When it comes to DC villains, there are a few big bads that make their superhero counterparts look, lame.
Ask yourself, what is a villain? The antagonist to the protagonist. Someone who loves doing bad things. A mustache-twirling big bad, perhaps? All of those things and more. Darth Vader is an iconic layered villain, the model for a complex villain with a sympathetic backstory. No, I’m not recommending watching the Star Wars prequels about Anakin Skywalker, but I’m also not saying not to watch them. Anyway, comic books were ahead of the curve when it comes to villains. And there’s no comic book franchise or universe that compares to DC Comics when it comes to villains.
Sure, Marvel has all things X-Men when it comes to elite villainy that easily makes them the coolest guys or gals in the room. Magneto alone trumps most Marvel heroes when it comes to likability or the cool factor. Likewise, with Mystique, the Hellfire Club, among other big bads on that side of Marvel.
When it comes to DC Comics, we all know them for having fantastic stories. Part of what makes them great is how they put the focus on who their villains are. It’s a reason why fans love the Rogues Gallery, a term often associated with the Flash’s big bads. However, not only does DC have complex villains, they have villains that are way cooler than some of DC’s heroes.
Don’t expect to see names like Joker or Lex. We all love them, but they didn’t make this list. There were so many villains to choose from and so little room. Somehow, I narrowed it down to 12. Get ready to be shocked and amazed, and I’ll be dropping more puns than Fat Joe (iykyk).