History Characters / Ben10Vilgax

[[center:[[WMG:[-''Characters/Ben10'' [[Characters/Ben10 franchise character index]]\\
[[Characters/Ben10MainCharacters Main Characters]] ([[Characters/Ben10BenTennyson Ben Tennyson]]) | [[Characters/Ben10OmnitrixAliens Omnitrix Aliens]]\\
Villains premiering in: ''[[Characters/Ben10VillainsOriginalSeries The Original Series]]'' ('''Vilgax''', [[Characters/Ben10ForeverKnights Forever Knights]]) | ''[[Characters/Ben10VillainsAlienForce Alien Force]]'' | ''[[Characters/Ben10VillainsUltimateAlien Ultimate Alien]]'' | ''[[Characters/Ben10VillainsOmniverse Omniverse]]'' | [[Characters/Ben10VillainsSpecials The Specials]] | [[Characters/Ben10Villains2016Series The 2016 series]]\\
[[Characters/Ben10SupportingCharacters Supporting Characters]]-]]]]]
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->'''Voiced by:''' Creator/SteveBlum (Original Series, ''Omniverse''), Creator/JamesRemar (''Alien Force'', ''Ultimate Alien''), Creator/JohnDiMaggio (''Alien Force: Vilgax Attacks'' video game), Creator/FredTatasciore (''VideoGame/CartoonNetworkPunchTimeExplosion''), Creator/YuriLowenthal (Reboot)

* BigBad: Of the franchise. No other villain has held the BigBad title more often than Vilgax.
** '''Original Continuity''': He serves as the BigBad of Season 1 and is a secondary threat to various {{Arc Villain}}s in subsequent seasons, before becoming the final BigBad for the ''Secret of the Omnitrix'' movie, which was the GrandFinale of the original series. He returned as the main villain for Season 3 of ''Alien Force'', and served as the TrueFinalBoss of ''[[WesternAnimation/Ben10UltimateAlien Ultimate Alien]]''. He also appears as the secondary antagonist in the GrandFinale of ''Omniverse'', ultimately kicking off his whole story due to a StableTimeLoop.
** '''Reboot Continuity''': He's the BigBad of Season 1's multi-part finale, "Omni-Tricked", the main recurring antagonist of Season 2 up until the finale, and the main villain of ''Ben 10 Versus the Universe: The Movie'', which served as the Season 4 finale.

[[folder:Reboot Series]]
[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rb_vilgax.png]]
[[caption-width-right:350:''"I am Vilgax, [[RedBaron Conqueror of Worlds]]!"'']]

