History Main / NerdInEvilsHelmet

* Vergil (yes ''[[EvilTwin that Vergil]]'') from ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry3'' is unmistakably threatening and powerful. ''However'' Vergil's nasally voice [[note]]Daniel Southward had a cold while voicing him[[/note]], his overly regal coat, his insistence of [[KatanasAreJustBetter carrying his katana everywhere he goes]] like a cosplaying weeb and the fact (unlike Dante) Vergil tries ''way too hard'' to emulate his father Sparda invokes this trope. It's more blatant during Vergil's VillainousBreakdown as when Arkham and Dante point how Vergil for all his power will never be as strong as his father, Vergil becomes extremely petulant and angry. The special edition also shows that Vergil is a bookworm in its opening scene.

* Albert Wesker from ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'' while very strong, evil and genuinely scary at times, is still at the end of the day just a science researcher DrunkWithPower. It's more apparent in [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil5 RE5]] as Wesker's sneaky plans give way to world domination and [[TheSocialDarwinist purging the weak from mankind to save the environment]], the protagonist Chris Redfield sick of Wesker's insane beliefs points out how ridiculous he is in a ShutUpHannibal moment.

** Prince Zuko is genuinely handsome (despite his prominent scar) and skilled at fighting, giving orders, and anything that doesn't involve casual social interaction. But sit down and have a conversation with the guy and you'll discover his {{adorkable}} side pretty quickly. [[spoiler:He does join the good guys in the third season, but he remains at least as dorky.]]
** Similarly, [[DaddysLittleVillain his sister Azula]] is a frighteningly competent [[MagnificentBastard Magnificent Bitch]], but when she tries to [[VillainsOutShopping act normal]], she fails spectacularly.

For a genuinely intelligent villain see EvilGenius. Can be the same kind of dissonance as VillainsOutShopping.

* ''Webcomic/TheGlassScientists'' has a new, interesting take on [[Literature/TheStrangeCaseOfDrJekyllAndMrHyde Edward Hyde.]] In the original book, Dr. Jekyll was so obsessed with maintaining the image of a proper British gentleman that he invented the potion that made him into Hyde so he could go out into the night to strip clubs, gamble, and generally cut loose. In the webcomic, those Jekyll still cares deeply about his reputation and Hyde still spends the nights with debauchery [[BiTheWay (with an even more fluid sexuality)]], but Jekyll's pride shines out as Hyde's SmallNameBigEgo. He's a CardCarryingVillain, but he's always [[BigBadWannabe wishing that he could be more intimidating.]]

This villain comes across as really imposing. And he probably (but not necessarily) has real power to back it up. However, he's really nerdy underneath.

He's hiding it, or trying to hide it, behind a tough façade. So it's a big surprise when he's revealed for the nerd he is. This surprise can come to other characters, the audience or both.

Note that being a nerd does ''not'' equal being a wimp. Not a total one at least. However, the villain might exploit such stereotypes and pull a WoundedGazelleGambit or similar after his nerdy side has been revealed, even if he actually is a badass.

For a genuinely intelligent villain see EvilGenius. Contrast BitchInSheepsClothing. Compare ''and'' contrast EvilIsSexy. Can be the same kind of dissonance as VillainsOutShopping.

[[folder:Web Original]]
* In the ''Roleplay/GlobalGuardiansPBEMUniverse'', the heroes fought the schemes of a DiabolicalMastermind who called himself "Brainchild" for ''years'' before they were finally able to catch him. When he was caught, he turned out to be a disgruntled computer genius modeled after actor Creator/EddieDeezen.
[[/folder]]

* Loki from the ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'' can be threatening when he wants, but otherwise he's a shrimpy, bookish, BigBadWannabe MommasBoy who just wants recognition and worship after living in his brother Film/{{Thor}}'s shadow for so long. Even when armed with a powerful scepter and army, Thor sees through Loki immediately and questions [[ComicBook/{{Thanos}} who]] controls "the puppet king" to Loki's fury. ''Film/ThorRagnarok'' takes this even further as when Loki gets his wish of ruling Asgard (in the guise of Odin), he builds a statue of himself and orchestrates a play about his "heroics" which he watches while eating grapes and drinking wine on a couch.

