the Moon had descendants with dormant Inhuman genes. Something was now causing these genes to activate and give these descendants powers; however, this was often met with violence. Black Bolt had sent Triton to bring these new Inhumans back to Attilan. This revelation led to a heated debate between Maximus and the rest of the Inhuman Royal Family as realistically Attilan could not support a growing population. Maximus favored going to Earth and conquering it while Black Bolt favored staying on the moon.[1]
With Black Bolt sealed away in the Quiet Room to consult on Triton's apparent demise, Medusa was approached by Maximus, who made more advances towards her. In disgust, Medusa used her hair to restrain him and told him to leave her alone.[1]
When Maximus initiated his coup d'état against the Inhuman Royal Family, Medusa tried to warn her husband Black Bolt that something was happening in Attilan. However, Maximus and several soldiers cornered her and although she managed to fend them off, Pulsus eventually used his powers to subdue her. As the guards restrained Medusa, Maximus shaved her head, effectively robbing her of her powers.[1]
Stranded on Earth[]
"Black Bolt? It's me. I'm here on Earth, somewhere, I'm safe. I'm in a crater, I think. Are you here? Can you hear me? Please, just let me know you're okay. Thank you."
Medusa's sister Crystal soon arrived with Lockjaw and teleported Medusa to Earth. She soon contacted Black Bolt, who was also on Earth, and informed him of her escape. She promised to find him soon and started making her way out of a crater on the island of Oahu. She made her way onto a bus where Crystal contacted her, telling her of everything that had happened on Attilan after Maximus took over. Medusa soon realized that Auran was tracking the call and told Crystal not to contact her again for fear of being found. She ended the call and left her Com-Link on the bus in preparation of the confrontation between her and Auran.[3]
Knowing that Auran would soon come to her, Medusa prepared an ambush for the new head of the Attilan Royal Guard. She hid behind the bus in which she had dropped her Com-Link and waited for Auran to come. When Auran got down of the bus without finding Medusa, Medusa attacked her. The two Inhumans violently fought and despite Medusa tried to fight back, Auran gained the upper hand. However, Medusa had concealed a knife she used to repeatedly stab Auran. Medusa took Auran's Com-Link and called Black Bolt to tell him that she would find him. Medusa then left Auran's body and Com-Link in a dumpster before leaving.[3]
Meeting Louise Fisher[]
"What's going on? Who's in that helicopter? Who are you?" "We are gonna follow that helicopter. Now!"
Medusa attempted to find her way in Waikiki Beach, unsuccessfully trying to withdraw some money in an ATM. She then found the Royal Estates and sneaked into the bungalows. There, she was able to take some food and wear clothes which would enable her to blend in during her time on Earth. Medusa also discovered a newspaper article mentioning the arrest of Black Bolt, prompting Medusa to go to the Oahu County Correctional Facility to find her husband.
Medusa arrived at the prison and knocked one guard unconscious as Black Bolt and Sammy were evading. An helicopter piloted by Evan Declan also appeared in the prison's yard and took Black Bolt and Sammy away while Medusa helplessly signaled her presence to Black Bolt, but to no avail. While the helicopter flied away, Louise Fisher approached Medusa and asked her if she knew what had happened. In response, Medusa simply pointed her gun at Fisher and ordered her to follow the helicopter with her car.[4]
Finding Black Bolt[]
Medusa shoots at the police car
"I just want to find my husband." "Don't we all? Vacant." "You never got married?" "Never have I been asked."
Medusa held Louise Fisher at gunpoint while the latter was chasing the helicopter which had taken Black Bolt. Medusa forced Fisher to drive above the speed limit and go through a red light, which caught the attention of a passing police car. The police began chasing them but Medusa refused to let Fisher stop the vehicle and shot at the police car, forcing it to abandon the pursuit. Unfortunately, Fisher lost track of the helicopter.
Fisher stopped the car and confronted Medusa about what she had done. Upon seeing Medusa staring at the Moon, Fisher understood that Medusa came from the satellite and Medusa agreed to tell Fisher some information about Attilan. Medusa informed Fisher that she was looking for her family and Fisher agreed to help her.