* TheAce: Of his own species, since the Omnitrix transformations are all ''genetically optimal'' versions of their origins. It also helps that the "sample" for Ben's alien transformation as Gax is originally a fraction of Vilgax's [=DNA=] ''and'' power stored within the Omnitrix.
* AdaptationalBadass: This Vilgax is one of the strongest, most threatening portrayals since the original series. Not only does he have his EyeBeams as part of his original powerset, but he now also displays the ability to manifest CombatTentacles. He also displays the more cunning planning ability of the sequel series Vilgaxes.
* AdaptationalIntelligence: While Classic Vilgax was by no means dumb, he's a great deal smarter than Classic Vilgax both in terms of scientific knowledge and tactical strategy. Reboot Vilgax is a scientific genius who worked for Azmuth and assisted him in constructing the Omnitrix, compared to Classic Vilgax who at one point didn't even know how to operate the Omnitrix until Ben taught him how. In addition, while Classic Vilgax was a ManipulativeBastard in his own right, he wasn't quite TheChessmaster that Reboot Vilgax is who is capable of orchestrating complex plans seasons ahead of their fruition, like manipulating Kevin into constructing the Antitrix.
* AdaptationalNiceGuy:
** Oh, he's still a power-hungry conqueror, but he's nowhere near as vindictive as the original. While his goals often bring him into conflict with Ben, he treats him more like a nuisance than an ArchEnemy. He's even willing to work with Ben to defeat a common foe, if only out of pragmatism and self-preservation. It isn't until his return in Season 4 that Vilgax becomes more vindictive against Ben, like his original counterpart.
** It's also worth noting that he initially had no interest in taking the Omnitrix, instead wanting to destroy it to be sure his powers wouldn't be trapped inside it again. After Ben was apparently crushed by the Omnitrix, he was more than happy to leave and resume conquering the galaxy. It's only after he realizes how powerful it can make its user that he decides to take it.
--->'''Vilgax:''' It seems I have underestimated the power of the Omnitrix. Giving a mere child the power to challenge me, Vilgax the Conqueror. I think I'll take it!
* AdaptationOriginConnection:
** Inverted: In the Original Series, Vilgax and Max first fought each other when the latter was still a young man, decades before Ben was even born. In the reboot, they had no clue about each other's existence before "Vil" comes to Earth to retrieve his missing half.
** Played straight in regards to the Omnitrix and Azmuth. In the Classic Continuity, he simply saw the Omnitrix as a tool for conquest and Azmuth was just one of his many enemies. [[spoiler:In this version, he was Azmuth's friend and student and helped create the Omnitrix.]]
* AlwaysABiggerFish: The Fulmini Empire are this for Vilgax. Despite being a GalacticConqueror himself, even Vilgax regards the Fulmini with fear and their ruler, the High Override, is far more powerful than him. Their arrival forces him into an EnemyMine with Ben.
* AndIMustScream: [[spoiler:When he is banished into the Null Void. Unlike the Classic Continuity, where it was a place full of dangerous creatures (which really wouldn't be a problem for [[TheJuggernaut Vilgax]]) in this version it's a completely blank space, where time is frozen and you are drifting forever.]]
* BigBad: The overall antagonist of the series, serving as the FinalBoss of Season 1, the main villain of Season 2 and Season 4's "WesternAnimation/Ben10VersusTheUniverseTheMovie."
* BigBadEnsemble: With the High Override for second season finale, "Innervasion", but Vilgax regards the Fulmini Empire as the greater threat and teams up with Ben to stop them.
* BigNo: When he realizes Ben can change into a Galvanic Mechamorph and stop his ship from taking off.
** He gave another one [[spoiler:when The High Override trapped him in the Null Void]].
* BroughtDownToNormal: Prior to the series, Vilgax was apparently stripped of his powers, which were stored in the Omnitrix in the form of "Gax". It doesn't stick, since he returns to full strength in the "Omni-Tricked" special.
* CanonCharacterAllAlong: Originally introduced himself as "Vil" after meeting Ben as "Gax". He is initially nothing like his old series self, being a shrivelled husk in a cloak, until he steals Gax from the Omnitrix and returns to his more imposing true self.
* CassandraTruth: He sternly warns Ben against using Shock Rock after unlocking his DNA, saying that it would tear not only him apart, but the rest of his world as well. Since he'd already deceived Ben once before, his warning falls on deaf ears, but Vilgax is later proven to be right by "Innervasion", where Shock Rock's activation lured the Fulmini Empire to Earth.
-->'''Vilgax''': ''Do not activate that alien!'' It will tear you apart and the rest of your world along with it!
-->'''Ben''': Only one way to find out, Mr. Suddenly-Sensitive Bad Guy.
* CastingGag: It's hard to overlook the irony that this Vilgax is played by [[Creator/YuriLowenthal Ben Tennyson]] himself, specifically teenage Ben from the classic continuity.
* CharacterDevelopment: Inverted. When he crashes on Earth, he is a diminutive shell of his former self wearing rags and he humbly asks Ben to call him "Vil" while teaching him how to use Gax. However, he simply wanted to steal back the power that was taken from him and sealed in the Omnitrix. As soon as he does this, he returns to being the Vilgax we know.