* The Dominator from the fifth season of ''WesternAnimation/SamuraiJack'' [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/samuraijack/images/5/5b/Dominator_face.png looks like an imposing and powerful robot]] at first, but moments before his defeat, is unmasked and revealed to be [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/samuraijack/images/5/55/The_Dominator.png an incredibly ugly and unimpressive man]] wearing PoweredArmor. Aside from that, though, he's a CompleteMonster who WouldHurtAChild and [[IHaveYouNowMyPretty acts really creepy and perverted]] towards Ashi, making him undeniably far more evil than nerdy.

* [[spoiler:Hyness]] from ''VideoGame/KirbyStarAllies'' is revealed to be this [[spoiler:after his hood falls off, where he's revealed to be some sort of creature with bulging eyes and a massive nose. His personality certainly doesn't help him in this case, as he's flailing wildly, ranting and generally being so hyper you'd think he just did a pound of meth.]]

* ''Webcomic/TheGlassScientists'' has a new, interesting take on [[Literature/TheStrangeCaseOfDrJekyllAndMrHyde Edward Hyde.]] In Hyde's original book, Dr. Jekyll was so obsessed with maintaining the image of a proper British gentleman that he invented the potion that made him into Hyde so he could go out into the night to strip clubs, gamble, and generally cut loose. In the webcomic, those Jekyll still cares deeply about his reputation and Hyde still spends the nights with debauchery [[BiTheWay (with an even more fluid sexuality)]], but Jekyll's pride shines out as Hyde's SmallNameBigEgo. He's a CardCarryingVillain, but he's always [[BigBadWannabe wishing that he could be more intimidating.]]

[[quoteright:300:[[Film/{{Spaceballs}} https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/darkhelmetbright_2306.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:300:"[[InsistentTerminology They're not dolls. They're]] '''[[LessEmbarrassingTerm action figures]]'''!"]]

* In ''Film/MacheteKills'', Luther Voz is one of the few villains who can fight on par with Machete. He's also a guy totally obsessed with ''Star Wars'' and ''Star Trek''.

* Albert Wesker from ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'' while very strong, evil and genuinely scary at times, is still at the end of the day still just a science researcher DrunkWithPower. It's more apparent in [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil5 RE5]] as Wesker's sneaky plans give way to world domination and [[TheSocialDarwinist purging the weak from mankind to save the environment]], the protagonist Chris Redfield sick of Wesker's insane beliefs points out how ridiculous he is in a ShutUpHannibal moment.

* Albert Wesker from ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'' while very strong, evil and genuinely scary at times, is still at the end of the day still just a lab megalomaniac researcher DrunkWithPower. It's more apparent [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil5 RE5]] as Wesker's sneaky plans give way to world domination and [[TheSocialDarwinist purging the weak from mankind to save the environment]], the protagonist Chris Redfield sick of Wesker's insane beliefs points out how ridiculous he is in a ShutUpHannibal moment.

* Space Dredd of ''Webcomic/ValAndIsaac'' is a feared intergalactic mercenary with cybernetic modifications and dark magical powers. She spends most of her time playing video games and quietly worrying about what her friends think of her on jobs. Her alias comes from an [[OnlineAlias old MMO character]], and her BadassLongcoat started life as a {{cosplay}}, which she made herself and had to do a job in when she realised she forgot about a job at a convention.

'''Space Dredd:''' [thought bubble] I'm glad that it's raining and nobody can tell that I'm crying over a broken laptop right now.

** Similarly, [[DaddysLittleVillain his sister Azula]] is a frighteningly competent [[MagnificentBastard Magnificent Bitch]], but when she tries to [[VillainsOutShopping act normal]], she [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments fails spectacularly]].

-->-- ''Webcomic/ValAndIsaac'', "Machine"

* Vergil (yes that Vergil) from ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry3'' is unmistakably threatening and powerful. ''But'' Vergil's nasally voice (Daniel Southward had a cold while voicing him), his overly regal coat, his insistence of [[KatanasAreJustBetter carrying his katana everywhere he goes]] like a cosplaying weeb and the fact (unlike Dante) Vergil tries ''way too hard'' to emulate his father Sparda invokes this trope. It's more blatant during Vergil's VillainousBreakdown as when Arkham and Dante point how Vergil for all his power will never be as strong as his father, Vergil becomes extremely petulant and angry. The special edition also shows that Vergil is a bookworm in its opening scene.

