Why Invincible Should Fear Thragg The Most

This piece explores the “Invincible” comics, and there might be revelations that could spoil upcoming episodes of the same title on Amazon Prime Video.

In an exciting finale, Amazon’s series “Invincible” concluded its third season with a bang. The main character, Mark Grayson (portrayed by Steven Yeun), encountered his strongest adversary yet: Conquest (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). Conquest attempted to eliminate Mark, Atom Eve (Gillian Jacobs), and Oliver Grayson (Christian Convery) all at once. Thankfully, Mark and Atom Eve managed to unlock their full abilities and subdue Conquest — let’s hope he stays down, given that Cecil (Walton Goggins) has him imprisoned, which seems like a precarious situation.

Currently, Conquest isn’t a factor, but Mark shouldn’t take it easy as there remains a formidable villain from the comics that requires vigilance. Creator Robert Kirkman has hinted that the “Invincible” series could span seven to eight seasons, leaving ample opportunity for our hero to confront the comics’ most fearsome adversary and the one he should be wary of more than any other – Thragg, Grand Regent of the Viltrumites.

In “Invincible Returns” #1 by Kirkman, Ryan Ottley, Cory Walker, and Rus Wooton, a character named Thragg was introduced, but he hasn’t made an appearance in the animated adaptation thus far. However, it looks like this might change soon, as Robert Kirkman has hinted that Thragg’s voice actor has been chosen, suggesting his arrival in Season 4. And when Thragg does show up, Mark should be on high alert: If you thought Invincible had taken a beating before, wait until you see what Thragg is capable of. Here’s why Mark should worry about him more than anyone else.

Thragg is the leader of the Viltrumites

It’s likely that the creators of the “Invincible” Prime Video series haven’t seen it essential to introduce Thragg so far because as Grand Regent of the Viltrumites, he doesn’t have to engage directly if he chooses not to. He governs the Viltrum Empire, and characters like Conquest and Anissa (played by Shantel VanSanten) seem content to fight Mark Grayson on his behalf. However, leading in this world can be risky since things can easily change.

In “Invincible” issue #102, it’s revealed that Thragg has personal motivations for not wanting either Mark or Nolan Grayson (Omni-Man) to obstruct him. During this comic, Thragg shares his rise to power story with Nolan. Prior to Thragg, Argall was the ruler of Viltrum. Argall had numerous heirs scattered to evade an enemy’s attempts to eliminate them. After a civil war in Viltrum, Thragg became Grand Regent and vowed to locate an heir, but never followed through on this promise. This is why Thragg feels compelled to keep Mark or Nolan from getting in his way.

It transpires that one of Argall’s offspring, Nolan, is alive. This explains why Thragg plans to eliminate him in the mentioned issue; he fears that if Nolan survives, Viltrumites might choose him over Thragg as their leader. Since they are descendants of Argall, Thragg has a valid claim to power, and his determination to kill both Nolan and Mark demonstrates this ambition. His desire to maintain unchallenged authority makes him a formidable adversary.

He’s been training intensely since birth

From a Viltrumite perspective, just like Mark and Nolan, I possess the same extraordinary abilities. I can soar through the skies at will and boast an unmatched physical strength, endurance, and speed. My healing capabilities are swift, and I’ve lived for millennia already.

But let me tell you, when it comes to my fellow Viltrumites, it isn’t long before the pages of “Invincible” reveal that I am the strongest among us. It may not seem so initially, given that Nolan shares these powers too, but once you witness my combat prowess, there’s no denying the truth.

Viltrum represents a martial civilization, where citizens are groomed from childhood for combat and conquest. They don’t hesitate to eliminate their own during training if it ensures the survival of the more robust members. Thragg is no exception; in fact, he was specifically engineered to be the most powerful Viltrumite. This is succinctly explained by Nolan in “Invincible” issue 76.

In this conflict, Mark and Nolan engage in a battle against Thragg. Eventually, Nolan admits their chances of winning are slim. He explains: “Thragg was groomed since birth to become Regent, honed to surpass us all in strength… schooled in every form of combat… We stand no chance against him unless we join forces.” For those who have followed the “Invincible” series, it’s clear how potent Viltrumites can be, as demonstrated by Nolan and Conquest. If Thragg surpasses even them in power, it’s a warning sign for Mark.

Invincible’s punches barely affect Thragg

It’s quite simple to overlook the incredible resilience that Viltrumites possess. Despite Mark being half-Viltrumite, he often encounters fractured bones and bleeding from nearly every opening in his body. However, other Viltrumites are better suited to absorb punches, with Thragg standing out as one of the most robust among them.

In issue #76 of the “Invincible” series, during the Viltrumite War arc, Mark and Nolan engage Thragg and a few of his associates in a fight set against the backdrop of space. Mark rushes towards Thragg and delivers a punch to his head, but to no avail. Instead, Thragg swiftly overpowers Mark, hitting him so forcefully through the expansive emptiness of space that he puts both hands around Mark’s head from either side, resulting in Mark being severely injured, as mentioned earlier due to blood streaming out of every opening on his body.

