Syndrome
Dr. Evil
Wealth: $15.9bn
From: Technology, entertainment, leisure, defence
As Seen In: The Austin Powers franchise
Under the guidance of Number 2, Evil’s conglomerate, Virtucon, invested into Starbucks and the Hollywood Talent Agency.
Currently holding majority shareholdings in both companies, revenues have facilitated big prestige projects such as the conversion of a volcano into a research and development site for the company’s emerging technological innovations.
Willy Wonka
Wealth: $19.5bn
From: Food
As Seen In: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (1995)
Chocolate magnate Wonka has profited from a policy of severe austerity and secrecy – hugely cutting costs while increasing standards from his company, now valued at nearly $20bn.
Some commentators have called for an Amnesty International investigation into Wonka’s employment of Oompa-Loompas, viewed by many as slave labour.
Tony Stark
Wealth: $19.75bn
From: Defence
As Seen In: The Iron Man franchise (2008 – 2010)
The 2010 Stark Expo showcased the vast wealth of industrious billionaire Tony Stark, in addition to his zeal for technological innovation.
Stark Industries stands among the world’s top defence contractors, while developing broader energy projects such as the Arc reactor.
Stark makes no secret of his earnings, having made exaggerated claims that he is worth over $300bn.
Joh Fredersen
Wealth: $22bn
From: Property, construction
As Seen In: Metropolis (1927)
The city of Metropolis is the picture of prosperity, despite a problem of social inequality and urban slums.
Living in the New Tower Of Babel (worth $2bn), Joh Fredersen has overseen expansion of the city into a futuristic idyll for those in its higher levels, maintained by an industrious underground working class.
Jabba The Hut
Wealth: $25bn
From: Trafficking, slavery, gambling
As Seen In: Return Of The Jedi (1983)
Jabba Desilijic Tiure, better known as Jabba The Hutt, may have entered his 60th decade of life but shows no sign of slowing up his insatiable thirst for wealth.
He maintains vast trafficking operations extended throughout the galaxy, smuggling illicit drugs and slaves. He has a vast collection of rare commodities, from his enormous sail barge to high-priced slave girls and well-preserved carbonite collectables.
Dr. Eldon Tyrell
Wealth: $25bn
From: Biotechnology
As Seen In: Blade Runner (1982)
Becoming the world’s largest biotechnology company isn't enough for Tyrell Corp, who are still searching for life-like replicants in the wake of their Nexus-6 line.
With his monolithic HQ, CEO Dr. Eldon Tyrell remains a spectral presence over LA.
Lex Luthor
Wealth: $29.3bn
From: Technology, energy, media, real estate
As Seen In: The Superman franchise (1978 – 2006)
LexCorp has an impressive and expansive reach, with arms of the conglomerate involved in oil and media and, for a brief period of time, controlling broadsheet newspaper the Daily Planet.
Luthor’s recently unsuccessful real-estate venture in the San Andreas fault, intending to turn the region into the new west coast, seems to have had little effect on his overall portfolio, and neither has a stint in prison.
Bruce Wayne
Wealth: $30.4bn
From: Technology, shipping, media, defence
As Seen In: Batman films (1989 – 2012)
Many would raise eyebrows at Wayne’s mysterious spending habits, but few would question his financial success.
Wayne Enterprises has long enjoyed a widespread market dominance in countless areas of industry. It has flourished under the guidance of its acclaimed CEO Lucius Fox, who has overseen growth by as much as $30bn dollars in one quarter alone.
Hence Bruce Wayne, the billionaire proprietor and majority shareholder, has seen his company develop into one of the world’s largest conglomerates, with over 170,000 employees and a stable market value of more than $60bn.
Although Wayne is often thought to take a backseat in his financial control of the company, he has distinct ideas on the ethics of Wayne Enterprises, insisting the company protect the interests of the public.
He commented fondly on the tactics of his father, Dr. Thomas Wayne, whose philanthropic activities nearly bankrupted the corporation in the Depression. “He believed he could inspire the wealthy of Gotham to save their city,” said Wayne Jr. Wayne is known to enjoy excess; reportedly arriving at a recent party with supermodels via helicopter.
He has two homes in Gotham – a penthouse flat and family estate Wayne Manor which was destroyed in a fire but is under construction, due for completion in the coming year.
Richie Rich
Wealth: $70bn
From: Inheritance, energy, property, technology
As Seen In: Richie Rich (1994)
At the age of 13, Richie Rich already possesses a business record most would be happy to retire on. During his parent’s absence from Rich Industries he championed several policies, such as an increase of nut proportion in Rich Bars by 15 per cent, bringing profit increases in every division of the multinational conglomerate.
His business acumen is already fine-tuned, avoiding mass lay-offs in the manufacturing arm of Rich Industries by cutting executive salaries. He famously put it to his board of directors, “I think if we need to cut the fat, I say we start right here.”
Philanthropic work is also a staple of Rich Industries, with Richard Rich Sr. donating over $1bn to charity each year. Charitable ventures such as the purchase of United Tool saved over 600 jobs. “My father never fired anybody. He said when people are secure in their jobs they work harder, happier and better,” says Richie.
The Richs are set to unveil a range of scientific innovations, including a new adhesive, the sub-atomic molecular reorganiser and the Smellmaster. With a current market cap of $137bn and a promising portfolio, the company should navigate easily through current economic turmoil and has already heavily supported the state by buying into government bonds amid US national debt.
The family resides in the opulent Rich Mansion, the largest private property in the USA. The grounds boast a private McDonalds, an enormous rollercoaster and a nearby private jet. The property also exhibits the worryingly narcissistic Mount Richmore, a cliff face moulded in the image of the Rich family.
