The latest episode of Ms Marvel introduced us to a whole new set of interesting characters. We meet a group of interdimensional people called the ClanDestine and there’s definitely more to them than what we know till now.
The MCU has been introducing different characters and creatures from the comics into the new shows and movies in Phase 4. Look at Arthur Harrow in Moon Knight or Kazi in Hawkeye. Now, the ClanDestine in Ms Marvel also joined the party.
The ClanDestine are a group of interdimensional species who are trapped on Earth. They are the main antagonists of the series and can do literally anything to return hope. The group is also known as the Djinn, and first appeared in the Marvel Comics in 1994.
In the Marvel comics, the ClanDestine appear a little different. Here’s how they’re similar and different from the ones in the series.
Who Are the ClanDestine in the Comics?
The ClanDestine are a group of advanced or enhanced people. They first appeared in the Marvel Comics in 1994 and were created by Alan Davis. In the comics, they are group of superior brings who are descendants of Adam of Destine.
Here’s how the legend or ‘back story’ of the ClanDestine goes – Adam was born in a small Saxon village in England in the 12th century. He was blessed by Djinn Elalyth in his dreams, whom he mistook for an angel.
After being blessed, Adam gained regenerative powers and became immune to any kind of outside harm. Using his supernatural abilities, he freed Elalyth from captivity. The two fell in love and Elalyth turned Adam into an immortal being.
The two had many half-Djinn children, each of whom were also blessed with supernatural powers. The children had powers such as slow aging, superior resistance capabilities and other unique powers.
In the comics, the ClanDestine used their powers only for their personal gain. The family spread into various parts of the world, where different members used their powers differently. Some of the members even joined hands with Marvel heroes.
Others turned out to be supervillains in the series. The ClanDestine comics mainly focused on the evolution of this enhanced group of people. It was futuristic, in the sense that it focused on how people might use superpowers in the future.
However, this superior group of people was not an instant hit with readers upon being published. Over the years, they have become a part of the Marvel comics, but this is the first time a prime MCU series has introduced them in a pivotal role.
Why Are the ClanDestine in Ms Marvel?
The MCU has been experimenting quite a lot when it comes to introducing characters and plotlines, so it did not surprise me that they chose to introduce another group of characters into Ms Marvel. However, there are a few differences between the ClanDestine in the comics and the one in Ms Marvel.
First of all, the ClanDestine are completely Djinns in the series, and not half-Djinn and half-human like in the comics. In Ms Marvel, they are a group of pre-Islamic genie figures. They are from another dimension and have been cast out for some unknown reason.
Kamala Khan’s great grandmother, Aisha was herself a Djinn. Kamran’s mother, Najma is also a Djinn. This group of interdimensional species have been on Earth for long, trying to figure out a way to return home.
The ClanDestine or Djinns need a pair of powerful bracelets to gain access to the “Nooro” or light dimension via which they can return home. Now, one of the bracelets is with Kamala.
Though the makers have changed the origin of the group to fit them into the cultural arena of its protagonist, there are still few basic similarities with the comics group , such as the unique superpowers, including slow aging. They’re also known for their selfish use of power.
The makers of Ms Marvel are using the group to pay homage to the cultural heritage of Kamala by connecting the story of the ClanDestine with the legend of ancient genies in Islamic mythology.
There still seems to be some ambiguity regarding their actual motives. I guess we will know more about the group in future episodes and things will become clearer. As of now, they seem to be villains who want to get back to their own dimension at any cost.
About Ms. Marvel
Ms. Marvel is an ongoing American television miniseries created by Bisha K. Ali for the streaming service Disney+, based on the Marvel Comics character Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel. It is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Kamala is a 16-year-old Muslim Pakistani-American from Jersey City who writes superhero fan fiction, particularly about her idol, Captain Marvel. Having dreamed about becoming a superhero herself, Kamala discovers she has superpowers and dons the mask of Ms. Marvel.
Ms. Marvel will serve as a setup for the film The Marvels (2022), in which Vellani will reprise her role as Kamala. The series is produced by Marvel Studios, with Ali serving as head writer and Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah leading the directing team. Iman Vellani stars as Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel, with Saagar Shaikh, Aramis Knight, Matt Lintz, Zenobia Shroff, and Mohan Kapur also starring.
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