Black Bolt

Black Bolt
Black Bolt uses his hypersonic scream on the variant cover of War of Kings #5 (September 2009). Art by Adi Granov.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Fantastic Four #45 (December 1965)
Created by	Stan Lee (writer) Jack Kirby (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	Blackagar Boltagon
Species	Inhuman
Place of origin	Attilan
Team affiliations	Inhuman Royal Family Illuminati
Abilities	Superhuman physical attributes Flight Destructive hypersonic voice Particle manipulation Limited telepathy

Black Bolt (Blackagar Boltagon) is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appears in Fantastic Four #45 (December 1965). Black Bolt is the ruler of the Inhumans, a reclusive race of genetically altered superhumans. Black Bolt's signature power is his voice, as his electron-harnessing ability is linked to the speech center of his brain. Speaking triggers a massive disturbance in the form of a highly destructive shockwave capable of leveling a city. Due to the extreme danger posed by this power, the character has undergone rigorous mental training to prevent himself from uttering a sound, even in sleep, and he usually remains completely silent and speaks through sign language or via spokesperson.

The character of Black Bolt has featured in other Marvel-endorsed products such as arcade and video games, animated television series, and merchandise such as trading cards.

The character first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 (December 1965) and was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

As part of the Marvel NOW! event, Black Bolt became a member of the Illuminati.

Black Bolt's first appearance established the character as being a member of the Inhuman ruling class. The title Thor featured a back-up feature called "Tales of the Inhumans", which recounts the character's origin story. The son of two preeminent Inhumans, Black Bolt is exposed to the mutagenic Terrigen Mist while still an embryo, and eventually demonstrates the ability to manipulate electrons. To protect the Inhuman community from his devastating voice, Black Bolt is placed inside a sound-proof chamber and is tutored in the use of his powers. Reentering Inhuman society as a young man — having vowed never to speak — the character is attacked by his younger brother Maximus, who attempts, unsuccessfully, to goad him into speaking.