Within the universe of Invincible, Conquest stands as one of the most formidable Viltrumites, a reputation substantiated by the fact that Mark Grayson barely emerged alive from their epic confrontation. Yet, there exists a hero within this realm who surpasses even Conquest’s immense power, so much so that the Viltrumite warlord exhibits apprehension about engaging them in direct combat.
In a pivotal issue, a group of Viltrumites led by Anissa and Conquest, believing that their emperor has been captured by one of the Mauler twins, introduce an infant into the fray. Conquest harbors uncertainty about the consequences of this tactic. Anissa’s decision to hurl the infant to the ground triggers a chain of remarkable events.
Monster Girl Transforms Into Her Most Formidable Kaiju Form
Conquest’s Fear of Her Power
In Invincible #109, it is unveiled that the infant is none other than this universe’s version of Monster Girl. During her transformation, she assumes a Kaiju form of unprecedented size. Long-time fans of Monster Girl are aware that each transition into her monstrous state results in a slight de-aging, leaving the twenty-five-year-old woman appearing as a twelve-year-old girl. This transformation comes with a critical caveat: excessive use of her powers risks further de-aging, potentially leading to her own obsolescence.
In stark contrast, the Viltrumites from the alternate Earth seem unconcerned about her fate. They’ve harnessed Monster Girl’s abilities to the extent that her human form has regressed back into infancy. This reverse aging paradoxically amplifies her monstrous size and strength, instilling anxiety in Conquest regarding the prospect of using her to save Mark Grayson. Conquest expresses uncertainty, stating, “I’m not sure we’ll be able to contain it,” hinting at their harrowing experiences the last time Monster Girl was unleashed.
Monster Girl’s Dominance Over Conquest Comes With Consequences
The Price of Power: Full De-Aging
Despite Conquest’s fearsome reputation, he is not without flaws. He first appeared in Invincible #61, created by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley, and managed to survive the devastating Scourge Virus that swept through the Viltrumite homeworld. Although his survival left him scarred and with a mechanical arm, it only fueled his rise as one of the most feared entities within the Viltrumite Empire.
The confrontation between Conquest and Mark Grayson was catastrophic, nearly costing the lives of Mark’s brother Oliver and Atom Eve. After Conquest made his entrance on Earth post-Invincible War—ironically initiated by the machinations of Angstrom Levy—he sought to fulfill the conquest that Mark’s father, Omni-Man, had aimed to achieve. The climactic battle resulted in Mark decisively defeating Conquest, solidifying his place among Invincible’s most powerful figures.
Conquest’s Fear: A Testament to Monster Girl’s Strength
Understanding the Significance of This Alternate Monster Girl
Mark’s eventual victory over Conquest was monumental, as he utilized relentless head-butting to subdue the villain, which firmly established Conquest as one of the most terrifying forces in the Invincible universe. Though he was later cloned by Cecil Steadman of the Global Defense Agency, Conquest managed to escape but ultimately met his end during the “Viltrumite War” narrative arc.
Understanding why Conquest fears this alternate version of Monster Girl is crucial, particularly in a universe populated by powerful characters. The evidence that Monster Girl could defeat someone of Conquest’s stature is both fascinating and important. While her association with Robot provides her with a specialized belt that negates the de-aging transformations, this benefit restricts her ultimate power in Kaiju form. What remains incredibly compelling is the fact that Monster Girl stands as one of the rare heroes capable of instilling genuine fear in Conquest.
Invincible #109 is currently available from Image Comics.