Conquest is a supervillain appearing in the American comic books series Invincible, created by writer Robert Kirkman and artist Ryan Ottley.[1] He first appeared in Invincible #61, published by Image Comics in August 2009.[2] Conquest is a high-ranking member of the Viltrumite Empire and one of the most brutal antagonists in the series. He is known for his ruthless violence and nearly unstoppable strength.[3]
Conquest is one of the oldest and most powerful members of the Viltrumite race in the Invincible comic book series.[3] He survived both the Great Purge and the Scourge Virus, a manufactured disease that decimated the Viltrumite population and left lasting effects on many of its survivors.[4] As a result of his weakened state, Conquest was severely injured during an encounter with a Rognarr, an exceptionally strong species known to be one of the few threats to Viltrumites. The attack left him with a torn-off right arm, a scarred face, and blindness in his right eye. Despite these lasting injuries, Conquest outfitted himself with a prosthetic arm and continued to serve the Viltrum Empire.[4]
Conquest was introduced during the Viltrumite War arc of the Invincible series as a means to escalate the stakes of the ongoing conflict between Mark Grayson (Invincible) and the Viltrumite Empire.[5]
Fictional character biography
Conquest was born during the Argall Era on the planet Viltrum, making him one of the earliest known Viltrumites. He survived two significant events in Viltrumite history: the Great Purge and the Scourge Virus. The latter, a genetically engineered virus targeting Viltrumites, killed about 99.9% of the population and weakened many survivors, reducing the population to around 50 individuals, as explained by Omni-Man to Allen the Alien in Invincible issue #66. Survivors, including Conquest, experienced long-term effects like reduced strength and resilience due to the virus's lasting damage.[6]
After the Scourge Virus, Conquest faced a group of Rognarr, creatures known for their formidable strength and ability to challenge Viltrumites. During the encounter, he lost his right arm and was blinded in one eye. Despite these injuries, he continued serving the Viltrumite Empire, replacing his arm with a prosthetic. Conquest retained a high rank, just below Grand Regent Thragg, holding significant influence and inspiring fear within the Empire.[4]
Arrival on Earth
Conquest arrives on Earth to monitor Mark Grayson (Invincible)’s efforts to subjugate the planet for the Viltrumite Empire. Aware of Mark’s resistance, the Empire deploys Conquest, their “nuclear option,” known for never failing to conquer a planet. Unlike other Viltrumites who might frame their actions as beneficial, Conquest openly expresses his enjoyment of violence, saying, “I’m here because I enjoy this.”[7][failed verification] His clash with Mark turns into a violent battle, causing significant destruction and casualties.[8][9][10] During the fight, Conquest severely injures Atom Eve,[11] provoking Mark’s fury. Mark eventually overpowers Conquest with repeated headbutts, leaving him apparently dead.[12][13][14] Unbeknownst to Mark, Conquest survives and is secretly imprisoned by Cecil Stedman in a concrete bunker, hoping to extract information about Viltrumite plans.[15][16][17]
Viltrumite War and demise
Conquest reappears during the Viltrumite War storyline, acting as an agent of the Viltrumite Empire. In a second confrontation with Invincible (Mark Grayson), Conquest initially dominates. The battle changes when Atom Eve, recovered from prior injuries, intervenes. Grayson defeats Conquest by destroying his bionic arm and delivering repeated blows, resulting in Conquest’s death. His actions leave lasting effects on both Grayson and Earth.[18]
A senior Viltrumite warrior, Conquest is sent to Earth by the Viltrumite Empire to support its colonization. Despite his age, he is considered one of the more formidable Viltrumites due to his combat experience and aggression. His mission leads to a clash with Mark Grayson.[citation needed]
Grayson ultimately overcomes him in a brutal encounter, the experience leaves lasting physical and psychological impacts. Conquest later returns using alien technology, resuming his conflict with Grayson until his final defeat.[19]
Personality and motivations
In the animated adaptation, Conquest is portrayed differently from his comic version. The series depicts him enjoying violence while also showing emotional isolation, as other Viltrumites reportedly fear and avoid him due to his notoriety. In his final confrontation with Mark Grayson, he admits, “I am a victim of my own success,” expressing regret that his reputation for mass destruction has led to loneliness and left him with only the name “Conquest.”[20]
Powers and abilities
As a member of the Viltrumite species, Conquest possesses a number of superhuman abilities characteristic of his race. These include superhuman strength and durability, enabling him to engage multiple enhanced opponents simultaneously and withstand extreme physical trauma. He is capable of unaided flight at supersonic speeds and exhibits enhanced longevity, aging at a significantly slower rate than humans.[21]
Conquest also possesses a highly advanced healing factor, allowing him to recover from severe injuries, though he is not invulnerable or immortal. Over the course of centuries, he has honed his skills as a hand-to-hand combatant, developing a brutal and sadistic fighting style. Despite suffering extensive physical damage, including the loss of an arm and severe facial disfigurement, he remains a formidable and highly dangerous adversary.[22]
Reception
Conquest has been recognized as one of the most brutal and memorable villains in the Invincible series. His appearances are often cited for their intense violence and psychological impact on the story’s protagonist.[23] Critics praised his introduction as a turning point in the series, significantly raising the narrative stakes and highlighting the darker aspects of the Viltrumite conflict.[24]
As of 2025, Conquest has also appeared in the Invincible animated television series on Amazon Prime Video, and he has been teased as a potential future antagonist due to fan speculation and comments from the creators.[26]
Collected editions
Conquest’s key storylines appear in collected volumes:
Invincible, Vol. 8: Eleven (first appearance during the War aftermath, issues #61–64).
Invincible, Vol. 9: Heads Will Roll (continuation of his first battle).
Invincible, Vol. 11: The Viltrum War (marks his final defeat in issues #71–72).
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