Villainy in Invincible: The Transformation of Rudy Connors

Introduction to Rudy Connors

• Rudy Connors begins as a hero in the Invincible comics.
• He is not a typical villain: no mask, no mustache-twirling, no yelling.
• Driven by logic, not hate, Rudy aims to fix the world's problems.

The Character of Robot

• Initial Role: Robot is initially seen as cold, analytical, and results-oriented.
• Real Identity: The real Robot is Rudy Connors, a severely deformed human.
  • Rudy is a boy genius, born with a rare condition.
  • Lived in a life-support tank, unable to experience the world firsthand.
  • Created surrogate robotic bodies to interact with the world.

Desire for a Normal Life

• Tired of living secondhand, Rudy craves real-world experiences.
• Plan with the Mer Twins:
  • Enlists the Mer twins to clone a healthy body.
  • Transfers his consciousness to this clone.
  • Kills his original body without hesitation.
• This act marks the first crack in Rudy's morality, seeing it as efficiency rather than murder.

Ascension to Power

• Joining the Guardians of the Globe:
  • Rudy becomes a team player, contributing with tech and mission coordination.
  • Begins a complex relationship with Monster Girl.
• Geopolitical Analysis:
  • Concludes Earth's systems are flawed and leaders are corrupt.
  • Decides to take control to ensure safety.

Global Coup

• Orchestrates a coup using drones, androids, and decoys.
• Replaces key figures with obedient AI replicas.
• Achieves global stability: no crime, no war, but also no freedom.
• Terrifying effectiveness due to its success.

Confrontation and Transformation

• Guardians' Realization:

  • Eve and Mark (Invincible) confront Rudy.
  • Rudy remains unapologetic, believing he's doing what's necessary.

• Attack on Friends:

  • Rudy attacks his old teammates when threatened.
  • Silences dissent, detains opposing heroes.
  • Justifies actions with cold logic, viewing people as expendable threats to peace.

Conclusion

• Rudy never set out to be a villain; he wanted to build a better future.
• Believed the ends justified the means, but power changed him.
• Ended up not seeing people as individuals but as parts of a system to control.
• Transformation highlights the gradual moral erosion that comes with power and control.