14 best dc comics comic book villains

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Works by Adam Hughes, Amanda Conner, Bob Kane, and More

From the trailblazing works of Bob Kane, to the photorealistic stylings of Adam Hughes and quirky humor of Amanda Conner, DC Comics Cover Art is a collection of the most iconic covers in DC's history.

Stunning Artwork and Expert Commentary

The stunning artwork is accompanied by expert commentary exploring the significance of each cover, while artist profiles shed light on their creators.

85 Years of DC Covers

Discover the most striking covers from more than 85 years of DC Comics.

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Green Arrow

Green Arrow has undergone many changes since his first appearance in 1941. On his debut, Green Arrow, aka Oliver Queen, was part of a crime-fighting duo with teen sidekick Speedy (Roy Harper). He not only used trick arrows to combat criminals, but also drove an arrow-shaped car and operated from the Arrow Cave. His physical appearance was more like the traditional Hollywood image of Robin Hood,

Jonah Hex

As if cursed by his name, Jonah Hex's life was blighted by bad luck. Born in 1839, he was the son of a brutal drunk and his meek wife. Abandoned by his mother, Hex was sold by his father to an Apache tribe. He was raised as an Apache until a jealous rival, Noh-Tante, betrayed him.

Harley Quinn

To say Harley Quinn is a little bit disturbed is putting it mildly. Dangerously psychotic with an ever-changing focus in life, Harley has been a psychiatrist, the Joker's lethal sidekick, a key member of a secret government-sponsored strike force, a Brooklyn landlady, a roller derby champion, a burlesque dancer, a nurse, and even a wannabe Super Hero for a brief time.

The Joker

The Joker possesses what must arguably be the most dangerous criminal mind on the planet. With no moral compass to speak of, and a sick sense of humor that derives job from witnessing the pain of others, the notorious Clown Prince of Crime is the smiling foil to the Batman's grim and serious demeanor.

Metal Men

After Doctor Magnus discovered the Metal Men were intended to be assassins, they rebelled, seeking refuge in his home. Another one of his responsometers, stolen by a thief and dropped into a vat of chemicals, created the toxic monster Chemo. When the creature attacked them, the Metal Men sacrificed themselves to destroy it.

On the Record

From the outset, Wonder Woman has been portrayed as a complex amalgamation of feminist icon and glamorous heroine. Over the years, the character has been a vital touchstone for comics' portrayal of women. She has also generally been know for her ability to find nonlethal solutions, even in the midst of bloody battles.

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The essential book for new fans and for everyone who grew up loving the excitement, heroism, and humor of the Marvel Universe!

Marvel Comics' roster boasts some of the best known and most popular Super Heroes ever conceived—international household names such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, the Avengers, and Wolverine. This unique, one-volume encyclopedia contains more than 1,200 of Marvel's most memorable characters, with details of their powers and thrill-packed careers.

The most comprehensive reference guide to the Marvel Comics universe

With exclusive cover artwork by Marvel artist Marco Checchetto, and a foreword from late Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, this is the definitive character resource for true Marvel Comics fans.

Expanded to cover more than 1200 Marvel Comics characters

From Abomination to Zzzax, discover in-depth profiles on every incredible characters. This updated edition includes 20 new character profiles and updated entries for fan-favorites including The Avengers, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, The Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man, Thor, and Spider-Man.

Updated to include more defining moments from Marvel Comics history

New entries explore the latest events from the Marvel Comics Universe, including Secret Wars, Civil War II, Secret Empire, and Infinity Countdown. Discover the story behind these incredible cross-over moments.

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DC Comics: Super-Villains: 100 Greatest Moments

Thanks to notions of what a hero is— steadfast, loyal, true—their opponents tend to be a more colorful lot. But does an antagonist have to be truly vile to fulfill their role in a story? Not at all.

They need a convincing motivation that places their goals in opposition to the protagonists’, and as their ideals clash, readers are entertained and educated. The best villains are the ones who see themselves as the hero, doing what must be done for the greater good.

In the pages that follow, you will see the villains at the peak of their achievement, committing heinous acts of death and destruction. They challenge the heroes and their ideals, seeing the caped and cowled figures as obstacles to be overcome.

Now cue the music (in a minor key, of course) and step into a world seen from the antagonists’ point of view.

ARES

Of all the gods, the one who interfered the most with Princess Diana was Ares, who sought to plunge Man’s World into eternal warfare. Ares took control of a human who piloted Steve Trevor’s Air Force plane, crashing it into the hidden island of Themyscira. He intended to ignite a nuclear conflagration between America and Russia but instead helped prompt Diana to leave home for Man’s World and become the heroic Wonder Woman. He seethed after being defeated and sought revenge.

A HERO NEEDS A VILLAIN

HEROES AND VILLAINS, PROTAGONISTS AND ANTAGONISTS. THE ETERNAL CONFLICT BETWEEN good and evil has played out in one form or another. Today’s comics are the stuff of myth, and for there to be a good story, conflict is a must. But the villains come in a broader array of shades, colors, and motivations than ever before. They are victims; they come from alien environments with different morals; they are driven by desperation or hatred.

In every case, they are opposed by those fighting the good fight, to preserve the world’s innocents and protect the city—or the country, planet, space sector, galaxy, reality. As mighty as DC Comics’ heroes are, there are far more threats scheming to overcome these opposing forces.

In the hands of skilled writers and artists, these matches remain entertaining—and often educational—reading for generation after generation of readers.