Medusa and Fisher returned to the Harbor Arms hotel where Fisher had rented a room. While Fisher used the data of the Callisto Aerospace satellites, Medusa searched through her stuff, prompting Fisher to brutally react when Medusa picked up the toy rocket containing Fisher's father's ashes. Later, Medusa spotted policemen coming to the hotel to arrest them. Medusa and Fisher got out of the room, but Fisher wanted to go back to retrieve her toy rocket. Seeing that Fisher would not give up on it, Medusa resolved to fin the object herself. Afterwards, the two women met outside the hotel and left the place.
Both the women went to a beach and grabbed some snacks to eat where Fisher and Medusa kept looking for the helicopter. Fisher eventually found it and Medusa took advantage of a moment of distraction from Fisher to take her computer. Fisher later found Medusa and angrily confronted her about her disrespectful behaviour, although Medusa remained at first quite insensitive to her critics. When Fisher mentioned her father who had vainly dreamed of getting to the Moon, Medusa replied that he had behaved as stupidly as her own parents who died for an unreachable ideal.
Medusa and Louise Fisher argue about their respective parents
The argument eventually subsided between the two women and Medusa admitted that she had taken a liking at Fisher. Together, they drove all the way to the Declan Research Facility Lab, where they arrived in time to rescue Black Bolt from Auran's team. By knocking over Mordis, they triggered an explosion which incapacitated their opponents, enabling Medusa and Black Bolt to be reunited. Medusa then pointed at Locus and told Black Bolt that they would need her to locate the rest of their family. Medusa, Black Bolt and Fisher then left the lab with Locus in the trunk.[2]
Reunion with the Royal Family[]
The day after, while Louise Fisher was driving, Medusa explained to Black Bolt what had happened to her before she was exiled and how Auran and Maximus had depowered her. As Locus regained consciousness, they stopped the car and Locus informed them that Karnak was somewhere nearby. As Fisher reproached Medusa with her way of treating Locus who criticized them, Medusa replied that Locus was trying to kill them earlier.
While walking through the forest, Medusa took Locus' Com-Link as she was being contacted by Maximus. Medusa took the call and was told by Maximus that he would never harm Crystal. Medusa also warned her brother-in-law that Black Bolt and herself were coming from him.
As the night fell, Medusa and the others kept looking for Karnak. Once again, Locus criticized the Inhuman Royal Family, claiming that their rule were archaic and that Maximus cared more about the people than they did. Locus reminded to Medusa that her own parents used to fight against the then leaders of Attilan, who happened to be Black Bolt's parents. Medusa explained to Fisher that she and Black Bolt understood each other, which was why they fell in love and married. Altogether, Medusa and Black Bolt remained quite insensitive to her critics, although Medusa acknowledged that they had made some mistakes and was aware that Locus thought that way because the people never got the chance to truly know Black Bolt.
Medusa and her group later found Tua's traffickers, who attacked them. They got rid of their opponents and then found Karnak, Gorgon and Jen. After Jen left, Medusa saw Locus falling on the ground, having been wounded in the fight against Tua. As they were nothing they could do for her, Locus begged Medusa and Black Bolt to change their way of ruling and informed them that Crystal was on Oahu as well.[5]
Finding Crystal[]
"We got your signal. And I see that you made a friend. A human friend."
As Locus had revealed that Crystal was on Oahu, Medusa and Black Bolt decided to find her. They received a call from Auran informing them that she held Evan Declan and Sammy hostages, challenging Black Bolt to come and save his friends. As a result, the Inhuman Royal Family decided to split up: Medusa and Black Bolt would search Crystal with Louise Fisher while Karnak and Gorgon would rescue Declan and Sammy. Medusa also expressed, for the first time, her idea that maybe they should not kill but simply arrest Maximus, much to Black Bolt's surprise.
