Comic-Con 2009 is now in full force in San Diego, California. Previously, we listed the top 5 superheroes in comic book history. Now we will explore the opposite of that, the top 5 supervillains in comic book history. And here…we….go!
5.) Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor is the famous archrival of Superman, who is bent on killing him through any means possible. While Lex is certainly not a powerful foe in the comics in terms of sheer strength, he has the resources and intellect to carry out any scheme he desires. He even becomes President of the United States and starts affecting other DC comic characters such as Batman. Lex also is revealed to have known Superman before he became Superman (when he was Clark Kent in Smallville). Lex is ruthless, wealthy, determined, and intelligent, and is the perfect foil to a somewhat boring Superman character. Plus, he makes for a great comic book cover.
4.) Green Goblin
The Green Goblin is notorious for his reappearances in Spider-Man comics. In one of the most famous events in comic history, the Green Goblin successfully killed Spider-Man’s girlfriend, Gwen Stacy by throwing her off the George Washington Bridge. Spider-Man tried to save her with his webbing, but he snapped her neck in the process and a whole new age of comic books was born. The Green Goblin was the first to make a superhero fail at his task. His power stems from his ability to stay sane, which seems to be a problem for him. His popularity became even greater with the first feature film, Spider-Man. No matter what happens to him in the films or comic books, The Goblin will be remembered for his killing of Gwen Stacy. Besides, he throws pumpkins for bombs. You should be jealous.
3.) Magneto
Magneto is one of the most powerful mutants in the X-Men universe. A Nazi concentration camp survivor, he became disillusioned with humanity and has vowed to have mutants control the world in order to prevent them from suffering a similar fate. He has the power to control electromagnetic fields. Magneto and telepath and fellow mutant Professor X have had a rocky relationship as seen in the various X-Men films and comic books. He rarely shows mercy to his enemies and can easily overpower forces that outnumber him. The only thing that could ever stop Magneto would be plastic.
2.) Venom
Venom was introduced into the Marvel comic universe in the late 80s and the character quickly exploded in popularity. Venom is actually an alien symbiote that requires a host to survive. The host, in return, gains extra powers and strength. The first host of the symbiote was none other than Spider-Man himself. Once he rejected the host, Eddie Brock became Venom and incidentally absorbed all of Spider-Man’s powers too. There have been other people who have worn the symbiote over the years, but nonetheless, Venom is by far the coolest looking and possibly one of the most feared villains in all of the comic book universe. What makes him so dangerous is that he cannot be sensed by Spider-Man’s spider-sense and is his equal. Would you want to run into that thing in a dark alley? Didn’t think so.
1.) The Joker
The Joker is Batman’s number one enemy. His outfit has been relatively constant throughout the years in the comic books – a purple jacket, with white skin, red lips, and green hair. The Joker is a maniac who has no respect for authority or rules, and in fact, loves to create anarchy. He has been responsible for many events in Bruce Wayne’s life, including killing Robin and Rachel Dawes (in The Dark Knight). His weaponry includes knives, guns, a flower that shoots toxins and other mind-bending tricks. His calling card is a Joker card. The only reason for his existence is because of Batman, and that Batman needs people like him in order to exist (a chicken and egg question of sorts). Fresh off Heath Ledger’s award winning performance as the Joker, it is clearly evident that the character itself is a deep and intriguing one and could have his own film even. The Joker will be around for as long as Batman is around. Quite simply: the top comic book supervillain.
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I would have thought you would add Dr. Doom, however you have limited yourself to 5.
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Robert Klimowicz Reply:
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Dr. Doom is a great choice. I also thought about putting Galactus on there, but it’s so hard to just pick 5. If it was extended to a top 10, Doom and Galactus would most definitely be in there.
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