Thanos Made Some Good Points
Comic book villains are often treated as one-dimensional characters who only want to kill the heroes and rule the world. Good writing has allowed many of them to expand beyond the surface goal of world domination and strive for something far more interesting and human. Here are 20 comic book villains who had a moral purpose.
1. Magneto
Magneto doesn't care about power. He's a Holocaust survivor trying to prevent another genocide, this time against mutants. His approach might cross moral lines, but his purpose is not rooted in a selfish desire. This makes him one of the most compelling villains in the Marvel universe.
William Tung from USA on Wikimedia
2. Killmonger
Killmonger is one of Black Panther's fiercest enemies, but he aims to fight the black oppression that occurs outside of Wakanda. He believes that Wakanda's isolation is morally weak and cowardly and that its advanced technology should be available in the fight for liberation.
3. Doctor Doom
Victor Von Doom is the fascist ruler of Latveria, but he believes that his nation thrives under his leadership and control. He lives by a heartfelt code that the world deserves perfect leadership, and this principle is grounded in his intellect and discipline.
William Tung from USA on Wikimedia
4. Ra's al Ghul
One of Batman's greatest arch-nemesis sees humanity as a plague that must be destroyed to save the world and the environment. His assassins exist to restore balance through culling and ecological resets. He's an eco-terrorist who feels genuine despair about human greed.
5. Thanos
Thanos' infamous plan to remove half of all life comes from a belief that overpopulation leads to suffering and extinction. In his mind, he's a hero and the savior that the world needs.
Original statue by Marvel Studios; photograph by Chris on Wikimedia
6. Mr. Freeze
Dr. Victor Fries only became a villain to save his terminally ill wife. Every criminal action is an attempt to fund her cure or keep her in a state of cryostasis. He's more desperate and in love than evil.
Miguel Mendez from Malahide, Ireland on Wikimedia
7. Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy's devotion to environmental causes makes he a true eco-warrior even though she sometimes goes about it the wrong way. Her war against greedy corporations always turns violent, but comes from a moral ideology.
RyC - Behind The Lens from San Francisco, United States of America on Wikimedia
8. Ozymandias
Adrian Veidt's master plan to fake an alien invasion to unite Earth is chilling, even though it comes from a misplaced savior complex. He aims to sacrifice a few to save billions, in the hope that the world will find peace.
9. Venom
The Venom symbiote originally just wanted a connection, and its violent actions stem from rejection and trauma. When he bonds with Eddie Brock, their mutual sense of injustice morphs into a violent, chaotic sense of protection.
10. Namor
Sometimes a hero and sometimes a villain, Namor lives in a morally grey area. His anger toward the surface world comes from wanting to protect Atlantis and from watching humans pollute and endanger the ocean.
istolethetv from NYC, USA on Wikimedia
11. Magneto's Brotherhood
Magneto makes this list twice. The methods used by his team of freedom fighters, known as the Brotherhood, mirror those of the civil rights movement. They're militant, but believe that they are fighting for the future of mutants.
William Tung from USA on Wikimedia
12. Black Adam
DC's Black Adam rules with an iron fist, but his tyranny comes from a place of patriotism and vengeance. His fight is against imperialism and oppression, and not for global domination or to beat up superheroes.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
13. Catwoman
Sure, Selina Kyle is a thief, but her target is often Gotham's upper class and corrupt officials. Her purpose is rooted in class rebellion and to expose the city's systemic rot.
Garrett Albright from Tokyo, Japan on Wikimedia
14. Doctor Octopus
Otto Octavius's arrogance led him to villainy, but his initial purpose was scientific discovery and progress. Corporate greed sent him over the edge, but even as a bad guy, he's more about advancement than chaos.
Roger Murmann from Eppertshausen, Deutschland on Wikimedia
15. Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn's descent into villainy is a response to her abuse and trauma. Her comic storylines often see her arc become more moral over time, as she seeks empowerment.
16. Two-Face
Harvey Dent's criminal behavior comes from his fractured psyche and sense of justice. His coin flips symbolize his obsession with duality and his internal struggle to impose order in Gotham's chaos. Don't forget, beneath his villainy is a man who staunchly fought corruption.
17. Loki
Loki's mischief comes from his feelings of being overshadowed by his brother, Thor, and being mistreated because of his heritage. His villainy is really a quest for acceptance, which is rooted in some sense of morality and is also very human.
18. Lex Luthor
Luthor is definitely in the villain game for the power and money, but there is also something else behind his behavior. He believes that Superman's existence makes humanity weak and is a constant danger to the world. His vendetta is half envy and half ideology.
19. General Zod
Zod isn't motivated by greed. His mission is to resurrect Krypton, and he sees Earth as a vessel for the rebirth of his species. His action comes from a devotion to his civilization, not pure hatred.
Richie S from Brooklyn, NY, United States on Wikimedia
20. Reverse-Flash
Eobard Thawne's obsession with the Flash was born out of admiration. He worshipped Barry Allen, but when time travel reveals his destiny as a villain, he loses his mind and tries to fix his fate. His moral purpose eventually resides in preserving the sanctity of their rivalry, and that Allen becomes the best version of himself.
