Hawk Moth vs The Monarch

Hawk Moth vs The Monarch is a What If? Death Battle.

Previously on Death Battle[]

Description[]

Of all the animals to base a supervillain identity on, you’d think butterflies would be the last thing they’d think of picking. And yet, these two criminal masterminds did just that. They may not look like much, but they mean business. However, only one is much more dangerous than the other…

Introduction[]

Wiz: The butterfly. When one thinks of them, they imagine rainbows, meadows and pretty scenery. In other words, peace and harmony.

Boomstick: These guys, on the other hand, are the exact opposite of that and proud of it, even though I have no idea why one of them has to do with butterflies.

Wiz: I’ll tell you in the analysis, Boomstick. They are Hawk Moth, Paris’ resident supervillain.

Boomstick: And the Monarch, Rusty Venture’s sworn enemy. He’s Wiz and I’m Boomstick!

Wiz: And it’s our job to analyze their armor, weapons and skills to find out who would win a Death Battle!

Hawk Moth[]

Wiz: Paris, France is often regarded as the heart of the fashion world. Lately, however, nothing is more fashionable in this day and age than looking like superheroes.

Boomstick: Case in point, Ladybug and Cat Noir, who actually are superheroes.

Wiz: Coincidentally, both are unknowingly tied to their greatest adversary. Ladybug wants to be like him, and Cat Noir is related to him. To figure who he is, all one would have to do is pay attention to what brand of clothing you’re wearing, because your clothes might have been made by Gabriel.

Boomstick: Gabriel is owned by Gabriel Agreste, hence the name, and by now, you probably realized he has some pretty dark secrets.

Wiz: In the eyes of the public, Gabriel Agreste is simply a famous icon of the fashion industry. However, what most don’t know is he’s also the biggest threat to the city of Paris.

Boomstick: He is Hawk Moth, Ladybug and Cat Noir’s greatest enemy! (Boomstick acts as if he remembers something) Oh, that’s right! Wiz, how is Hawk Moth themed to butterflies? Moths are almost entirely different!

Wiz: Seeing as I said I’d elaborate, I might as well do it now. Internationally, Gabriel becomes Hawk Moth. It’s a more intimidating alias, but it’s very inaccurate. His name is actually very different in the original French version. In that, he goes by “Le Papillon”, meaning “The Butterfly”. So yes, he’s actually themed to butterflies, not moths. He’s only associated with moths due to a technicality. Butterflies even serve as his company’s logo.

Boomstick: So Hawk Moth is really a butterfly-themed supervillain who owns a fashion company? I’m sorry, but I can’t take him seriously. What’s so intimidating about butterflies, anyway?

Wiz: They drink blood.

Boomstick: Oh. Please continue.

Wiz: Why would someone like Gabriel turn to crime? To put it simply, it was because of his wife, Emilie. While almost everyone believed she died, Emilie had actually become comatose and Hawk Moth has been hunting for the Ladybug and Cat Miraculouses ever since.

Boomstick: Miraculouses are powerful items that allow users to access the powers of Kwami, mystical beings that embody concepts. Wiz, are you sure this isn’t ripping off Persona?

Wiz: The Ladybug and Cat Miraculouses embody Creation and Destruction, which, when used together, can grant one wish. He seeks to find them both to bring his wife back. However, he has a Miraculous of his own. Hawk Moth’s Miraculous, the Butterfly Miraculous, represents Transmission, and the way he implements it is actually quite insidious.

Boomstick: What does he do, transmit nectar?

Wiz: No, Boomstick. By using empathy, he can sense the emotions of the people of Paris and find suitable targets for a process called akumatization. This process involves finding people with negative emotion, discovering what’s bothering them, corrupting one of his butterflies and having them corrupt an object. Once someone touches that object, Hawk Moth uses telepathy to speak directly into the mind of his akumatized victim. Once they agree to work with Hawk Moth, they are transformed into supervillains often themed to either the object they touched like the Bubbler, something that was bothering them at the time like Darkblade, or something they are skilled at like Syren. That is akumatization. While it is possible for people to reject akumatization, most people don’t.

Boomstick: Of course, if all he did was stand around in a room all day, he’d be pretty weak on his own. Thankfully, Hawk Moth sometimes likes to get his hands dirty.

Wiz: Every Miraculous gifts users with a weapon. Ladybug uses a yo-yo, Cat Noir uses a staff, and Hawk Moth uses a cane, but much like Hawk Moth himself, there’s more to that cane than meets the eye.

Boomstick: There’s a sword inside of it!