* TheComicallySerious: Like usual, the only funny thing about Vilgax is how devoid of humor he is, which can make him frustrated when dealing with the antics of Ben or lesser evil partners like Dr. Animo and Zombozo.
* CombatTentacles: His arms are actually formed by five tentacles each compressed together. He can detach them and use each one independently, allowing him to hit multiple targets at once or to trap opponents.
* CompositeCharacter: His overall appearance and [[NighInvulnerable inability to stay down]] are taken from the first series, his facial design of bigger eyes and visible but not too large mouth are taken from ''Alien Force'' / ''Ultimate Alien'' era as well as the EyeBeams he had. A toy also depicts him with a sword, much like said incarnation. His Alien-V form is pretty much a dead-ringer for Malgax (Vilgax using Malware as armor) in ''Omniverse''.
** He takes cues from Zs'Skayr, with part of him being trapped in the Omnitrix as an alien form Ben uses (Ghostfreak and Gax respectively) and him seeking that part out in order to become whole. In a similar vein, this also brings to mind Malware, who steals an alien form that Ben really liked from the Omnitrix (Malware stole Feedback, while Vilgax stole Gax) as well as the aformentioned Malgax design for Alien-V.
** It's revealed in ''Ben 10 Versus the Universe'' that [[spoiler:he's a former student of Azmuth's, much like Albedo or Myaxx in the Classic Continuity]].
** It is Vilgax who ends up transforming into an AllYourPowersCombined form as [=AntiVilgax=], much like Kevin's Kevin 11 form in the original series.
* ContinuityNod: His second appearance and onward features him with several blackened patches of skin, from the burns he got from falling into lava from his fight with Ben.
* CurbStompBattle: He's usually on the giving end of these, thanks to his tremendous strength and experience. Tetrax, [=SixSix=], and Kraab are ultimately no match for him, and he soundly defeats Ben in their first fight. The trope is flipped on him for once when Ben briefly unlocks Master Control.
* CurbStompCushion: While he clearly holds the upper hand for most of their rematch, Ben manages to get in some good hits by using his unpredictable transformations to catch Vilgax off-guard. Almost all of his battles with Ben in Season 2: the new [[SuperMode Omni-Enhanced forms]] allowed Ben to better hold his own, but Vilgax was still clearly the stronger fighter (plus Ben often had help from others).
* DeadpanSnarker: When he and Ben are forced to team-up against the Fulmini, Ben whines about being totally useless.
--> '''Vilgax''': First intelligent thing you've said all day.
* DidntSeeThatComing: This is often the cause of Vilgax's defeats. Because he quickly adapts to the Omnitrix's aliens, Ben has to either bust out a new alien he hasn't encountered yet or rely on another outside factor. Vilgax didn't realize Ben could transform into a Galvanic Mechamorph, which cost him his ship. He was also caught off guard by the Omni-Enhancements and Shock Rock's extraordinary power. He also underestimated Dr. Animo, who changed into Rath, in order to take him on directly.
* EnemyMine: [[PragmaticVillainy Knowing full well how dangerous the Fulmini Empire is]], he decided to ally with Ben to stop their invasion.
* EvilGenius: This Vilgax was once Azmuth's assistant, displaying a level of scientific ingenuity the classic Vilgax never had.
* EvilMentor: Vilgax and Ben develop a rather twisted student-mentor relationship throughout the second season, and is shown to be more knowledgeable of the Omnitrix than Ben, occasionally teaching him of its capabilities.
* EvilVersusOblivion: Why he joins forces with Ben in fighting the Fulmini, a destroyed world is of no use to Vilgax the Conqueror.
* EyeBeams: Carried over from ''Alien Force'' and slightly modified, Vilgax can shoot lasers from his eyes.
* GoodScarsEvilScars: His ship falls into a volcano in the season one finale, leaving him with several burned patches of skin in season two... which he's not very happy about.
-->'''Ben''': Hey, Vilgax! Nice tan line you got there!\\
'''Vilgax''': '''TAN LINE?!'''
* GreaterScopeVillain: He's trapped in the Null Void and thus absent for the third season, but ''Ben 10 versus the Universe'' reveals he was the one who subtly manipulated Kevin into creating the Antitrix, which was a major plot point of Season 3. When he escapes the Null Void, he steals the Antitrix from Kevin for himself.
* HesBack: A villainous version. He was severely depowered and left withered and frail. Upon regaining his power, he returns to being TheDreaded galactic conqueror the universe knows him as.
-->'''Vilgax''': '''I'M VILGAX''' '''''ONCE MORE!'''''
* HowTheMightyHaveFallen: In this continuity, his physical strength and abilities were stripped from him and sealed in the Omnitrix as a form Ben only unlocks when Vilgax approaches Earth. Without "Gax", "Vil" is puny and weak, wears a tattered robe, and ''appears'' to be greatly humbled.
* HumongousMecha: He used one in the first part of "The Innervasion". It proved to be extremely durable (Omni-Enhanced Four Arms couldn't scratch it), but was taken down by Shock Rock [[spoiler:thanks to The High Override's thoughts assisting him]].