While Fisher looked for a proper itinerary, Medusa and Black Bolt discussed the case of Maximus again, as Black Bolt did not understand why Medusa did not want Maximus dead. Medusa assured her husband that she was not trying to protect Maximus, but Black Bolt himself, and urged her to be more understanding.
Later, Medusa explained to fisher why the Inhumans were hiding on the Moon, out of fear from Humans, something Fisher did not understand as they were many good Humans and that they could not judge humanity on the basis of some Humans, just like Fisher could not have an opinion on the Inhumans just by looking at Maximus' evil plans. Although Medusa recognized Fisher had a point, she pressured her friend into finding Crystal.
Upon noticing multiple flash of lightnings coming to the same spot, Medusa and Black Bolt figured out that Crystal was generating them. They drove to the place and found the Princess just as she was kissing her new friend Dave. When Crystal explained that Dave was a good person and a friend of hers, Medusa smiled and replied that Fisher was also her friend and a good person.
The team went back to Dave's Ranch, where Crystal had left Lockjaw. They noticed that the police was there after they were called by Audrey, Dave's former girlfriend. Medusa, Black Bolt and Crystal managed to sneak into the barn and found Lockjaw. Medusa convinced Crystal that they had to promptly leave and asked Fisher to handle the police before teleporting with her family.
Medusa, Black Bolt and Crystal arrived at the Declan Research Facility Lab, where they found Karnak mourning the loss of Gorgon, who had been killed in the battle against Auran's men.[6]
Fighting Back[]
Sending a Message[]
"This has to stop! We can not go around killing everyone. Remember what you represent. What kind of king would you be if you killed your own brother? What kind of kingdom would Attilan be if you descended to that level?" "There will be no kingdom unless we act!" "Actions have consequences." "A lesson Maximus is about to learn."
The next morning, the Inhuman Royal Family wrapped Gorgon's body and decided that they had to deal with Maximus before someone else died. Black Bolt informed them that they had to send a message to Maximus, so he ordered Karnak to kill Auran, knowing she would heal from it, to get Maximus' attention. Medusa protested that she did not think that killing Maximus or anyone would fix anything, but Karnak stated that if they did not act, Attilan would be lost. Crystal then transported back to Attilan to inform Maximus of their demand to negotiate with him. When Crystal returned, she informed the family of the parley being at midday, which Karnak claimed to be a good time for an execution, although Medusa informed that there could be no killing.[7]
Triton's Return[]
"We thought you were dead." "I was wounded in the attack. We set a meeting place in advance should anything go wrong. Our king felt it best that Maximus believe that his plan was working." "Why were we kept in the dark?" "I'm sure he had his reasons."
Black Bolt then informed the Inhuman Royal Family that they had to go to another destination, the beach where they had originally meant to be transported to at the beginning. Black Bolt then told Lockjaw to howl, causing a figure to approach through the ocean, revealing to be Triton. The family hugged Triton, after believing him to be dead, when he revealed that he was in hiding should the mission he was sent on failed. When Triton asked about Gorgon, they showed him the body. They all then transported to a bunker underneath Attilan that the family, excluding Black Bolt, did not know about and made a plan to defeat Maximus.
However, Medusa was quite upset that her husband had hidden the existence of the Royal Bunker and the survival of Triton. She confronted her husband and demanded that he consulted her for his further decisions instead of leaving her in the dark, to which Black Bolt agreed.[7]
Medusa accompanied the rest of the Inhuman Royal Family for the parley with Maximus, serving as Black Bolt's interpreter. Medusa and Black Bolt offered Maximus the opportunity to undergo a second Terrigenesis and to pardon him for his crimes in exchange for their throne back. Maximus pretended to accept these terms, which included handing over Evan Declan to Maximus, which Medusa questioned as she felt it was not moral.
However, once Declan was secured to him, Maximus declared that he refused the terms, leading to an open declaration of war between Black Bolt and Maximus. Medusa translated Black Bolt's final warning that he would eventually kill his brother. She then joined the rest of the Royal Family back to the Royal Bunker.