Wiz: The blade in that cane is capable of cutting a missile in two. Not only that, but Hawk Moth is also a fencer, making him skilled at using it. He can also use the cane itself as a weapon through the use of a French martial art called Canne de Combat.

Boomstick: To put it simply, the French really liked beating things with sticks.

Wiz: The cane comes with a chamber that can house akumatized butterflies and has an insane level of durability.

Boomstick: In other words, the only thing a normal person would break trying to snap this thing in two is their leg.

Wiz: He also controls entire armies of butterflies.

Boomstick: Yeah, and he even made them look like his face to talk to Ladybug and Cat Noir for the first time.

Wiz: There’s also the more logical benefits from having a Miraculous to consider, too. In this case, Hawk Moth has amplified physical prowess, getting a boost in his agility and speed, allowing him to keep up with Ladybug and Cat Noir in combat, and with his increased strength, he often has the upper hand. He also has extreme durability, ensuring that he can not only dish out pain, but take plenty of it in turn.

Boomstick: Then there’s Shadow Moth, Hawk Moth’s upgraded persona that combines the butterfly and peacock Miraculouses and makes Hawk Moth look like some kind of aristocrat.

Wiz: While in this form, he can turn people into supervillains and create monsters with the peacock Miraculous. He also has

Boomstick: Just remember one thing. If you see a butterfly in Paris, make sure you’re in a good mood or you’ll find yourself in the clutches of Hawk Moth.

Hawk Moth: I don’t care how many enemies I have to throw at you to win, but I will be victorious!

The Monarch[]

Wiz: In the universe of The Venture Bros., no group has more clout and notoriety than the legendary Team Venture, a group of explorers, superheroes and adventurers that have saved the world time and time again and accomplished feats no normal human ever could. At the helm of this organization was Jonas Venture, a man who, in the public eye, was like a shining beacon of human achievement that no one could ever escape the shadow of, not even family.

Boomstick: However, in reality, well… Okay, look, the guy was a piece of trash. Just ask the Blue Morpho, a.k.a. Don Fitzcarraldo, one of his friends Jonas liked to use.

Wiz: One day, the Blue Morpho told Jonas that he and his wife were trying to have a baby. Unfortunately, the Blue Morpho was having no luck and Jonas, being the “friend” that he was, agreed to provide a solution.

Boomstick: Before we go on, we at Death Battle need to stress how much of a scumbag Jonas was, so let’s just say that whatever “solution” Jonas had was probably something evil.

Wiz: The exact details are mostly unknown at this time, but regardless, the Blue Morpho would soon have a child. That child was Malcom Fitzcarraldo, and he would eventually— (Boomstick interrupts Wiz)

Boomstick: I have a question, Wiz. Why were we bringing up Jonas for? Shouldn’t he not have a big connection to Malcom?

Wiz: The explanations come later, Boomstick. In any case, Malcom grew into a happy boy until one day, he and his parents became victims of a plane crash in the Pine Barrens, with Malcom being the only survivor. Wandering through the woods with no one else to turn to, he eventually found a group of Monarch Butterflies. These butterflies would later become his new family until they migrated, forcing Malcom to wander back into civilization. Years would pass and Malcom would later encounter his future archenemy, Thaddeus Venture, a.k.a. Rusty, while at college. While details of Malcom and Rusty’s lives in college were mostly a mystery, Malcom’s butterfly obsession and hatred for Rusty were not. After a failed attempt on Rusty’s life and and his eventual college graduation, Malcom turned to crime, becoming a henchman for various supervillains, particularly the Phantom Limb. However, over time, Malcom would rise up in the criminal underworld. Eventually, the Monarch would take his throne.

Boomstick: For a guy dressed as a butterfly, he’s pretty darn lucky. He got an army of faithful minions, a hot chick for a wife named Dr. Mrs. the Monarch and for awhile, he had a giant fortress called the Cocoon. He certainly seems to live up to the Monarch name with that level of influence.

Wiz: Indeed, but we should focus on the analysis, Boomstick. On his own, the Monarch has plenty of tricks up his sleeves in the form of lethal weaponry and advanced technology. On the more mundane side of things are his dark guns mounted on both wrists, which fire darts that may be lethal depending on the dart. Speaking of butterfly's, his Custome hides giant butterfly wings created by his wife, which he can use to fly.

Boomstick: He also has his own car, the Monarch-mobile, which is a pretty awesome ride, all things considered.

Wiz: If his gadgets fail him or he’s on the ropes, the Monarch is prone to fighting dirty.

