Invincible Defeats Conquest Thanks to Human Anger & Love Power!

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In the eighth episode of Invincible‘s third season, after a prolonged anticipation, Conquest made his arrival on Earth, further aggravating an already dismal week for Mark.

The subsequent battle between the two Viltrumites was everything we anticipated; an intense and ferocious brawl that, while not as emotionally wrenching as Mark’s fight with Nolan, introduced a fresh level of raw brutality to a superhero series that has never flinched from graphic violence.

Nonetheless, it was eventually Mark (with some assistance from Eve), who skillfully transformed the elder Viltrumite’s face into something akin to a child’s finger painting, securing victory in the process. However, have you pondered over how Mark, seemingly less formidable and with less experience, was able to outmatch an adversary of greater strength and expertise?

It’s possible that Mark has an unknown edge over Conquest, which isn’t related to genetics from his father; rather, it originates from his mother.

Mark isn’t a full Viltrumite

Mark, who possesses unique abilities as a half-alien, such as flying, immense power, and indestructibility (let the applause roll), could’ve uncovered an intriguing detail regarding Viltrumite physiology during Conquest.

In the heat of conflict, the ruthless warlord advised Mark, “Anger doesn’t add power to you.” Interestingly, it can – at least for humans. This is known as ‘hysterical strength,’ a peculiar occurrence where individuals in critical situations can exceed their ordinary limits and perform seemingly impossible feats.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be amazed by the tales of parents demonstrating superhuman strength in real life, defying the cliché of an urban legend. From lifting cars off their trapped kids to battling dangerous creatures to protect their loved ones, these stories are not just myths or exaggerations – they’re documented facts. Among all the heroic acts, Lydia Angiyou’s story stands out as my personal favorite and, in a way, relatable. She bravely fought off a polar bear to save her children, showcasing an incredible display of courage and strength that would make any video game character proud.

Fight of flight

Although the precise biological explanation remains somewhat elusive, several hypotheses have been proposed regarding this phenomenon. For instance, one theory suggests that for a brief moment, the brain may temporarily bypass unconscious barriers that normally prevent individuals from exerting 100% of their strength. Another theory posits that an adrenaline surge could be responsible, providing people with a sudden burst of energy.

It’s plausible that Viltrumites don’t experience what humans do, as they might share a human-like appearance but possess distinct biological traits (though it’s possible that humans can fly and have not disclosed this to me). There are even comic book hints supporting this notion, beware of potential spoilers.

During Mark’s second battle against Conquest (which he again emerges victorious), Nolan shares with his son that adrenaline was the key factor behind Mark’s success. While Nolan didn’t specify that this advantage is exclusive to humans, the enthusiastic fanbase of Invincible has expanded upon this concept and it’s now commonly understood within the fan community as a part of their shared interpretation or “fanon”.

To put it simply, despite the possibility that this outcome may not be entirely truthful, Mark’s victory over Conquest likely has a more straightforward explanation. This is because Mark is fighting for what he cherishes – Eve, his friends, and our planet Earth. On the other hand, Conquest is battling for an empire, something he openly acknowledges he fears. Considering the strength of their motivations before the fight, it was evident that only one could emerge victorious, and unfortunately for Conquest, that wasn’t him.

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2025-03-13 13:18