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Among the formidable figures introduced in Prime Video’s animated series “Invincible,” Conquest, portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, stands out as a powerhouse. This senior Viltrumite becomes a central figure in the show’s third season finale, where he confronts Mark Grayson, voiced by Steven Yeun, over his reluctance to surrender Earth to the rule of the Viltrum Empire. Their ensuing battle wreaks havoc on a massive scale, but ultimately, Mark, with the help of Eve, played by Gillian Jacobs, overcomes Conquest. The defeated Viltrumite is discreetly taken to one of Cecil Stedman’s facilities, alluding to his potential role in future episodes.
Amazon Studios
For those eager for more of Conquest, the source material offers plenty. In the “Invincible” comics by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley, Conquest indeed resurfaces, playing a significant role in the epic Viltrumite War. This conflict pits the Coalition of Planets, including Seth Rogen’s Allen the Alien, against the Viltrum Empire. It culminates in a climactic showdown with Mark, where Conquest meets his demise.
After recuperating and breaking free from captivity, Conquest reunites with the Viltrumites, becoming a vital asset in their fight against the Coalition. He immediately sets his sights on Mark and his brother Oliver, voiced by Lincoln Bodin and Christian Convery in the series. However, in a ferocious battle, Conquest is ultimately defeated, choking to death as Mark narrowly survives, albeit severely injured.
Conquest’s character evolution in the comics reveals intriguing layers. Despite being the Viltrumites’ feared enforcer, some characters view him with a surprising degree of respect. This sentiment shocks Oliver, especially when he learns that his father, Nolan, portrayed by J.K. Simmons, holds Conquest in high esteem.
While Mark is on the mend, Oliver is dismayed to discover that Nolan chooses to honor Conquest with a dignified burial. Despite Conquest’s antagonistic deeds, Omni-Man, a Viltrumite himself with millennia of experience, respects Conquest’s might as a warrior. Nolan even goes so far as to acknowledge Conquest as the superior man, a testament to the complex nature of their shared Viltrumite heritage.
Despite his violence, Conquest commands genuine respect
Image Comics
An interesting aspect of Conquest’s later adventures in the comics is the revelation that, despite his role as the Viltrumites’ deeply feared ultimate attack dog, there are those who see beyond his villainous and violent status and hold him in great regard. To Oliver’s shock, one such person is none other than his own father, Nolan (J.K. Simmons).Â
While Mark recuperates, his younger brother is aggrieved to find out that Nolan has chosen to bury Conquest with full honors, despite the veteran Viltrumite’s antagonistic actions. This is because Omni-Man himself is an old Viltrumite who’s been around for thousands of years and holds deep respect for Conquest’s prowess as a stellar example of his people’s most powerful warriors. Nolan goes as far as to say he considers Conquest to be the better man.
This late-game look at Conquest’s positive traits (from the Viltrumite viewpoint, at least) reminds the reader that in his own way, the old warrior embraced the ideals and aspirations of his people … and should the Prime Video show choose to adapt this development, the scene will no doubt provide plenty of food for thought. Since “Invincible” creator Robert Kirkman envisions a total season count of up to eight seasons in order to cover the whole comic book narrative, there’s a decent chance that fans will eventually get to see Conquest’s last stand.
“Invincible” Season 3 is streaming on Prime Video.Â