Boomstick: It's like holding people hostage for money…oh wait, The Monarch does that, but you gotta be evil. And He is kinda cheap, like when he killed a person instead of paying them 11 Dollars.

Wiz: It’s true that the Monarch is dependent on his gadgets or cheap tactics, The Monarch usually uses threats to scare others. With his Gadgets, The Monarch has shown to fight against multiple Slaughterbots and Diamond Dogs.

Boomstick: And now we get to talk about his anger issues, and boy, does he have plenty for a guy who takes his costumed persona idea from a monarch butterfly.

Wiz: Indeed. The Monarch is no stranger to taking out his anger on his henchmen, the Fluttering Horde, most of whom don’t survive the experience.

Boomstick: The guy goes through henchmen like a chain smoker going through cigarettes. They just keep coming, and the Monarch just keeps killing.

Wiz: He does have a few henchmen who stick around, though, like his wife, Dr. Mrs. The Monarch, formerly Dr. Girlfriend. While she is his equal, the Monarch has virtually no equal when it comes to one thing in particular: hatred for Rusty Venture.

Boomstick: And if there is someone he hates even more than Rusty, it’s himself.

The Monarch: You abandoned me! You abandoned my hatred! Look into my eyes!

Death Battle[]

Wiz: Okay, everyone. The fighters are ready!

Boomstick: It’s time for a Death Battle!!!!

(The scene is somewhere in Paris)

The Monarch: (The Monarch looks frustrated at a croissant with a piece bitten off and throws it in the trash. Dr. Mrs. The Monarch approaches him) This vacation was a waste of time!

Dr. Mrs. The Monarch: Aww, but didn’t you like the Eiffel Tower? Besides, the food is to die for.

The Monarch: This whole city should be vaporized for all I care! All they talk about is “Ladybug this” and “Cat Noir that” and I feel like I’ve seen the same ten people walk around everywhere for the past three days we’ve been here! Is this a city or a village?! (Meanwhile, in the special chamber in Gabriel Agreste’s mansion, Hawk Moth stands in the center of the room with dozens of butterflies flying around him)

Hawk Moth: Ah, a tourist unsatisfied by his vacation. Such hatred and frustration is a breeding ground for villainy. (Hawk Moth uses his hands and grabs a butterfly, corrupting it and letting it fly off) Go, my akuma, and akumatize him! (The butterfly flies over the roofs of various buildings until it finds the Monarch sipping some coffee. Just as he is about to start ranting about Paris again, the butterfly corrupts his coffee cup and an outline of a butterfly appears over his face) Coffee King, I am Hawk Moth. I can make your vacation a dream come true, but only if you bring me Ladybug and Cat Noir’s Miraculouses. (The Monarch appears immensely confused and angry)

The Monarch: First off, what the heck are you going on about? What’s a Miraculous? Second, that is the last time I ever want to hear the names Ladybug and Cat Noir ever again! Third, I am the Monarch, not Coffee King! That name isn’t even worth the dirt on my boots! And finally, I don’t care if you’re a moth or a butterfly, that’s my gimmick, so go recruit someone else and change your identity, you unoriginal hack! I have a vacation with my wife to get back to, and I bet a wife is the one thing you wished you had! Now get lost! (The Monarch rejects akumatization and chucks the coffee cup into the trash) Sorry, honey. The coffee was bad. (Hawk Moth’s anger at the wife comment reaches a boiling point)

Hawk Moth: You really should’ve accepted my offer, Monarch… (Hawk Moth leaves his mansion and quickly tracks down the Monarch in a fit of rage) You!

The Monarch: That voice… Were you the guy calling me Coffee King?! There’s only room for one butterfly-themed supervillain, and it’s not you! (Hawk Moth observes the Monarch’s costume)

Hawk Moth: That suit is utterly ridiculous! Who was the fool who designed it?! (The Monarch’s anger begins reaching its maximum level. He turns toward Dr. Mrs. The Monarch)

The Monarch: Get in the hotel, my dear! I have a pretender to crush! When this is over, we’re having creme brûlées! My treat! (Dr. Mrs. The Monarch runs into the nearby hotel. The Monarch turns back toward Hawk Moth) You and me, one on one! And who are you calling my suit ridiculous when you look like a waiter looking to rob someone!?

Hawk Moth: Engarde!

Monarch: Time to perish!

FIGHT!!!!!