* IllKillYou: "I will destroy you and then, I will destroy this world!"
* IKnowYoureInThereSomewhereFight: [[NotMakingThisUpDisclaimer No, really]]: when Ben as Shock Rock [[spoiler:was under the influence of the High Override]]. Of course, he made it in his own way, offering to leave Earth alone in exchange for the [[spoiler:Omnitrix core]].
* KnowWhenToFoldEm: This Vilgax, as part of his more intelligent and cunning nature, is quite willing to just cut his losses and retreat for the time being when things are going south.
* ALighterShadeOfBlack: Compared to the High Override, Vilgax is less of a threat enough that Ben reluctantly teams up with him.
* {{Leitmotif}}: He's usually accompanied by a sinister choir and tribal drum riff.
* ManipulativeBastard:
** He serves as an EvilMentor to Ben, feigning innocence, teaching Ben about the Omnitrix and coaching Ben on how to use the Gax form. He later reveals his true colors and absorbs the Gax form for himself.
** [[spoiler:With the help of the Weatherheads]] he successfully convinced Ben that using the Omnitrix was becoming a danger for the whole Earth and to give it to him. [[spoiler:If it wasn't for Gwen]] Vilgax would have won right there.
* NighInvulnerability: He was submerged in lava at the end of Season 1. He only got some minor burns from it.
* NotInThisForYourRevolution: When he warns the Tennysons about [[spoiler:the Fulmini invasion]], Ben wonders why he cares about Earth. Vilgax replies he doesn't, but [[PragmaticVillainy they are a threat to his own plans for galactic conquest and his wish to obtain the Omnitrix]].
* NotMeThisTime: After most of what was left of Vilgax's HumongousMecha and the car batteries of the campers went missing, Ben quickly accused Vilgax. He merely lampshades how he was still trapped in the energy box Shock Rock created. While Ben suspects he used autopilot or A.I., [[spoiler:the culprit was actually Ben himself, who in his sleep was being controlled by The High Override to build a beacon to help the Fulminis invade Earth]].
* NotSoAboveItAll: After Grey Matter got zapped trying to break the energy cage Vilgax was trapped in, he [[FreezeFrameBonus actually cracked a smug smile]].
* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: When Ben unlocked Shock Rock in "The 11th Alien", Vilgax ''flipped'', warning Ben to not use it. When his words fell on deaf ears, he drops all pretense of trying to reason with Ben and savagely attacks him. With the reveal of the Fulmini Empire in the season finale, his fears weren't unfounded.
** Also in "The Innervasion" part 2, where he tells Ben to escape while he'll hold off the robot chasing him. [[spoiler:Because Ben was Shock Rock at the time, and the robot was trying to absorb his energy to send Earth's coordinates to the invasion force of the Fulminis.]]
* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: Gave one to Ben in "The Innervasion" when Ben was reluctant [[spoiler:to seal the Omnitrix's Chamber to stop the Fulminis, as this would have made him unable to transform]], accusing him to prefer his powers over the safety of his planet.
-->"I always knew [[IdiotHero you were too childish to do the smart thing!]] Now I see you are also too selfish to do the right thing!"
* SealedEvilInACan: [[spoiler:In "The Innervasion" the High Override banishes him in the Null Void.]]
* TakingYouWithMe: Attempts this on Ben when he transforms into Upgrade and causes his ship to fall into a volcano.
-->'''Vilgax''': Very clever, boy! But now, you've doomed us both! You can't run, and the Omnitrix can't help you now! If my ship goes down, ''you'' go down with it!
* TantrumThrowing: When he realizes the robot Shock Rock built had completed its job on summoning the Fulmini, he starts angrily trashing the robot for failing to prevent their arrival.
* ThisCannotBe: Once Ben unlocks Master Control and he's on the receiving end of a CurbStompBattle for once.
-->'''Vilgax''': It's not possible to change this frequently!
** And he gets another one in the final battle with Ben in ''Ben 10 Versus the Universe''.
-->'''Vilgax''': You can't beat me! You're just a ''ten year old''! [...] ''Impossible''!
* TreacherousAdvisor: He instructs Ben on utilizing Gax, teaching him that mastering the abilities of a Chimera Sui Generis takes a lifetime of tempering. Despite it being a ruse to get close enough to steal his power back, he successfully got Ben to disintegrate a tree without causing a forest fire.
* VileVillainSaccharineShow: As mentioned before, he's a lot more threatening than you'd expect from a comedy-oriented reboot of the franchise.
* VillainTeamUp: In season 2 he forms several of these, allying himself with Animo, the Weatherheads, and Zombozo, hoping to use their technology to create and control his army of aliens from the Omnitrix. None of these alliances ended well.
* VocalDissonance: Being played by Creator/YuriLowenthal, while his voice is still deep, it's noticeably more high-pitched than the classic continuity compared to the growl of Creator/SteveBlum or the low voice of Creator/JamesRemar.
* WeUsedToBeFriends: [[spoiler:It's revealed in Ben 10 Versus the Universe, he used to be Azmuth's partner, assisting him in the creation of the Omnitrix before using the watch as a weapon, betraying Azmuth's intentions.]]
[[/folder]]

