Forget Omni-Man, Invincible's Worst Character Isn't the Person You'd Expect

By Dod Seitz

Published Mar 21, 2025

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Amazon's superhero series has redefined how we look at comic book heroes in the age of hero fatigue. While The Boys presented a brutally honest depiction of power and its abuse, Invincible has redefined the hero's narrative by introducing grounded motivations and character trajectories. This has defined its villains even more so than its heroes, which is why the worst villain in Invincible isn't a maniacal super-powered mastermind, but rather a misogynistic, close-minded father.

While Omni-Man may be the most iconic antagonist in the series, Atom Eve’s father, Adam Wilkins, is the true villain of Invincible. Written by Robert Kirkman and illustrated by Cliff Rathburn, Invincible has always highlighted its villains' complexity, and Wilkins may be one of the best examples.

From his refusal to accept his daughter’s powers to his blatant sexism, Mr. Wilkins's villainy is driven by regressive values. He offers a chilling look at how prejudice and closed-mindedness can be more destructive than physical violence. While Omni-man's actions can be seen as a brutal attempt at survival, Adam’s flaws are entirely personal, making him much more reprehensible.

Sorry Omni-Man, This is A Villain With No Redemption

The Misogyny of Adam Wilkins

It may seem like a stretch to say Adam Wilkins is worse than Omni-man, but readers of the comics tend to agree, as he's consistently portrayed as a narrow-minded figure. One of the most notable moments comes from Invincible #68 when Adam openly thanks Mark for "accepting" Eve, even though she's "not a virgin". Beyond the blatant misogyny, it shows how he devalues her simply because of her relationships with other people. While we have yet to see Invincible's creators expand this particular part of the story, the attitude shown here is just one example of his regressive, misogynistic mindset.

Adam’s actions constantly remind him of his lack of understanding and growth, distinguishing him from villains like Omni-man. Despite his flaws, Nolan was at least open-minded enough to start a Thraxan family, despite Viltrumite's disapproval of the race. This showed that Omni-man isn't necessarily a Viltrumite supremacist and even shows potential growth in his character since his initial attack on Earth. This growth is something Adam lacks. His inability to see Eve’s potential beyond his own outdated and his refusal to grow beyond those patriarchal standards make him a uniquely more toxic figure.

Adam's Background Helps Explain His Villainous Role

Shaped By His Own History

While someone's personal history is never an excuse for misogynists, there are aspects of Adam's backstory that provide insight into his attitude. Details revealed in Atom Eve's origin show how he grew up in a difficult environment, working in a furniture store in Chicago from a young age. He and his wife, Betsy, suffered a devastating loss with the death of their child, only to later "receive" their daughter, Samantha Eve, through some miracle. This loss and subsequent miracle shaped Adam’s view of parenthood, possibly creating a rigid sense of control over his adopted daughter.

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Despite this, Adam’s attitude toward Eve is a reflection of his own insecurities and misdirected protectionism. He is afraid of losing her to the dangers of the world, which manifests in his strict, often cruel attitude. Even as Eve develops her powers, Adam views them as a threat rather than a gift. His refusal to embrace her abilities stems from a deep-seated fear of change and the idea that she’s straying too far from the idealized daughter he envisioned. However, none of this history justifies his treatment of her, especially his insistence on limiting her freedom to be her true self.

Why Adam Really is Much Worse Than Omni-man

Adam's Lack of Growth Is Worse Than Murder

Side by side images of Omni-Man looking injured and angry in Invincible — Custom Image by Simone Ashmoore

As strong as Omni-man is, Adam Wilkins's attitude and lack of growth are far more damaging. His refusal to accept her autonomy, combined with his patriarchal beliefs, leaves Eve in an emotionally abusive environment, reflecting a toxic mentality that can harm far more than a punch in the face. While Omni-Man’s actions are rooted in the survivalist ideology of the Viltrumites, Adam’s behavior is driven by control. He sees his daughter’s independence as a threat to his authority, making Adam Wilkins a villain whose impact goes far beyond the violence other Invincible characters face.

Omni-Man may be a powerful force of destruction, but Adam Wilkins represents a much more insidious form of evil—one that thrives in everyday life. His misogyny, combined with his oppressive, controlling nature, causes more long-term damage than any superpowered adversary. Adam Wilkins shows that sometimes, the most harmful villains aren’t the ones with the most power but the ones with the least empathy and refuse to grow. His portrayal is a sobering reminder of the dangers of regressive values and why they are often worse than outright violence.

You can read more about Adam Wilkins's actions in Invincible #68, available now.