* Albert Wesker from ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'' while very strong, evil and genuinely scary at times, is still at the end of the day a lab researcher DrunkWithPower and megalomaniac streak. It's more apparent [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil5 RE5]] as Wesker's sneaky plans give way to world domination and [[TheSocialDarwinist purging the weak from mankind to save the environment]], the protagonist Chris Redfield sick of Wesker's insane beliefs points out how ridiculous he is in a ShutUpHannibal moment.

* Jesse Esienberg's Lex Luthor in ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'' [[AdaptationalWimp isn't]] the MagnificentBastard of the comics but an obsessive rich dweeb who feels worthless with a person like Superman around and convinces himself that Supes is the DarkMessiah and needs to be killed by "The Bat". Worse still, this Lex creates MonstrousHumanoid just so he can kill Superman without even considering what going to happen to everyone once Supes is killed and the monster left unchallenged. [[spoiler: In ''Film/JusticeLeague'' Lex forms the Legion of Doom not because he wants TakeOverTheWorld but because he wanted to copy the JL.]]

* Space Dredd of ''Webcomic/ValAndIsaac'' is a feared intergalactic mercenary with cybernetic modifications and dark magical powers. She spends most of her time playing video games and quietly worrying about what her friends think of her on jobs. Her alias comes from an [[OnlineAlias old MMO character]], and her BadassLongcloak started life as a {{cosplay}}, which she made herself and had to do a job in when she realised she forgot about a job at a convention.

* Similar to the ''WesternAnimation/CowAndChicken'' example, one episode of ''WesternAnimation/JohnnyBravo'' has Johnny accidentally replacing the captain of a ''Franchise/StarTrek''-esque ship, where he ends up encountering and making an enemy of a hulking, menacing galactic warlord, who facially resembles [[{{Nerd}} Carl]], and is implied to be some sort of genetic ancestor to said character. When Johnny meets him in battle on a nearby planet, the warlord removes his armor... and is revealed to be just as weak and wimpy as his earthly descendant underneath.

* Emperor Pilaf from ''Anime/DragonBall'' is almost a HarmlessVillain, he acts as if he is king of the world all because of his "toys" (mech-suits and torture chambers), in reality however he's tiny ManChild in over his head and is terrified of genuine evil such as Piccolo. Pilaf was even horrified when Bulma assumed he would [[IHaveYouNowMyPretty molest]] her when she was captured.

* ''Film/EightMM'' has "Machine", a sadistic killer in a leather mask. When the mask comes off, he's shown to be very schlubby looking, and produces a pair of glasses to finish the ensemble. This is very much PlayedForDrama, as it shows how a mild-mannered looking guy (who doesn't even have a FreudianExcuse) can be such a bastard.

->'''Target:''' [thought bubble] Her eyes...so lifeless. Her cybernetic augmentations have robbed her of her soul. Emotionless. Hollow. She's the ''perfect killer''.
->'''Space Dredd:''' [thought bubble] I'm glad that it's raining and nobody can tell that I'm crying over a broken laptop right now.
-->-- ''WebComic/ValAndIsaac'', "Machine"

!!Examples

[[folder:Fan Works]]

[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/TheIncredibles'': Syndrome starts out as a superhero fanboy, then ascends to supervillain after being (sort of) rejected by his idol. Syndrome is more of an inversion -- Evil in a Nerds' Helmet. He is clearly a PsychopathicManchild with a serious LackOfEmpathy who even murders children without batting an eyelid, and there is little to indicate that, beneath it all, he was all that much different when he was a kid (eg. he doesn't seem to notice or care when one of his stunts nearly causes a train crash). Most important and scarily, though, Syndrome thinks he is ''the hero'', when he actually just a very, very bad case of HeroismAddict and is willing to kill dozens of heroes and endanger thousands of lives because he is a GloryHound.
* Tempest Shadow from ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyTheMovie2017'' is the hardened and violent [[TheDragon second hand]] of the warlord Storm King. While she's legitimately dangerous [[TakenForGranite as the Princesses found out]], behind her ruthless and cynical image is a candy-colored unicorn [[PsychopathicManchild who never grew up past losing her horn and friends]]. [[spoiler: It turns out her real name is ''[[FluffyTheTerrible Fizzlepop Berrytwist]]'' making her a Nerd with Evil's Alias.]]

