Why Are the Eternals Considered Weak in the MCU?

The perception of the Eternals as weak is a common misconception, often driven by the unique portrayal of Deviants and the downscaling of their abilities in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While the Eternals possess a suite of incredible powers, their relative weakness compared to other characters can be explained by the narrative and practical considerations behind their design in the MCU.

The Strength of the Eternals

At first glance, the Eternals seem considerably weak; after all, they are portrayed as having superior speed, strength, and durability. However, a deeper look into their abilities reveals a robust and impressive array of powers. Here are some key examples of how the Eternals showcase their strength:

Ikaris:

As the most powerful of Earth's Eternals, Ikaris has demonstrated several formidable abilities. He can disperse large areas of clouds with his flight, damage Domo with his energy beams, and survive in the outer regions of the Sun. Furthermore, Ikaris has traded blows with Deviants and even caught Thena's blade with no apparent harm. This shows the sheer resilience and combat prowess of the Eternals.

Thena:

Thena, a formidable fighter, can hold her own against Ikaris, stabbing Makkari in the process. She can react to and destroy volcanic boulders, making her a formidable opponent in any combat scenario. Additionally, Thena fought against Kro, who had absorbed Gilgamesh's powers, and even managed to kill him. Her shields can withstand Ikaris's energy beams, indicating her ability to protect herself and others.

Makkari:

Mentioned as the fastest person in the universe, Makkari's speed is unparalleled. She can casually run around the Earth and cross continental distances in seconds. A deaf Eternal, Makkari once blindsided Ikaris, demonstrating her incredible speed and precision in combat. Her speed alone makes her a crucial asset to the Eternals.

Gilgamesh:

Said to be the physically strongest of Earth's Eternals, Gilgamesh can send Deviants flying with his punches. He can also block attacks from Thena, showcasing immense strength and durability. His ability to overpower Deviants with ease is a testament to his raw power.

Kingo:

Kingo, a lesser-known Eternal, can shoot energy beams that harm or even kill Deviants. This demonstrates the diverse range of abilities the Eternals possess and their capability to adapt and overcome threats.

The Downscaling in the MCU

The portrayal of the Eternals in the MCU, while still powerful, often appears weaker in comparison to other characters. This is primarily due to several factors:

Writer's Perspective: Many of the Eternals' powers in the MCU are significantly toned down. This downscaling is done to make the characters and their stories more manageable and relatable within the complex universe of the MCU.

Practical Considerations: Writing powerful beings that can casually rip apart planets would not only be difficult but also potentially harmful if it conflicted with the social or political messaging of the MCU. This is especially true for characters like Odin, Thor, Ultron, and Thanos.

Narrative Consistency: The MCU is drawn from multiple realities and continuities, including the mainstream comics and the Ultimates. Some characterizations are ratcheted down to keep the narrative consistent and cohesive.

Special Effects: Downscaling powers makes it easier to showcase these abilities on screen, using special effects to create stunning and believable action sequences.

It's important to note that some characters, like Ikaris, Makkari, and Kingo, are actually buffed up in the MCU, making them just as impressive and formidable as their comic counterparts.

Conclusion

The Eternals, despite their sometimes weak portrayal in the MCU, are a powerful and diverse group of beings. Their abilities match or even surpass those of many other Marvel characters in the comics. The downscaling of their powers is a result of practical and narrative considerations that ensure the richness and complexity of the MCU are not compromised. By understanding the context and rationale behind their portrayal, one can appreciate the full strength and might of the Eternals.