The High Evolutionary is a fictional character who is published by Marvel Comics. Herbert Edgar Wyndham was a geneticist in the 1930s who, with the assistance of a disguised Mister Sinister, as well as that of a disguised Maelstrom, discovered the secrets of DNA. Wyndham used this knowledge to alter his own genetic structure, thus becoming the ageless High Evolutionary. He then went on to artificially mutate (or "evolve") a number of animals into a humanoid form. He designated these mutates "New Men".

Due to the perceived amorality of his goal to make humanity the supreme lifeform in the universe (a goal decided upon by the abduction of his created world, Counter-Earth, by a race known as the Beyonders), the High Evolutionary came into conflict with a number of superheroes, notably The Avengers and Adam Warlock, when he tried to forcibly mutate (or "evolve") the population of the Earth in what was known as the Evolutionary Wars .

Eventually he relented in this effort, and is now an occasional ally of Thor and other superheroes, having recently confronted his mentor Sinister alongside the X-Men.