Top 10 Greatest DC Supervillains
#10: Doomsday
Man of Tomorrow, meet Doomsday – and we mean that literally. Arriving in 1992, this bizarre genetic experiment started out on Krypton, just like Superman, but instead of having powers granted by a yellow sun, is the peak of genetic perfection, able to adapt to any challenge and revive himself. A rampaging, mindless monstrosity, Doomsday is pure rage and destruction – and so formidable that he was actually able to kill Superman. Didn't last, though.
#9: Bane
There's big – and then there's Bane. He was introduced to Batman’s Rogues gallery in 1993’s Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1. Incredibly smart and super strong, he even manages to break Batman's back. He's built that way because he was forced to take an experimental drug called Venom. As if his strength isn't bad enough, Bane is also a master strategist. You have to be to get the better of Batman – even just one time.
#8: Brainiac
Ever worry your computer may be smarter than you are? Here's one that definitely is – and he's not exactly user-friendly. Arriving in 1958’s Action Comics #242, he’s undergone many alterations. Regardless, to the living computer Brainiac, the entire universe is a laboratory; the more he learns, the more powerful – and dangerous he becomes. Superman keeps him at bay, but Brainiac is always just one upgrade away from galactic domination.
#7: General Zod
On the planet Krypton, Zod got a little power-hungry and tried to take over that world. Years later, he showed up on Earth for a repeat performance. See a pattern here? Superman keeps stopping him, but since he is every bit as strong as the Man of Steel, it's never an easy win. While he’s been in comics since he appeared without pants in 1961’s Adventure Comics #283, audiences best know him for his film appearances.
#6: Thaal Sinestro
The evil Sinestro used to be a Green Lantern, but, hey, not everyone looks good in green. Introduced in 1961’s Green Lantern Vol. 2 #7, fans know him as a vain, mean, greedy and bossy menace. After getting booted, he got himself an awesome yellow power ring based on Fear, and keeps coming back to kick some green ass. Unfortunately for him, the Green Lanterns keep kicking back.
#5: Ra’s al Ghul
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Ra's al Ghul's, or “Raish al Ghul” depending in who you ask, has a name that appropriately translates as "Head of the demon." Introduced in 1971’s Batman #232, he is one of Batman's deadliest and most cunning enemies, as the head of an underground network of assassins. Centuries old, thanks to the Lazarus Pits, he takes environmentalism to an unhealthy extreme: he wants to destroy the modern world. Hey, if you were 600 years old, you'd be a little grumpy too.
#4: Catwoman
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The sinuous, slinky Catwoman is a question mark: she's villainous, but is she truly a villain? A love interest and foe since 1940’s Batman #1, she is literally a cat burglar that is capable of heroic deeds. Not even Batman can quite figure her out. Catwoman blurs the distinction between good and evil in his world – and is all the more dangerous because of that. Our on-screen favorite remains Michelle Pfeifer, meow!
#3: Darkseid
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He looks like a huge hunk of granite, and is every bit as unyielding. Thano…I mean, Darkseid is tyrannical and remorseless ruler of the hellish world of Apokolips, he has been causing trouble since 1970. He wants nothing more than to control all creatures in the universe; that's why he quests after the mysterious anti-life equation. Superman, the New Gods, and practically all DC superheroes have battled him – but how do you destroy pure hatred?
#2: Lex Luthor
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Superman's arch-foe, Lex Luthor is cold, calculating, ruthless – and rich. Luthor doesn't want much, just to have absolute and total power. The problem is, Superman keeps getting in the way. Luthor and the Man of Steel are in a never-ending war since his debut in 1940’s Action Comics #23. The villain's evil brainpower is the polar opposite of superman’s heroic strength. With Luthor’s endless resources, there's always a new battle to be fought. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
#1: The Joker
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Was there any doubt? Takes crazy to a new, intense extreme since 1940’s Batman #1, the clown prince of crime is the yin to Batman's yang. Dedicated to chaos and insanity; his mission is to make the world over in his irrational vision. Permanently deformed, to the Joker, the whole world is one monstrous, demented gag – and only he gets the joke. You’ve got to love the screen incarnations as well! Do you agree with our list? Which do you think is the greatest DC supervillain? For more top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.