It’s possible that Mark is underestimating his adversary and not delivering enough power in his blows. However, throughout the comics, Thragg has been attacked by other Viltrumites whose punches seem to have no effect on him. In fact, Thragg can effortlessly dodge or block incoming fists, then retaliate with his own powerful punches or even dismember his opponents. It quickly becomes evident that defeating Thragg will demand more than just raw strength.

Even Conquest fears Thragg

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Season 3 of Invincible concluded with one of the most intense battles yet. Mark was pushed to his limits against Conquest, managing to hold his own until Atom Eve reappeared with extraordinary new powers that significantly weakened Conquest. It was a close call, but it was only when I delivered the final blow that we emerged victorious. Alas, Cecil’s decision to keep Conquest imprisoned might have been his biggest blunder, as the villain inexorably broke free in the comics and returned to Thragg, revealing an entirely new dimension to his character.

In the “Invincible” series, Conquest is portrayed as a ruthless adversary. He’s not just about brutality; he’s also eloquent, as shown when he speaks poetically to Mark about his lack of a personal identity, focusing instead on his purpose. However, in “Invincible Returns” #1, Conquest appears weak and humble when confronting Thragg. He pleads for mercy and forgiveness, suggesting Thragg has the power to end his life if he so chooses. Fortunately for Conquest, Thragg has other intentions for the Viltrumite, leading to another battle between them, with Mark once again facing off against him.

In the animated series, Conquest stands out as the most unhinged opponent Mark has faced so far. His ability to escape from Cecil’s prison cell and then humble himself before Thragg, pleading for mercy, demonstrates just how highly Thragg is regarded. If Mark felt fear of Conquest, this single instance should be more than enough to make him absolutely terrified of Thragg.

Thragg beats Omni-Man

The Amazon Prime Video series titled “Invincible” has set Nolan on a path towards redemption. After his destructive battle with Mark in the Season 1 finale, where he mercilessly crushed Mark’s body onto an incoming train, killing everyone aboard, Nolan left Earth. In the intervening time, he has had another child, Oliver, with a Thraxan and was imprisoned by his Viltrumite comrades. Following his escape, facilitated by Allen the Alien (played by Seth Rogen), it appears from the source material that Nolan will team up with Mark in future events instead of opposing him. This alliance includes confronting Thragg and an army of Viltrumites during the Viltrumite War. Despite Nolan’s demonstrated strength, he is no match for Thragg.

In the comic “Invincible” #76, Nolan performs somewhat better against the Grand Regent compared to Mark, but ultimately, he’s easily overpowered when Thragg stabs Nolan with his arm. This scene is particularly gruesome, as Nolan floats through space with blood and internal organs in disarray. Interestingly, Thragg chooses not to kill both Nolan and Mark at that moment. Instead, he orders his Viltrumite followers not to eliminate them. It’s worth noting that the Viltrum empire is in a weak state, as there are only approximately 50 Viltrumites left, according to what was revealed in “Invincible” Season 3.

The situation might turn out to be beneficial for Nolan and Mark when the antagonist Thragg appears on the show, as he seems to require numerous Viltrumites. Although it’s unlikely that Thragg will target Mark directly for elimination, he could still inflict severe harm upon him. Moreover, Thragg poses a significant threat not only to Mark but also to his loved ones, who may fall victim to his malicious intentions. It’s important to remember that Thragg is a merciless character and has no qualms about causing pain in other ways beyond just killing. Preserving Viltrumites is crucial, but we mustn’t forget the extent of Thragg’s ruthlessness.

Thragg kills Battle Beast

Based on the episodes of “Invincible” we’ve watched, only one character appears to be stronger than Omni-Man, and that’s Battle Beast, portrayed by Michael Dorn. Also recognized as Thokk, Battle Beast debuted in Season 1 and effortlessly overpowered both Mark and the Guardians of the Globe. He had the chance to kill Mark on the spot, but due to his adherence to a strict honor code, he doesn’t take lives from those he considers beneath him. Essentially, Battle Beast seeks powerful adversaries and desires an honorable death at their hands. In Season 3, Allen promises him a battle with the Viltrumites, and Battle Beast slays one of them. He is later apprehended while drifting through space, and it’s likely the series will depict one of the most brutal fights from the comics where he clashes with Thragg.

The conflict between Thragg and Battle Beast extends over numerous topics. At one instance, Thragg is gutted by extraterrestrial beings, leading Battle Beast to forgo battle against an opponent who has been wounded outside the fight. Instead, Battle Beast inflicts the same wound upon himself to ensure a level playing field. Their fight continues for multiple days, with Battle Beast landing some powerful blows, but Thragg prevails in the end, granting Battle Beast a death he had long desired. To assert his superiority, Thragg dons Battle Beast’s skin. While this might seem boastful, it primarily underscores just how formidable Thragg is. Since Battle Beast had the ability to kill Mark, the fact that Thragg slays the alien warrior demonstrates the formidable challenge Mark will face.