Hawk Moth: Take this, charlatan! (Hawk Moth attempts to swing his cane at the Monarch, who promptly grabs it) I am the one who truly deserves to be called Hawk Moth! You’re just a clown with a crown, Monarch! (The Monarch tries to take Hawk Moth’s cane out of his hands but can’t due to Hawk Moth’s strength. The Monarch looks and sees Dr. Mrs. The Monarch’s coffee cup, which was still on the table the two of them were sitting at prior to the fight. The Monarch grabs the hot coffee cup and chucks it at Hawk Moth’s face, burning it and allowing him to take the cane)

The Monarch: Ha! Now I’m the strong one here, pretender! Now die! (The Monarch tries swinging the cane at Hawk Moth but Hawk Moth punches the Monarch through the hotel doors (one of which had a poster advertising Code Lyoko with Ulrich on it) and reclaims his cane)

Hawk Moth: That would be mine, Monarch. (The Monarch gets back up)

Monarch: I still have a ton of tricks! (The Monarch uses his wings to fly through a hotel window, flying away from the hotel. Hawk Moth pursues him) He’s quite fast for a man dressed like a waiter. This vacation will either be the death of me or the most fun I’ve had in years! (Hawk Moth leaps from rooftop to rooftop as he passes by the various denizens of Paris, particularly Marinette, who opens her window out of curiosity and promptly shuts it when she can’t see who passed by her house)

Hawk Moth: Get back here! You know for a fact that I will defeat you!

The Monarch: We’ll see, Hawk Moth! (The Monarch begins firing darts at Hawk Moth but Hawk Moth is too fast and dodges every single one) What?! That’s it, time for me to start getting serious! (The Monarch tries to grab Hawk Moth and succeeds, flying him up to the top of the Eiffel Tower) HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! This is where it all comes to an end! (Hawk Moth breaks free and falls onto the tower)

Hawk Moth: It will end when I pin you to the wall!

The Monarch: With what?! A stick?! Pathetic! (Hawk Moth takes out the sword hidden in the cane)

Hawk Moth: With this, you fool. (Hawk Moth and the Monarch head to the Eiffel Tower, dodging each other’s attacks as they go. The Monarch fires his darts again and again and misses every single time) You’re not a very good marksman, are you, Monarch?

The Monarch: Quite the contrary! I can be an exceptional shot!

Hawk Moth: Do you think you can fire at all of these?! (A swarm of butterflies controlled by Hawk Moth follows the Monarch to the top of the Eiffel Tower, encasing him in giant version of Hawk Moth’s head as Hawk Moth got into position)

The Monarch: What is this?! I can’t see! (The Monarch begins flying in all directions as Hawk Moth cackles maniacally, his voice echoing through the butterfly construct of Hawk Moth’s head. Once the Monarch flies close enough to the Eiffel Tower, Hawk Moth leaps up and slices the construct in half, making the butterflies disperse and the Monarch’s sliced body drop to the ground below. Hawk Moth reaches the bottom of the tower as Dr. Mrs. The Monarch reaches the monument, her hands covering her mouth in shock and despair at her husband’s demise)

Dr. Mrs. The Monarch: NOOOO!!! (Hawk Moth walks up to Dr. Mrs. The Monarch as she falls to her knees and sobs)

Hawk Moth: Have fun eating your creme brûlée…alone… (Hawk Moth triumphantly walks off)

Results[]

K.O.!!

Boomstick: That was pretty cold, Hawk Moth. Really cold.

Wiz: As tech-savvy as the Monarch was, Hawk Moth had everything he needed to counter the Monarch in nearly every way.

Boomstick: The Monarch had the mobility advantage and that’s about it, really.

Wiz: Even with that, Hawk Moth’s physical attacks and overall arsenal were clearly better than the Monarch’s darts, and with Hawk Moth’s speed, the darts were pointless, leaving Monarch with dirty tricks as his only option, and even that wouldn’t be enough.

Boomstick: It looks like the Monarch was dethroned.

Wiz: The winner is Hawk Moth.

Next Time on Death Battle[]

Fulgore vs Prototype (James Ruiz) (S1E9)

Trivia[]

The score for this specific Death Battle is called “Duel De Papillons”, which, when translated from French to English, means “Duel of the Butterflies”.
Their connection is that both are supervillains themed to butterflies. However, the creators of The Venture Bros. gave the Monarch this butterfly theme to parody supervillains while Hawk Moth was created with this theme being taken seriously.
Credit for helping with the Monarch’s analysis goes to King Clab.
Credit for the artwork goes to TheDerpyPotato.
Credit for adding most of the categories goes to Professor Mewtwo.