Summary
The DC Universe has explored the concept of redemption arcs and falls from grace for many years, with characters slipping in and out of the ‘hero’ and ‘villain’ roles every month. While many villains are more than comfortable in their roles, many have broken the mold and found themselves a new place - on the right side of morality, even if their execution is unconventional.
These characters show that just about anyone can move past their past actions and do good in the world. Though it’s debatable whether all of these characters, from the Riddler to Lex Luthor, are deserving of redemption and commended for their good deeds, it doesn’t take away from the occasional good they do. This list will go into some ofthe best DC Comics where villains turned the tables to become heroes, instead.
10The Riddler Became a Private Eye
Detective Comics #828(2007) by Paul Dini, Don Kramer, Wayne Faucher, John Kalisz, and John J. Hill
It’s always a treat to seeBatman act as the World’s Greatest Detective, and this time he’s joined by one of his most recognizable, reformed adversaries to solve a case - The Riddler. When one of Bruce Wayne’s old friends falls off of a yacht and is attacked by sharks, questions arise when the details don’t add up. The bites are from a shark not native off the coast of Gotham, and there are odd porcupine-like needles in his hand.As the mystery unravels, Batman and Edward Nygma unwittingly find themselves on the same side to solve the mystery.
The Riddler’s bounced back and forth between reformed and villainous on numerous occasions. Hanging up the bowler hat only to jump back into crime, it’s his pre-New 52 reformation that most fans remember. Following a battle with brain cancer that left him in a coma, Edward Nygma is back as a private detective.Detective Comics #828is a classic return-to-form that throws Batman into a case reminiscent of the early years of his career. It’s campy while remaining witty and memorable, and perfect for those who want an old-school Batman mystery.
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9Lex Luthor Helped Rebuild a Struggling Planet
Superman #164(1963) by Edmond Hamilton, Curt Swan, and George Klein
While Lex Luthor has had his heroic moments in the modern era of comics, his first heroic deed happened in 1963 inSuperman #164. Kryptonians are powerless under red sun radiation, so Lex Luthor proposes that he and Superman face off under a red sun.Going to an arid, distant planet to fight, Lex finds himself helping the locals by restoring the water supply and helping the planet rebuild society. As thanks, the citizens rename the planet to Lexor and appoint Luthor as their resident hero. Lex even finds love in the form of a local woman named Adora in later issues, who he eventually marries.
Though his deeds were originally selfishly motivated to have the locals help him find Superman, Lex comes around to the idea of helping the people of Lexor for the sake of it, getting distracted from his goal of finding and fighting Superman. He even steps in when the Lexor locals plan to kill Superman, honoring the terms of the fight. For context, this was during the era when the Comics Code made it almost impossible to explore complex, multifaceted villains. Showing a criminal doing something good and admirable stands out in a time when villains were only expected to be evil.
8Lobo Tossed Lady Styx Out of a Window (Into Space)
DC’s52 #36(2007) by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid
Lobo, DC’s bloody bounty hunter, has been both a villain and a hero since his introduction in 1983. Though he has yet to relive his popularity of the 1990s, Lobo has made multiple appearances in recent decades, including DC’s52.Not to be confused withThe New 52,52is a yearlong comic book series that explores the events betweenInfinite CrisisandOne Year Later. Created to spotlight less-than-popular characters, Lobo once again finds himself back in the spotlight as he teams up with a cadre of other heroes to take down Lady Styx.
Lobo’s victims include everyone from Santa Claus to every Czarian but himself.He isn’t beyond finding religion, taking a vow of nonviolence, and joining Starfire, Adam Strange, and Animal Man on a mission to save the galaxy from the mysterious Lady Styx. Bringing the three in under the pretense of cashing in on a bounty, Lobo attacks Lady Styx when his trusty space dolphin friend translates her insults. Out goes the vow of nonviolence, and in comes the heroics when Lobo tosses her out into open space. This shows that even Lobo can set aside his ways and do what is right.
7The Injustice League Fought the Crime Syndicate
Forever Evil(2013) by Geoff Johns and David Finch
With the Crime Syndicate swooping in from Earth-3 and wreaking havoc, several of DC’s villains are bound to have a problem with it. Enter the Injustice League, a team led by Lex Luthor comprised of villains that aren’t happy that a new gang of super-powered flips on the Justice League is threatening the world and the cities they love to terrorize. With the Justice League gone, it’s up to the likes of Lex, Black Manta, Captain Cold, Catwoman, Deathstroke, and others to put aside their evilness and do what’s best for the universe.
Villainous teams are nothing new. From the Legion of Doom onward, DC’s villains have teamed up to try and take down the Justice League on numerous occasions. This time, it’s up to them to do the heroic thing, take down the Crime Syndicate, and bring back the Justice League. Lex Luthor and Captain Cold would momentarily set aside their villainous ways and join the Justice League following the conclusion ofForever Evil, showing that they are capable of good and that DC’s heroes have faith and hope for the redemption of their villains.
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6Catwoman Became The Face of a Movement
Catwoman: Lonely City(2022) by Cliff Chiang
10 years after the event known as Fools' Night that claimed the lives of Batman, Nightwing, Commissioner Gordon, and the Joker, Catwoman is released from Blackgate Prison into a new, authoritarian Gotham run by now-mayor Harvey Dent. Selina Kyle, now in her mid-fifties, is feeling the wear and tear of a life of crime. But that won’t stop her from getting to the bottom of what Batman’s last words meant. Gathering a team of other matured Batman villains, Catwoman must find out just what Bruce Wayne meant when he told her about “Orpheus,” and in the process accidentally inspires Gotham.
