Evil genius
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The Evil Genius is an archetype or even a caricature that is a recurring staple in certain genres of fiction, particularly comic books, spy fiction, action films and cartoons. The evil genius serves as a common adversary and foil of the hero.
As the term suggests, evil geniuses are characters of great intelligence who choose to use their knowledge for antisocial ends. To qualify as an evil genius, one must use cunning to craft complex plots that cause havoc and destruction; criminal tendencies are a must. Their schemes often hinge on mundane details that heroes can exploit, foiling their plots at the climax of the story.
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[edit] Origins
Evil geniuses have commonly had difficult childhoods. They may have been orphans or witnessed their parents' horrible deaths. Ironically, this is often the origin of many superheroes. Normally, this is used to contrast them from superheroes. It implies that there is nothing different from the hero, and the villain, except a single choice. When humor is involved they are often simply the victim of bullying. Evil geniuses normally come from poor or impoverished backgrounds but have fought their way to the top and put on an aura of sophistication so that no one will suspect their humble beginnings. Examples included James Sargison, Lex Luthor, Herod Sayle, Lord Voldemort or even Miranda Priestly. This is not always the case however.
[edit] Characteristics
The evil genius is different from the mad scientist, in that the mad scientist tends to be amoral, rather than evil. An Evil Genius is generally a clever schemer, while the Mad Scientist typically pursues scientific knowledge with no regard for the consequences. A mad scientist might create an army of zombies, just to see if it is possible, but an evil genius would have a diabolical use for this army, and a plan to escape the town without being killed (a reason for which mad scientists are often found in the employ or working in concert with an evil genius).
Hubris is a common characteristic among evil geniuses, so much so that they often boast of their grand designs to their adversary, or otherwise compromise their plots in a moment of overconfidence. Their excuse for this fatal grandstanding is often that only the hero can appreciate the Genius's plan. These characters often award themselves professional or royal-sounding titles like "Doctor", "Baron", or "The Magnificent", or even some combination of titles.
It is very common in American films for the cunning villain to be British or French. See Ethnic stereotypes in American media — British and — French.
[edit] Getting good help
Evil geniuses frequently employ inept henchmen, who equally frequently help foil their plans, whether intentionally or not.
Conversely, evil geniuses just as frequently employ a highly competent and trusted lieutenant (or similar analogue) who will eventually (A) be defeated by the hero (despite the lieutenant's ostensibly superior skill and/or intellect), (B) ally themselves with the hero, or (C) betray the evil genius at the last minute in order to save themselves or usurp their master's position. The trusted lieutenant sometimes has a bizarre gimmick that they use against the hero in the final battle (see Oddjob and Jaws).
[edit] "Evil Genius" book series
The "Evil Genius" series is a set of books published by Mc Graw Hill under their TAB imprint. The books share a common theme of hobbyist technology where a reader is talked through a series of technical projects relating to the subject matter of the books.
The current titles in the series are:
- 50 Awesome Auto Projects for the Evil Genius
- Solar Energy Projects for the Evil Genius
- 50 Model Rocket Projects for the Evil Genius
- PC Mods for the Evil Genius
- 101 Outer Space Projects for the Evil Genius
- 123 PIC Microcontroller Experiments for the Evil Genius
- Electronics Sensors for the Evil Genius
- Electronic Games for the Evil Genius
- 123 Robotics Experiments for the Evil Genius
- Electronic Gadgets for the Evil Genius
- Mechatronics for the Evil Genius
- Bionics for the Evil Genius
- Electronic Circuits for the Evil Genius
- 25 Home Automation Projects for the Evil Genius
- More Electronics Gadgets for the Evil Genius
[edit] References
[edit] See also
- Mad scientist
- Villain
- Supervillain
- List of James Bond villains
- Evil lair
- Evil laugh
- Evil Overlord List
[edit] External links
- So You've Decided to be Evil (see also author Neil Zawacki's two books: How to Be a Villain (ISBN 0-8118-4666-0) (excerpt), and A Villain's Guide to Better Living (ISBN 0-8118-5666-6))
- Evil on a Budget
- Top 100 Things I'd Do If I Ever Became an Evil Overlord
- The Evil Genius Political Party "No lackey left behind!"
- AxisInstitute.org is the official site for the young adult book, Evil Genius (ISBN 0-15-205988-1) by Catherine Jinks.