* LargeAndInCharge: He is around ''Humongousaur''-sized.

* {{Expy}}: He's Ben 10's answer to ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} being a sadistic EvilOverlord and GalacticConqueror. ''Alien Force'' even gives him EyeBeams capable of changing direction, exactly like Darkseid's Omega Beams. [[note]] his Original Series and ''Omniverse'' voice actor, Creator/SteveBlum, would later voice Darkseid himself in ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeagueWar''. [[/note]]

* EvilSoundsDeep: Creator/JamesRemar plays him with a much lower GutturalGrowler tone than the high and raspy voice Blum used.

* VocalDissonance: Being played by Creator/YuriLowenthal, while his voice is still deep, it's noticeably more high-pitched than the classic continuity compared to the GutturalGrowler of Creator/SteveBlum or the low voice of Creator/JamesRemar.

* VillainDecay: PlayedWith; on one hand, the only episode to feature him so far portrays him as a fairly threatening and competent villain treated seriously by everyone (except [[IdiotHero Ben]]); on the other hand, whenever he is mentioned outside of his appearances, he tends to be the butt of jokes, making one doubt of his status as TheDreaded.
** Eventually Subverted [[spoiler:in "And Then There Were None", where after several episodes of absence, he finally comes back, and actually succeeds in wiping out several timelines]].
** PlayedStraight again in "Vreedlemania", where he makes a brief cameo, only for Ma Vreedle to tell him get lost. Vilgax obeys her command, showing that he is afraid of her and that the rumor that she made him cry is true.
** Subverted again in "Malgax Attacks" where he [[FusionDance now wears armor made out of Malware's remains]], spends most of the episode [[CurbStompBattle tossing Ben around like a ragdoll]], and even defeats Atomix, who's known for being [[StoryBreakerPower one of Ben's most powerful aliens]].

* AdaptationalBadass: This Vilgax is one of the strongest, most threatening portrayals since the original series. Not only does he have his EyeBeams as part of his original powerset, and he now also displays the ability to manifest CombatTentacles. He also displays the more cunning planning ability of the sequel series Vilgaxes.

