High Evolutionary
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The High Evolutionary is a fictional character who is published by Marvel Comics. He first appeared in Thor (Vol.1) #134 (November 1966).
Character biography
Herbert Edgar Wyndham was a geneticist in the 1930s who, with the assistance of a disguised Mister Sinister, as well as that of a disguised Maelstrom, discovered the secrets of DNA. Wyndham used this knowledge to alter his own genetic structure, thus becoming the ageless High Evolutionary. He then went on to artificially mutate (or "evolve") a number of animals into a humanoid form. He designated these mutates "New Men".
Due to the perceived immorality of his goal to make humanity the supreme lifeform in the universe (a goal resulting from the abduction of his created world, Counter-Earth, by a race known as the Beyonders), the High Evolutionary has come into conflict with a number of superheroes, notably the Avengers and Adam Warlock, when he tried to forcibly mutate (or "evolve") the population of the Earth in the crossover storyline The Evolutionary War.
He also gave the Soul Gem, one of the Infinity Gems, to Adam Warlock.
Eventually he relented in this effort, and is now an occasional ally of Thor and other superheroes, having recently confronted his mentor Sinister alongside the X-Men.
The Evolutionary is a malevolent character, and is willing to do whatever he considers necessary to further his goals. Yet his single motivation continues to be his work. At one point, he offered to (and did) restore the Savage Land after it was destroyed by Terminus.
Powers and abilities
Although his powers have fluctuated over the years, The High Evolutionary has demonstrated great psionic powers and his costume protects him from injury, even to the point of resurrecting him in the event of his destruction. Through his advanced technology he has demonstrated the ability to alter his height and to evolve lifeforms in such a way that they are more intelligent and humanoid. It should be noted that he has fought Galactus to a standstill before.
High Evolutionary in other media
In the X-Men animated series, the High Evolutionary is the Master of Wundagore. He seeks to create a superior generation of his New Men by using mutant DNA, mutating humans into beast-like beings, instead of experimenting on animals. He sets up a trap to capture Magneto, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, revealing to the twins that they are Magneto's children. He also appeared in a flashback, in which he fights Garokk and traps his essence in the ground of the Savage Land.
The High Evolutionary appeared in the Spider-Man Unlimited animated series voiced by Richard Newman. In this series he's the ruler of the planet Counter-Earth and mantains his human form. He seems to have connections to the character, Karen O'Malley.