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| “ | You don't seem to understand. Earth isn't yours to conquer. | „ |
| ~ Omni-Man preparing to destroy the Flaxan Homeworld by exterminating the Flaxan Empire by killing their leader first. |
The Flaxans are supporting antagonists in the Image Comics series Invincible, and the Amazon Prime animated adaptation.
Known for their aggressive territorial nature and swarm tactics, the Flaxans pose a significant threat to humanity and other civilizations due to their relentless invasions and ability to quickly overwhelm opponents through sheer numbers.
History[]
The Flaxans are an aggressive insectoid species known for their repeated invasions of Earth and other worlds within the Invincible universe. Their history is marked by their attempts to expand their territory and exploit resources, often bringing them into violent conflict with Earth's defenders.
In the Comics[]
In the Invincible comic series, the Flaxans first appear early on as one of the primary extraterrestrial threats to Earth. Their invasions are characterized by overwhelming force and ruthless tactics, reflecting their hive-like societal structure. The Flaxans seek to conquer and strip planets of resources, showing little regard for life outside their species. When the Flaxans enter Earth's dimension, the difference in time flow causes them to age the equivalent of decades within minutes. This was first shown in Invincible #3, during their initial invasion, which Invincible and Omni-Man successfully repelled. In a later return, the Flaxans had equipped themselves with technology to resist this accelerated aging. However, when Mark and the reformed Guardians of the Globe uncovered and exploited the flaw in their devices, the Flaxans began aging even faster than before, forcing another retreat. While individual Flaxan soldiers are not particularly formidable, the real danger of their invasions lies in the seemingly endless size of their army.
In the Animated Series[]
The Flaxans are introduced in the second episode of the animated Invincible series, "Here Goes Nothing," as one of the first alien threats. Their motives remain consistent—invading Earth for resources and expansion—but the show adds detail and nuance to their campaigns, depicting multiple attempts with evolving strategies and technology.
First Attempt to Conquer Earth
In their initial invasion, the Flaxans teleport into a city downtown, killing humans indiscriminately. Police forces attempt resistance but are quickly overwhelmed. Invincible intervenes when he spots a Flaxan about to kill an elderly woman; he injures the alien by throwing debris, saving the woman (though she is critically hurt due to an accident caused by Invincible’s clumsiness). The injured Flaxan, who later becomes a key leader, commandeers a tank to target Invincible but is thwarted by Atom Eve. Although the Teen Team arrives, they are outnumbered. However, due to differences in the flow of time between Earth and the Flaxans’ homeworld, many Flaxans rapidly age and die, forcing a retreat through their portal. In the aftermath, The Global Defense Agency (GDA) studies the battle site, discovering the Flaxans’ vulnerability to Earth's timestream effects.
Second Attempt
The Flaxans return better prepared, led by the previously injured Flaxan, now a general. They employ advanced technology, including sentries with cutting lasers and wristbands that prevent aging in Earth's timestream. The Teen Team is nearly defeated until Invincible identifies the wristbands' frequency (49,000 kHz). Robot emits a counter-frequency destroying the wristbands, causing the Flaxans to age rapidly and retreat again, though their leader escapes.
Third Attempt
In their final major invasion, the Flaxans are equipped with even more advanced technology that surpasses the Teen Team's defenses. The leader wears mech-like armor and their forces are immune to the timestream aging effect. Invincible is pinned down, but Omni-Man arrives, defeating the leader and driving the invaders off. Omni-Man pursues them through their portal, assaults their homeworld, kills the leader, and devastates their civilization. Some remaining Flaxans attempt to send Omni-Man back to Earth through a portal but are crushed by debris he left behind. The GDA later reverse-engineers Flaxan tech, briefly using a rifle made from their equipment.
Preparing for Return
The Flaxans are shown rebuilding their planet and plotting revenge against Earth and Omni-Man, unaware he has left Earth. In an alternate reality or timeline, an evil version of Invincible called "Flaxan Invincible" infiltrates the Flaxan homeworld and steals a soldier’s uniform, temporarily disrupting their plans to conquer Earth.
Appearance and Biology[]
Flaxans are tall, insect-like humanoids with exoskeletons, multiple limbs, and sharp claws. They possess enhanced strength, speed, and durability typical of their species, adapted for combat and survival in harsh environments. Their physical build facilitates agile movement and close-quarters combat, often overwhelming enemies through coordinated swarm tactics.
The Flaxans possess a range of formidable abilities that make them a dangerous invading force. They exhibit enhanced physical traits, including superior strength, speed, and endurance compared to humans. Their durable, chitinous exoskeletons offer strong resistance to both physical and energy-based attacks, while their sharp claws and mandibles make them lethal in close-quarters combat. A defining aspect of their combat strategy is their use of swarm tactics, relying on overwhelming numbers and coordinated group attacks to overpower more powerful but outnumbered opponents.
However, the Flaxans are not without weaknesses. Individually, they lack advanced intelligence and depend heavily on collective coordination, making them less effective when isolated. Their armor, while strong, can be penetrated by high-tech or energy-based weaponry. Additionally, their forces are highly susceptible to disarray if their leadership is disrupted, as they rely on centralized command structures to maintain order during invasions.
Trivia[]
- The Flaxans’ name likely derives from their insectoid, almost “flaxen” (light and fast) qualities, though their exact etymology is not specified.
- Their design takes inspiration from classic sci-fi alien insects, combining humanoid features with bug-like armor and appendages.
