Chukwudi Iwuji’s High Evolutionary Gets Comic-Accurate Look In MCU Concept Art

It’s always special seeing hero and villain looks in the MCU that are near-perfect translations of their comic renditions. The likes of Captain America (Anthony Mackie), Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), and Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), to name a few, sport incredibly comic-accurate costumes in recent projects, and fans seem to love it. The High Evolutionary would’ve joined this camp had this concept art made it into «Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,» but for the story the film tells, his final look is far more fitting. It all comes down to one of the film’s central themes: humanity. 

What does it mean to be human? Is it purely visual, or is it how one interacts with others and the world around them? Though he’s a genetically engineered raccoon, Rocket is as human as anyone because of the bonds he’s created and the impact he’s had on others. Meanwhile, the High Evolutionary wears a human face, but he’s cold, unfeeling, and unrelenting in his pursuit of perfection. He knows no love or meaningful relationships, only his desire to achieve his goals. Thus, a more robotic, comic-accurate design would’ve been a disservice to this idea. Without a human face, the contrast between the High Evolutionary’s appearance and personality  — as well as the contrast between him and Rocket — would’ve been less visually distinct.

With the High Evolutionary still alive at the end of «Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,» perhaps the character will reemerge down the line with a look that resembles his Marvel Comics inspiration.