Before you start digging into the latest episode of Invincible, one major plot point requires clarification: Are Thragg and Nolan related? Given how intense and violent the final confrontation was between the Grand Regent and Omni-Man and what Nolan was trying to protect—the bloodline of his people—many fans were speculating that the former was actually the brother of the latter.
Are Thragg and Nolan Really Related?
The whole confusion starts with Thragg’s preoccupation with maintaining Viltrumite blood purity and, at the same time, trying to keep his identity secret. In the newest episode, we got flashbacks about Emperor Argall, and in this sequence, the viewers could see young Thragg working alongside the Emperor in his court as his trusted lieutenant. Based on the fact that Thragg was raised by Emperor Argall specifically for this position, many speculated that it meant the two were relatives.
However, the truth, according to the comic lore, is quite different. Firstly, Thragg and Nolan are not brothers, not even cousins. Secondly, the reason why Thragg became the Grand Regent of the empire is that he managed to climb up to his current status himself, earning his place through sheer brute force.
What actually is the truth about the connection between Thragg and Nolan? As it turns out, the heir to Emperor Argall is none other than Nolan, who shares direct blood descent from the true Viltrumite royalty. Thragg is not a biological descendant of the Emperor, but an ordinary soldier who climbed the ranks through meritocracy. Therefore, in his eyes, Nolan’s claim to the throne of his ancestors is the biggest blasphemy against his “meritocratic regime.”
Nolan is a biological threat to the entire system that Thragg created and built through his own efforts over thousands of years. While he considers himself the heir to the throne of his people, Nolan is a true descendant of the original imperial family, while Thragg is a pretender to power.
Reasons for the Struggle Between Thragg and Nolan
As already mentioned, the main source of tension between the two Viltrumite leaders is the fact that each wants to become the ruler of his people. Moreover, while Thragg wants to preserve his kingdom unchanged for thousands of years, Nolan has found a new way of living.
To be honest, he does not care anymore about the empire that Thragg maintains at all costs. During their confrontation in the seventh episode of season 4, Nolan called Viltrum a tomb for those who did not know how to evolve to a higher level. He is not interested in joining his people anymore because he has found a completely new life for himself.
As the Invincible season finale gets closer, the confrontation will only continue to heat up. On April 22, when the Invincible Season 4 finale airs, we will witness the invasion of the Viltrumites on Earth.