Medusa joined Black Bolt and revealed that the first time they met, she had come to the Quiet Room to mock him over the loss of his parents, but that instead she fell in love with him. She also explained that she had seen pain in Black Bolt's eyes and that she had seen the same pain today during the parley. The talk was interrupted by Karnak, who requested the authorization to put the deceased Gorgon through Terrigenesis to revive him. However, Medusa and Black Bolt refused, with Medusa noticing that Karnak had changed and became more emboldened.
Medusa then went to see her sister Crystal, who was saddened to have left Dave without saying goodbye and wanted to live what she called a normal life. In response, Medusa comforted her sister.
Later, as Triton successfully sabotaged the city of Attilan, Medusa followed his progression as he captured Maximus and took him back to the Royal Bunker.[7]
Attilan's Demise[]
"We can no longer stay on the Moon. It is time for us to return to our homeland. To Earth. And Black Bolt and I will lead the way. Because how can you ever trust a leader who puts his needs before yours? Black Bolt and I will ensure that Attilan survives on Earth"
Medusa was still present in the Royal Bunker when Maximus was brought into the facility by Black Bolt and Triton, and learned that he intended to destroy Attilan if he was not allowed to keep the throne. Facing such a threat, in addition to another mysterious enemy mentioned by Black Bolt but who Medusa did not know about, Medusa was asked by Black Bolt to prepare for a possible Evacuation of Attilan alongside Crystal. Therefore, Medusa had Crystal and Lockjaw teleport her into Louise Fisher's Residence. Medusa explained to Louise Fisher that she needed her help, denying Fisher's request to be taken to the Moon as it was far too dangerous.
Medusa got to meet with Fisher's superior George Ashland. However, Ashland was reluctant to believe that she was the Queen of the Inhumans coming from the Moon, forcing Medusa to call Crystal and ask her to teleport with Lockjaw, which successfully convinced Ashland. Medusa then explained to Fisher that she had brought Attilan's Terrigen Crystals and that she wanted to entrust Fisher with it as she was a close friend to hers. In return, Medusa accepted to take Fisher's toy rocket containing the ashes of her father in order to bury it on the Moon.
Medusa then returned to the Royal Bunker, where she was surprised to see the recently resurrected Gorgon arrive with Black Bolt and Karnak. Medusa insisted that Karnak reviving Gorgon was a serious offense, but admitted that they had more pressing issues to deal with. She then told Black Bolt that she wanted to attempt to negotiate one last time with Maximus, explaining that she had kept a Terrigen Crystal and wanted to offer it to Maximus in exchange for him stepping down from the throne. Medusa thus contacted Auran to be taken to the throne room.
Medusa confronted Maximus about his actions, especially the fact that he had effectively depowered her, but Maximus showed little compassion, claiming that Medusa felt like he had his whole life after she had ended their friendship. As the collapse of Attilan was imminent, Medusa begged Maximus to surrender the throne, and revealed the Terrigen Crystal in her possession. Maximus ordered Medusa to hand it over, but since Medusa understood that Maximus had no intention to give up on the throne, she threw it against a wall to shatter it, much to Maximus' anger. Medusa was then taken out of the throne room by Auran, who had guaranteed her safety.
Medusa returned to the Royal Bunker and informed them of the failure of the negotiations. Thus, Medusa and Black Bolt came before the population of Attilan and announced that they would conduct the evacuation of the city of Attilan. Medusa also acknowledged that the Inhuman Royal Family might have made mistakes in their way of ruling, but that they would take it into account as they would continue to lead the Inhumans on Earth. Medusa then briefly left to bury Fisher's father's ashes in Attilan, but as the city was being destroyed, she hastily returned into the throne room. As Karnak commented on Attilan's end, Medusa insisted that Attilan was a people before being a place. She then kissed her husband goodbye as he wanted to remain in Attilan to deal with Maximus once and for all and she teleported to Earth with the rest of her family.[8]
"People of Attilan, welcome home. We face an uncertain future, but we face it, with hope. Not as a conquering army, but as friends, who have come back to their birthplace after a very long time away. Here, on Earth."
