The Viltrumites are a powerful and ruthless alien race from the comic series Invincible, created by Robert Kirkman. Their history is defined by conquest, domination, and an obsession with genetic purity.
Origins and Rise of the Viltrum Empire
The Viltrumites originated from the planet Viltrum, where they quickly became the dominant species due to their immense strength, flight, and near-invulnerability. Early on, they embraced a philosophy of strength-based supremacy, eliminating the weak from their society through brutal trials. Their civilization flourished under this belief, leading to a highly advanced and militaristic empire.
One of their earliest leaders, Argall, established the empire by uniting the Viltrumites under the goal of universal domination. However, he was eventually killed by Thragg, a warrior who saw himself as the rightful ruler.The Great Purge & Universal Expansion
Under Thragg’s rule, the Viltrumites intensified their conquest. They believed that only the strongest should survive, leading to a period known as the Great Purge, where weaker Viltrumites were executed to ensure the genetic superiority of their race.
With their numbers reduced to only the strongest, the Viltrumites launched a massive expansion campaign, conquering countless planets. They either exterminated resistant species or forced civilizations to join their empire under strict control. This made them one of the most feared forces in the universe.
The Viltrumite War & Resistance
Despite their might, resistance to the Viltrumites grew. The Coalition of Planets, led by species who had suffered under Viltrumite rule, attempted to unite against them. One of the most notable opposition figures was Nolan Grayson (Omni-Man), a Viltrumite sent to conquer Earth who instead turned against his people after seeing their cruelty.
A full-scale war broke out between the Viltrumites and the Coalition. Key figures like Invincible (Mark Grayson), Allen the Alien, and Thaedus (a rogue Viltrumite) played major roles in the conflict. Despite their power, the Viltrumites suffered severe losses, including the near-destruction of their home planet.
Thragg, still determined to rebuild the empire, retreated with the remaining Viltrumites and took refuge on Earth, secretly integrating with the human population to rebuild their numbers.
Thragg’s Reign & Final Conflict
Thragg, unwilling to accept defeat, began breeding a new generation of Viltrumites using human-Viltrumite hybrids, believing this would restore their strength. However, he saw Mark Grayson as a threat and declared war on him.
This led to a brutal conflict, culminating in a final showdown between Mark and Thragg. After an intense battle, Mark ultimately defeated and killed Thragg, effectively ending the old Viltrumite Empire’s tyranny.
With Thragg gone, Mark took on the responsibility of guiding the remaining Viltrumites, hoping to lead them toward a more peaceful future rather than continuing their legacy of conquest.
Legacy of the Viltrumites
Despite their past, the Viltrumites remained one of the most powerful species in the universe. Under Mark’s leadership, they shifted from conquest to cooperation, but their influence remained vast.
Their history stands as a testament to the destructive power of unchecked militarism and the potential for change, even among the most ruthless warriors.