** It's also worth noting that he initially had no interest in taking the Omnitrix, instead wanting to destroy it to be sure his powers wouldn't be trapped inside it again. After Ben was apparently crushed with the Omnitrix, he was more than happy to leave and resume conquering the galaxy. It's only after he realizes how powerful it can make its user that he decided to take it.

* HateSink: Vilgax is one of Ben's toughest, imposing, and all-around powerful foes, but this hardly distracts that he's an utterly abominable sadistic monster with no real redeeming qualities. Among other crimes, he's razed entire innocent planets and has [[WouldHurtAChild tried to mutilate a 10 year old for his watch]], all while thinking [[ItsAllAboutMe he's entitled to all the power in the universe]]. Even his supposed "noble" qualities ring hollow, and he still has no qualms enslaving millions or wiping out whole dimensions to get what he wants. In a franchise where many major villains have some noble or even pitiable qualities, Vilgax is by far the most consistently evil.

* OneManArmy: In the Original Series, Vilgax could go toe to toe with Ben (who is himself a OneManArmy) in a fight (and fling him around like a ragdoll). By the time of ''Alien Force'', Vilgax, even with his DiminishingVillainThreat, defeated the heroes of ten worlds and stole their powers. He was once seen easily destroying ''an entire spaceship'' of his own with zero effort.

* DiminishingVillainThreat: In ''Alien Force'', Vilgax is smarter and more inclined to using schemes and manipulation, but physically less impressive and far less effective against Ben in a direct fight. You could argue this is justified due to Ben being more competent and experienced.

* DiminishingVillainThreat: PlayedWith; on one hand, the only episode to feature him so far portrays him as a fairly threatening and competent villain treated seriously by everyone (except [[IdiotHero Ben]]); on the other hand, whenever he is mentioned outside of his appearances, he tends to be the butt of jokes, making one doubt of his status as TheDreaded.
** Eventually Subverted [[spoiler:in "And Then There Were None", where after several episodes of absence, he finally comes back, and actually succeeds in wiping out several timelines]].
** PlayedStraight again in "Vreedlemania", where he makes a brief cameo, only for Ma Vreedle to tell him get lost. Vilgax obeys her command, showing that he is afraid of her and that the rumor that she made him cry is true.
** Subverted again in "Malgax Attacks" where he [[FusionDance now wears armor made out of Malware's remains]], spends most of the episode [[CurbStompBattle tossing Ben around like a ragdoll]], and even defeats Atomix, who's known for being [[StoryBreakerPower one of Ben's most powerful aliens]]

* VocalDissonance: Being played by Creator/YuriLowenthal, while his voice is still deep, it's noticeably more high-pitched than the classic continuity compared to the GutturalGrowler of Creator/SteveBlum or the BadassBaritone of Creator/JamesRemar.

* {{Expy}}:
** A combination of Cthulhu for the appearance (squid-like being with claws a humanoid body) and ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} for the personality and context (sadistic EvilOverlord and merciless murderer who is TheDreaded in all the galaxy). ''Alien Force'' even gives him EyeBeams capable of changing direction, exactly like Darkseid's Omega Beams. [[note]] his Original Series and ''Omniverse'' voice actor, Creator/SteveBlum, would later voice Darkseid himself in ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeagueWar''. [[/note]]
** Appropriately considering the Darkseid influence, his quest for [[LegendaryWeapon The Omnitrix]] mirrors ComicBook/{{Thanos}}'s quest for the Infinity Gauntlet.
** The bio-implants in his arms are similar to ComicBook/{{Bane}}'s Venom.
** Vilgax was reportedly pitched as "Darth Vader without the sense of humor." While there are clear differences between him and Vader, Vilgax in the original series ''is'' a space warrior and DarkLordOnLifeSupport - the respirator mask he wears, in particular, seems inspired by Vader's iconic mask.

* DarkseidDuplicate: As mentioned below his hulking physique, [[TheDreaded reputation]], [[GalacticConqueror goals]], and personality all take inspiration from Darkseid.

[[caption-width-right:350:Vilgax's design over the course of the various series]]