Gotham is a known city of cursed dirt, villainy, and socioeconomic inequality. Cliff Chiang does not shy away from exploring topics of authoritarianism, police brutality, racism, and gentrification.Catwoman’s return to Gotham inspires a hopeful uprising in the face of Dent’s iron-fisted leadership, though unintentional. Gotham’s oppressed citizens find hope in the reappearance of Selina Kyle despite her criminal tendencies. In a way, she becomes a hero of the Gotham people who use her image to fight authoritarianism.
5Starro Died Helping The Justice League
Justice League: No Justice(2018) by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson, Francis Manapul, Riley Rossmo, and Marcus To
It’s unfortunately easy to laugh at Starro. Though he was the first villain the Justice League ever faced, Starro is often perceived as a silly remnant of the Silver Age of comics.No Justiceexplores Starro as a legitimate character and not just a comedic, throwback bit. Inspired by Brainiac to help the Justice League save the planet Culo, and by extension the galaxy, Starro faces off with the Omega Titans as a hero. Turning the tide in the Justice League’s favor, the moment turns tragic when their newfound friend is brutally ripped to shreds.
The character journey of Starro inNo Justiceis charming and organic. Starro does not lose his sarcasm and megalomaniacal pettiness. Yet he slips into the hero role well, jumping in to try and save the day when needed. Ultimately, this leads to his tragic end, andStarro’s short-lived heroicism will live on as one of his most well-loved, and talked about, moments in comic history. Turning a villain into a hero in a way that makes sense can be difficult, especially the relatively silly ones. YetJustice League: No Justicedid it well.
4Clayface Officially Joined The Bat-Family
Detective Comics #934(2016) by James Tynion IV, Eddy Barrow, Eber Ferreira, and Adriano Lucas
In a touching moment that once again proves that Batman has faith that his villains can become better, Bruce Wayne goes to Clayface in an empty movie theater and offers him a position within the Batman Family. An interesting and unexpected choice, Basil Karloff stands out among the usual party of Batman, Kate Kane (Batwoman), Stephanie Brown (Spoiler), Tim Drake (Red Robin), and Cassandra Cain (Orphan).Though he’s dabbled on the side of good in the past, even working with Batwoman,Detective Comics #934solidifies Clayface as a reformed hero.
James Tynion IV knows that every good lineup needs the odd man out, and Clayface is exactly that. One of Batman’s more tragic villains, Basil Karloff is finally given the chance to prove himself as a hero. While it makes many readers go, “Huh?” The choice ultimately works. Giving Clayface a chance in the spotlight, working alongside the Batman Family, opens up new possibilities for character exploration going forward. Though not the longest-lived heroic stint in comic book history, it still serves as a fun look into a unconventional writing choice.
3Black Adam Saved Kahndaq From a Tyrant
Justice League of America #7.4(2013) by Geoff Johns, Sterling Gates, Edgar Salazar, Jay Leisten, Gabe Eltaeb, and Steve Wands
Black Adam has had a tumultuous journey of walking the line between hero and villain, but inJustice League of America #7.4he’s shown that he is capable of doing what is right and standing up for the people of Kahndaq. Resurrected by freedom fighters, Black Adam goes on to take down Ibac, the oppressive ruler of Khandaq. Proudly proclaiming that he is no master of the people, not a ruler, but rather a protector,Justice League of Americagoes to show thatBlack Adam is passionate about his country, and isn’t afraid to use violence to protect it.
As relevant in 2013 as it is today, Geoff Johns leaning into political commentary ultimately works. It’s touching, realistic, topical, and hopeful. It shows that even the villainous can stand up for what is right and recognize when somebody has gone too far. Black Adam’s passion for Kahndaq and his protection of its people knows no bounds. He takes the stone throne and crushes Ibac with it in a symbolic move that shows Black Adam has no tolerance for those who seek to oppress his people, that Khanaq needs a protector, not a dictator.
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2Jason Todd and His Outlaws Became DC’s Dark Trinity
Red Hood and the Outlaws: Rebirth(2016) by Scott Lobdell and Dexter Soy
Jason Todd’s crime-fighting methods may not have historically gone over well with Batman and the Bat-Family, but there’s no denying that the Red Hood has gone on to be one of DC’s most iconic and beloved characters. Jason Todd’s journey from Robin to villain to antihero is one of DC’s best character choices, and Scott Lobdell and Dexter Soy’s exploration of Jason and his journey to redemption lives on as a high point for the character.
Starting out with the team-up of Red Hood, Artemis, and Bizarro II,Red Hood and the Outlaws: Rebirthexplores Jason Todd’s progression into the antihero role, following him on his quest for redemption and shifting towards more heroic crime fighting. No more poisoning prison cafeterias, though the handguns and live ammo haven’t left. By putting Jason in a ragtag team, it allows him to both learn from others and have a positive impact on those around him.Outlawsis an excellent exploration of growth and character.
1Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy Saved A Girl From Being Abducted
Most villains have a “pet the dog” moment, but that doesn’t discount the good they do. InRole Models, a young girl interrupts Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn on a heist. At first telling the girl to scram, the tension is raised when it is revealed that an adult man is trying to abduct her. In an act of good, Ivy and Harley step in and put the man in his place with Ivy poisoning him. After resuscitating the man and sending him to the slammer, even Batman must admit they did a good thing.
WhileHarley Quinn and Poison Ivy have moved on to be heroes in their own right through years of character progression, they have always been sympathetic villains. From Harley’s growth beyond the Joker years ago, and Poison Ivy’s rebirth as a hero, the two have found a new light within DC Comics. This, looking back onRole Models, goes to show that the seeds of heroism were always there. Even while villains, Harley and Ivy prove that anyone can do what’s best and help others.
