50 Greatest Super Villains In Comic Book History

10. Darkseid

(Write-up by Aaron Speight, Bam Smack Pow Staff Writer)

He may not be the most recognisable villain in the DC universe, but remember, he is one of the most powerful and evil — so don’t let the fact that he is #10 on our list fool you.

His birth name is Prince Uxas, son to King Yuga Khan and Queen Heggra. He killed his brother Drax to claim the fabled “Omega Force,” which transformed him into a rock-like creature before taking the new name Darkseid.

His main goal in life is to eliminate all free will in the universe, and in turn, mold everything into the image of his home planet Apokolips. That’s an important distinction, because unlike other, more classically nihilistic villains, Darkseid doesn’t want to wipe out or subjugate other beings, he wants them completely broken in mind and spirit, existing for nothing else but to worship him. He’s gotten close to pulling it off more than once, usually with the help of the Anti-Life Equation.

Along the way, he inevitably encounters the Justice League, but he more than holds his own. This is due to the fact he is deemed among the most powerful of the New Gods. With his Omega Beam, super strength, agility, speed, telekinesis and telepathy, he can almost be too much for Superman and company. When Darkseid shows up, it usually requires an all hands on deck approach to stopping him, especially when he unleashes the hordes of Apokolips to aid him.

So be warned, Justice League lovers, they may be sworn to protect the Earth against the greatest of enemies, but the almighty Darkseid could one day have his way. You’ll remember the face, even if you can’t do the same for the name.

Next: No. 9: A universal force of nature