Even when Thragg loses, he wins

Thragg, the Grand Regent of the Viltrumites, doesn’t hold his position merely because he’s the most powerful among them. Instead, he demonstrates leadership skills, such as maintaining composure and discerning the bigger picture amidst complex situations. Although Thragg appears to lose the Viltrumite War in the comics by surrendering to Mark and Nolan, this act might serve a greater purpose.

In comic book series “Invincible” #77, Thragg proposes a ceasefire to them. He agrees to stop attacking Earth and its inhabitants. However, this truce has a condition: The remaining Viltrumites (numbering 37 in the comics at this point) will live among humans and breed with them. This is necessary for increasing the Viltrumite population over future millennia, Thragg explains. Mark grapples with accepting this deal because he understands that the Viltrum Empire would become an even more formidable threat in the future if they don’t act now, despite the offer’s grim implications. This is the bitter truth of Thragg’s proposition.

In this situation, Mark finds himself in a no-win predicament. If he declines Thragg’s proposition, the Viltrumites under his command will destroy Earth, leading to humanity’s probable extinction, regardless of any efforts by Mark, Nolan, and other heroes to combat them. Therefore, at this juncture, Mark has no choice but to accept the best deal available, thereby concluding the Viltrumite War, albeit under terms he’s not content with. This underscores Thragg’s true might, as he is not only exceptionally powerful but also a strategic genius who thinks centuries ahead. Even when he appears merciful, it often serves some larger purpose that holds more significance for him.

Thragg isn’t above killing his own children

In the Viltrumite War, Thragg may have shown mercy towards Mark and Nolan, but let’s not be fooled into thinking he’s a compassionate creature. Following his exile once Nolan is unveiled as the true Viltrum heir, Thragg finds himself on the planet Thraxa – the same place where Nolan formed a relationship with Andressa in “Invincible” Season 2. On this planet, they produce Oliver, a hybrid of Viltrumite and Thraxan lineage. In the comics, Thragg takes Nolan’s ideas to an extremely unsettling level.

Thragg actively reproduces with multiple Thraxan females, rapidly accumulating a sizable brood due to their unique genetic makeup that accelerates aging in offspring. As the former Viltrumite Grand Regent, he now governs this expanding Viltrumite lineage. Raising his children much like on Viltrum, he endures substantial losses as only the most robust survive. When the moment arrives for him to confront Mark once more, Thragg employs his offspring as a protective shield, resulting in several casualties among them.

In this tale, not even the offspring of Thragg bearing names are immune to danger. He has a set of twins named Onaan and Ursaal, along with another companion, who confront Mark and Eve. During an encounter, Thragg cornered Terra, Mark and Eve’s daughter. In response, Mark threatened the life of Onaan as a means of coercion. Despite Thragg’s assertions that Mark should not take lives, he has significantly changed from his non-killing past, resulting in him brutally crushing Onaan’s neck.

The ancient Viltrumite code discourages dwelling on emotional ties, even family connections, and Thragg showed little remorse for his son’s demise after the battle. If Thragg exhibits such ruthlessness towards his own kin, then no one can truly claim safety.

Invincible only beats Thragg with an assist

Heads up, fellow gamers! If you don’t wanna find out the epic ending of Mark’s beef with Thragg, better skip to the next post. This could be the juiciest comic spoiler yet!

In the “Invincible” storyline, it’s true that Mark eventually takes Thragg’s life, but there’s no denying that Thragg wreaked havoc throughout his rule. From serving as Grand Regent to becoming an outcast aiming to establish a fresh Viltrum legacy, Thragg showcases immense power within the “Invincible” universe. However, it should be noted that Mark manages to defeat him with some assistance along the way.

In the blazing heart of a star, Mark and Thragg engage in a fierce battle. As they clash, their skin gradually disappears, leaving them as mere masses of muscle and tissue. Mark sustains less sun damage due to one of Robot’s armor suits enveloping him temporarily, while Thragg takes on more. In the end, Mark manages to slay Thragg, but his life is saved by Allen in the last instant, just as Thragg’s body begins to disintegrate from the intense heat.

As a fervent fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about how Mark, with the aid of Robot, manages to slay Thragg in our beloved series “Invincible.” However, it’s not just Mark who emerges unscathed; it’s also Allen whose timely intervention ensures his survival. This teamwork perfectly encapsulates one of the show’s core messages: emotional bonds can fortify us instead of weakening us.

But let me assure you, Thragg isn’t someone to underestimate. His actions leading up to his demise should send shivers down Mark’s spine as we head into Season 4 and beyond. If “Invincible” continues for seven or even eight seasons, that’s a lot of time for Thragg to wreak havoc. So, be prepared for some thrilling confrontations!

2025-03-29 23:32