The Inhuman Royal Family then landed on Earth where they were soon joined by Black Bolt. They then changed into their normal royal clothes. They were then greeted by Louise Fisher who had prepared a suitable living environment for the people of Attilan, now that they were on the Earth. Black Bolt and Medusa then gave a speech to the Inhumans telling them that the Earth was once again their home. The Inhumans would then go on to live in the settlement set up for them which would go unnoticed to the public world.[8]
Personality[]
"Do you have a job on the Moon?" "I'm their queen." "No wonder you're so bossy."
As the Queen of the Inhumans, ruling over Attilan along Black Bolt, Medusa is a determined woman who takes pride in her position. However, she also feels frustration as she feels that she could be more involved in Attilan's politics and that her husband sometimes only sees her as his interpreter, since she is one of the few to know sign language. Despite that, Medusa initially firmly believed that the rules they were enforcing were the best they could come by and did her best to remain far from her own parents' political ideas.
Her exile on Earth enabled Medusa to take a step back and question her way of ruling. Unlike Black Bolt, she eventually heard criticism voiced by Louise Fisher and Locus, which led Medusa to be more understanding of how the people could feel wronged by the current caste systems. In result, Medusa was also more forgiving and even ready to forgive Maximus, although he had completely robbed her of her powers and she had initially swore to kill him. Until the very end of Attilan, Medusa attempted to find a peaceful end to the conflict initiated by Maximus, but to no avail.
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
Inhuman Physiology: Medusa earned her superhuman powers by undergoing Terrigenesis. This notably granted her the ability to manipulate her hair, which she used to her advantage. She also gained other powers beyond her hair manipulation.
Enhanced Durability: As part of awakening her Inhuman powers, Medusa gained great durability. She did not sustain any injuries after jumping out from the second floor of a motel and landing on her feet.
Medusa could manipulate the movement and length of her own hair, allowing her to utilize it as an additional limb to carry out a large range of tasks, such as handling small devices and combat. Her hair was also rather strong, as she was able to use it to strangle Maximus and knock down a series of charging guards. Despite this, Medusa's hair was still vulnerable to being cut off should she be subdued, which will effectively rob her of her power. However, with her hair being shaved off by Maximus, Medusa remained powerless until it regrew to a usable length.
Abilities[]
"Medusa, even little Crystal, are skilled fighters."
Expert Combatant: Medusa was able to take on several Inhuman guards turning against her with minimal effort, and later fought against Auran, a highly skilled hand-to-hand combatant and martial artist in her own right; however, Auran was proven to be the superior combatant, as Medusa was forced to use a concealed blade to win the fight, catching Auran off-guard.
Expert Marksman: While in a police chase, Medusa effectively used Auran's laser gun to shoot and hit a police car.
Master Tactician: As queen of the Inhumans on Attilan, Medusa ruled over the place and its entire population for years. Along with King Black Bolt, the two made decisions on behalf of the population, although Black Bolt was usually the decider. While on Earth, Medusa started to understand her ruling was mistaken and convinced Black Bolt to change their ways.
Bilingualism: Medusa is fluent in her native English, as well as sign language. She usually interprets for Black Bolt due to his powers forcing him to be mute.
Equipment[]
Weapons[]
Laser Gun: Medusa stole Auran's gun after defeating her. She notably used it against a police car which was chasing her and Louise Fisher.
Medusa's nickname of "Snakes" is a reference to her namesake Medusa, who had snakes for hair.
In the comics, Medusa was first seen as a member of the Frightful Four (which also consists of Wizard, Sandman, and Trapster) when she had amnesia. In later comics, Medusa becomes a member of the Illuminati, a group made of the smartest and most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe, including Blackagar Boltagon, Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, Stephen Strange, Hank Pym and T'Challa.
Despite not looking like any specific outfit for the characters, the initial costume takes inspiration from the one she wears in Earth-10333.
