10. Black Manta
Before Jason Momoa was cast as Aquaman, he was the butt of jokes. In the comics, prior to the revamp of Aquaman, he had a formidable adversary that fans couldn’t help but admire. Certainly, Atlantis is Aquaman’s home, but in the depths of the sea, swims Black Manta. Like the other villains on this list, there’s something remarkable about him that we can’t help but love, and it all comes down to his backstory.
Black Manta, originally named David, grew up in an impoverished coastal town. His life took a dark turn when, as a child, he was kidnapped and forced into undersea labor on a secret project. His captors subjected him to inhumane experiments, granting him enhanced strength and intellect. Escaping this underwater nightmare, David transformed into the man who would strike fear into those he encountered: Black Manta.
Manta is so amazing and well-respected that he’s often one of the leaders in The Secret Society of Super-Villains. Armed with a suit of advanced underwater technology, he’s the perfect foil to Aquaman’s superhuman abilities. The sleek black armor, equipped with deadly weaponry, not only helps him survive the ocean depths but also gives him an edge in combat against the King of Atlantis.
Black Manta is a bit complex. His motivations, while skewed, are understandable, and his relentless pursuit of vengeance is unmatched among villains. And it doesn’t hurt that he just looks cool.