As part of our ongoing series highlighting some of the stars of our economy, today, we introduce our loyal readers to a rising star of the evilometer economy: Rudolph the Maniac.

Mr Rudolph, our readers would like to know why you are called The Maniac?

Well, like many people, my original name wasn’t particularly endearing or powerful. They say half of success is perception, and a large part of that comes from a title or a name. I intend to go with a maniacal brand, so The Maniac will do me just fine I think. 

You just mentioned your brand. Can you talk a little about what image you’re aiming to present and who your inspirations are?

Sure thing. A few years ago, I attended a careers fair and met the CEO of Grim Industries. His company is one of the leaders in Evilometery, and I was very inspired by him. If I’m honest, I’ve taken a little bit of my brand from him. I’m going for the hooded cloak look, but I don’t really want to be carrying around a scythe all the time. I’ve paired my hooded cloak with high-top white sports shoes, which I feel will appeal to a younger market. 

That’s fascinating Mr Rudolph. Let’s get to the serious question: What does Evilometery mean to you?

As you know, there are segments of Evilometery. Some sectors aren’t appropriate for a modern society. In centuries gone by, pillaging and exploitation under the threat of violence were considered par for the course. Although there are some professionals in our world who continue to do this, society doesn’t generally like to see it. My preference will be to focus on consumer exploitation, mind manipulation and non-overt slavery.

Many of the heroes and villains we celebrate in our society are inspirations for works of fiction at the popular holiday destination known as Earth. Is that something that you aspire to?

It’s a nice thought, but the reality is that it’s very difficult to secure IP on Earth, so any inspiration or likeness will make someone else rich. Having said that, everyone gets a kick about seeing Earthers ape them through their movies or TV shows.

You mentioned Grim earlier. Despite being an inspiration, I heard he’s a little displeased with some of your corporate activity. What’s that all about?

Well, that’s just the nature of business. First, you idolise them, and then they become your competitors. I do not doubt that Grim has a whole book of enemies and competitors. 

What did you do?

Well, this speaks more about the ingenuity of Grim Industries, but one of his sub-companies is called the Association of United SuperHeroes with Ineffective Powers. Everyone has heard of the association, and it sounds like a company of sub-standard superheroes. It’s perceived that they offer some sort of community or security purpose. In reality, just like any miniature despot given a modicum of power, they abuse their positions for profit. It’s a genius scheme in its Evilometery and execution. The reason he’s a little miffed at me is that I managed to lead one of the association’s litter enforcement heroes into tears when I filled a park with earth-imported broadsheet newspapers. Every time someone read them, it had the dual evil purpose of those people instantly becoming stupider and then immediately crumpling that paper and throwing it on the floor! 

Wow, I’d hate to see how Grim Industries reacts. What other schemes or activities do you have planned? 

Now, now, that would be telling. Just keep an eye on my social media accounts, and you’ll get the latest news. My ambition is to take on a more formidable Hero unit and perhaps earn an arch-nemesis.

Finally, for the aspiring evil-doers out there, how did you start out?

Well, every supervillain likes a good backstory; mine is more strange than tragic. My mother and father were an odd couple. My mother was a decorated superhero, even invited to participate in some of the more well-known committees. My father was a low-level organised crime mobster. So it was really a case of my mother, the jock, falling for my father, the nerd. Having been exposed to both sides of the evil industry, I’ve chosen to go down the villainy route. 

Are you saying that heroes are also villains?

It’s cute that this isn’t widely accepted. The fairy tales around superheroes doing things out of a sense of justice that come from Earth or nothing but. If superheroes wanted to do things for the good of society, why do they dress up and create their own brands? I would go as far as to say the superhero industry is worse for society than the evilometer industry. I mean, we at least recognise our corporate servants and slaves and actually allow them to live reasonable lives. Do you think any of those spandex-clad polished posers ever take responsibility for the people who serve them?

Wow, this clearly seems to be a topic you’re passionate about.

My mother was immediately ostracised from the superhero community when she married my father. They even tried to promote a made-up backstory about her afterwards to make it seem like she was always a villain. 

Mr Maniac, it’s been a pleasure talking with you.