The Invincible universe has introduced a variety of compelling villains, but few are as tragic and emotionally gripping as Powerplex. His story is one of grief, loss, and misguided vengeance, making him a villain with depth and nuance. Powerplex is not just another adversary seeking power or domination; he is a broken man consumed by his pain, determined to make Invincible pay for what he perceives as an unforgivable crime.
With Invincible Season 3 bringing Powerplex into the spotlight, it’s the perfect time to dive deep into his origins, motivations, and tragic downfall.
Powerplex: Origins and Comic Book Debut
Powerplex, also known as Scott Duvall, was created by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley and made his first appearance in Invincible #59. His origin story is largely self-contained in this issue, which details his transformation from an ordinary man into a villain driven by revenge.
Scott’s hatred for Invincible stems from a personal tragedy. His sister, Jessica Duvall, was an innocent victim caught in the Omni-Man and Invincible’s battle, a fight that resulted in the destruction of the building where she worked. Scott firmly believes that the battle was staged and that both Omni-Man and Invincible were secretly working together. The collateral damage of their fight took his sister’s life, and he swore vengeance against Invincible.
Unlike many villains who act out of greed or a lust for power, Scott’s motivation is deeply personal. He does not seek world domination or wealth; he simply wants justice for his sister. However, his grief warps into obsession, leading him down a dark and destructive path.
Powerplex: A Family Fueled by Vengeance
One of the most intriguing aspects of Powerplex’s story is that his wife, Becky, fully supports his mission. She is not just an uninvolved spouse unaware of his plans—she encourages and validates his quest for revenge. This dynamic makes his story even more complex and tragic. Instead of being the voice of reason who tries to pull him back, Becky fuels his obsession, reinforcing his belief that killing Invincible is the only way to find closure.
Scott and Becky’s son, Jack, is also part of this tragic tale. Though too young to understand the full extent of his parents’ actions, he becomes an unintended casualty of their vendetta.
Scott works at the Pentagon, where he has access to advanced biothermic technology. He begins stealing these energy-based devices to enhance his own abilities, allowing him to absorb and manipulate energy. However, his theft does not go unnoticed, and his co-workers begin to suspect him, adding more pressure to his already fragile psyche.
Powerplex’s First Encounter with Invincible
Determined to get Invincible’s attention, Powerplex begins terrorizing the city, warning civilians about Invincible’s “true nature.” During one of these rampages, Shapesmith arrives to stop him but is quickly overpowered. Scott’s goal is clear: he does not want to fight other heroes; he only wants Invincible.
After an unsuccessful confrontation, Scott returns home, frustrated that his plan to lure Invincible did not work. He tells Becky that he will resign from his Pentagon job and fully dedicate himself to bringing Invincible down. This moment is pivotal because it marks the point of no return for Powerplex. He is no longer a grieving brother—he is now a full-fledged villain willing to do whatever it takes.
Powerplex’s Ultimate Plan: A Deception Too Far
Realizing that his current tactics are ineffective, Scott devises a shocking and morally twisted plan—he will use his wife and son as “hostages” to lure Invincible into a direct confrontation. He stages a broadcast, threatening to kill them unless Invincible arrives alone.
Despite his best efforts to remain calm, Invincible is visibly disturbed by the situation. As he tries to free Becky and Jack, Becky spits in his face, showing that she is entirely complicit in Scott’s plan. This moment emphasizes the extremes of their hatred toward Invincible, making it clear that they see him as an irredeemable monster.
The Tragic Climax: A Hero’s Mercy, A Villain’s Regret
As the battle begins, Invincible quickly realizes Powerplex’s abilities—he absorbs kinetic energy from physical attacks. This means that every punch Invincible lands only makes him stronger.
Powerplex, now at his peak power, unleashes a devastating energy blast, but in his blind rage, he fails to control the energy, which ricochets and hits Becky and Jack. The aftermath is horrifying—Scott turns to see the charred remains of his wife and son, the very people he was fighting for.
Realizing his unthinkable mistake, Scott is devastated. But rather than taking responsibility, he blames Invincible, screaming,
“You made me do this!”
Invincible, clearly shaken by the scene, refuses to fight back and instead restrains Scott in a bear hug, draining him of his energy. Scott collapses, overcome with grief and disbelief, his once-clear mission now a shattered illusion.
Powerplex’s Fate: A Villain Who Won’t Let Go
Scott is incarcerated in Stronghold Penitentiary, where he is cut off from all sources of energy. However, he remains unbroken in his resolve. When Invincible visits him, hoping for some form of reconciliation or remorse, Scott interrupts him with chilling determination:
“I will avenge all the deaths you caused… They will keep me contained for now, but one day, I will escape. And when I do, I will kill you.”
This final exchange cements Powerplex as one of Invincible’s most tragic and relentless villains. He is not a man seeking redemption. He is not a villain looking for absolution. He is a broken soul who will never stop blaming Invincible for his pain.
Why Powerplex Stands Out Among Villains
What makes Powerplex so compelling is that he was never truly evil. Unlike Omni-Man or other major villains, he did not start out with grand ambitions of power or control. He was an ordinary man who suffered a devastating loss and let grief consume him.
His story echoes the theme of The Killing Joke, where the Joker argues that “one bad day” is all it takes to turn a good man into a monster. Powerplex is a prime example of this philosophy—he is a man who could have been a hero, but instead became a villain because he couldn’t let go of his pain.
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