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]

* Ogre in the ''Film/RevengeOfTheNerds'' series is revealed to be this at the end of the second movie. Then, [[spoiler:at the end of the third film, Stan (who led the JerkJock fraternity in the first film) does a HeelFaceTurn and reveals that he is a closet nerd, too, dropping the evil scheme he was bullied into trying.]]
* In ''Film/MacheteKills'', Luther Voz is one of the few villains who can fight on par with Machete. He's also a guy totally obsessed with Star Wars and Star Trek.
* Kylo Ren from ''Film/TheForceAwakens'' publicly dresses and acts like DarthWiki/DarthVader, but underneath that helmet? A pale, gangly guy who [[TheyLookJustLikeEveryoneElse doesn't look threatening in the least]]. Moreover, in private, he shows a fanboyish obsession with Vader (which explains [[DarthVaderClone his fashion choices]]) and [[PsychopathicManchild behaves like an angsty teenager]]. ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' had a field day with this ([[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaOSCASqLsE "Star Wars Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base"]]), as did the "{{Emo|Teen}} Kylo Ren" [[https://twitter.com/kylor3n page]] on Website/{{Twitter}}. (SelfDemonstrating/EmoKyloRen even has a self-demonstrating SelfDemonstrating/{{character page|s}} on this very wiki now!) In ''Film/TheLastJedi'', he starts moving out of the shadow of his influences, but is still very dorky. Note, however, that his nerdiness does ''not'' make him any less dangerous.
* Donald Pierce from ''Film/{{Logan}}'' is a ruthless PsychoForHire who also happens to be a fan of ComicBook/{{Wolverine}} and the comics he was featured in.
-->'''Donald:''' ''[sheepishly]'' By the way, I'm a fan.
* ''Film/EightMM'' has "Machine", a sadistic killer in a leather mask. When the mask comes off, he's shown to be very schlubby looking, and produces a pair of glasses to finish the ensemble. This is very much PlayedForDrama, as it shows how a mild-mannered looking guy (who doesn't even have a FreudianExcuse) can be such a bastard.

* Arcane, [[spoiler:revealed to be Clyde Randolph]] in the ''Series/{{Dollhouse}}'' episode "The Attic".
* Luke Rattigan from the ''Series/DoctorWho'' episodes [[Recap/DoctorWhoS30E4TheSontaranStratagem "The Sontaran Stratagem"]] and [[Recap/DoctorWhoS30E5ThePoisonSky "The Poison Sky"]] is a self-proclaimed TeenGenius who considers himself smarter than everyone else... but he's actually just a pathetic douchebag. [[spoiler:Until his HeroicSacrifice, that is.]]

[[folder:Web Comics]]

* Space Dredd of ''WebComic/ValAndIsaac'' is a feared intergalactic mercenary with cybernetic modifications and dark magical powers. She spends most of her time playing video games and quietly worrying about what her friends think of her on jobs. Her alias comes from an [[OnlineAlias old MMO character]], and her BadassLongcloak started life as a {{cosplay}}, which she made herself and had to do a job in when she realised she forgot about a job at a convention.

->'''Target:''' [thought bubble] Her eyes...so lifeless. Her cybernetic augmentations have robbed her of her soul. Emotionless. Hollow. She's the ''perfect killer''.
->'''Space Dredd:''' [thought bubble] I'm glad that it's raining and nobody can tell that I'm crying over a broken laptop right now.
-->-- ''WebComic/ValAndIsaac'', "Machine"

->'''Target:''' [thought bubble] Her eyes...so lifeless. Her cybernetic augmentations have robbed her of her soul/ Emotionless. Hollow. She's the '''perfect killer'''.

->'''Target:''' [thought bubble] Her eyes...so lifeless. Her cybernetic augmentations have robbed her of her soul/ Emotionless. Hollow. She's the '''perfect killer'''.\\
'''Space Dredd:''' [thought bubble] I'm glad that it's raining and nobody can tell that I'm crying over a broken laptop right now.