Vector the Supervillain from Despicable Me Films and Universe

Introducing Vector, the Supervillain from Despicable Me

In the popular animated film series Despicable Me, the character Vector is established as a nerdy supervillain obsessed with the 1980s. With his flashy tracksuits, unique weapons, and gang of mutant piranhas, Vector brings both humor and conflict to the Despicable Me universe.

Vector's Origins and Backstory

Not much is known about Vector's early life, but his deep fascination with the 1980s culture and technology is evident from his first appearance in the original Despicable Me film in 2010. He has all the iconic 80s gadgets, wears 1980s style tracksuits, and even has a state-of-the-art fortress decorated with lava lamps and black light posters.

Vector's full name is Victor Perkins, hinting that he comes from an affluent background that afforded him the resources to equip himself with advanced technology and build an impressive stronghold. His parents are never shown, however, suggesting Vector is an independent supervillain not reliant on family connections.

Vector's Personality and Traits

For a villain, Vector has an unexpectedly nerdy and childlike personality. He is highly intelligent when it comes to technology and inventions, having created advanced zero-gravity weapons and a real working piranha gun. However, socially and emotionally, Vector is immature with a tendency to gloat and show off.

Vector is also quite vain and image-conscious. His appearance is very flamboyant, with a different color tracksuit for every occasion. He keeps his hair in a perfectly coiffed mullet and maintains a thin, wiry build achieved through relentless exercise as shown by the aerobics studio in his lair.

Vector's Signature Style and Gadgets

No 80s supervillain costume would be complete without statement tracksuits, and Vector has them in spades. His orange and purple tracksuit is featured prominently on posters and merchandise for the Despicable Me series. He pairs the outfit with classic 1980s athletic shoes as well as oversized geek glasses that complement his slender facial features.

Vector also utilizes a number of unique contraptions and weapons in his schemes. His "Piranha Gun" launches vicious mutant sea creatures that attach to targets with a super strong adhesive. He later improves upon the design to make a goldfish gun with extra adhesives. Another of Vector's inventions is the zero-gravity weapon that suspends people and objects in midair.

Vector's Mission to Steal the Moon

In the first Despicable Me film, the pivotal plot revolves around Vector attempting to steal landmarks, and eventually the moon itself, in an attempt to showcase his evil superiority. He first steals famous Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China using his zero-gravity weapon. Later, he moves on to the ambitious plot to capture the moon and hold it for ransom money.

Vector recruits the help of the elderly super villain Mr. Perkins and his college-aged son, Antonio. They assist Vector with buying equipment and building an enormous rocket to reach the moon's orbit. Vector intends to capture the moon using his zero-gravity weapon and hold it ransom for "one million billion gazillion infinity dollars," showing off his youthful immaturity.

Vector's Downfall

During the Despicable Me plot to capture the moon, Vector is pitted against the main protagonist Gru who is also planning a scheme to steal the moon using his freeze ray. The two villains get into a major skirmish full of comedic moments as their paths cross. Vector also finds himself the target of Gru's cute but troublesome humanoid sidekicks called Minions.

Eventually Vector succeeds in transporting the moon to his fortress, but Gru and the Minions recapture it. The extra weight from the additional city structures causes Vector's fortress to tip over, plunging him into a fiery defeat. Even through this ordeal, fans find humor in his overconfident one-liners delivered with youthful triumph.

Vector's Legacy and Enduring Appeal

While Vector experiences humiliation from his botched attempt at moon thievery, he maintains popularity as a nerdy villain and comedic minor character in the Despicable Me franchise. Fans enjoy his flair for flashy 1980s inspired style as well as his eccentric personality quirks. Vector represents a unique brand of quirky, light-hearted supervillainy perfect for all-ages animated entertainment.

Even after his demise in the first film, Vector lives on in spin offs and video games retaining his unique weapons, costumes, and fan favorite moments. Die-hard fans continue to dress up as Vector for cosplay events and conventions. Overall, Vector leaves a legacy as an enduring icon of nerdy, outrageous villainy with throwback charm.

FAQs

What is Vector's real name?

Vector's full real name is Victor Perkins.

What was Vector's goal in the first Despicable Me movie?

In the first Despicable Me movie, Vector's goal was to steal famous landmarks like the Great Pyramids and the Great Wall of China to showcase his villainy. His ultimate goal was to steal the moon and hold it ransom for money.

What is Vector's favorite decade and style inspiration?

Vector is obsessed with 1980s style and culture. His costumes, gadgets, and even his lair showcase his love for the 1980s with items like lava lamps, blacklight posters, boomboxes, and of course, tracksuits.

What happens to Vector after the first Despicable Me movie?

After Vector's fortress is destroyed in the first movie, it is implied he survives the explosion. He continues to appear in video games and spin off content, though not the main movie sequels. So he lives on primarily through extended universe media.