Post by String on Jul 13, 2019 10:23:18 GMT -5
No, I don't mean most popular or even longest-lasting rather this is about effectiveness.
I was reading Back Issue #108 (focused on Aquaman) which had an article about Black Manta. Within it, it was suggested that Manta may be one of the more successful DC villains because he killed Aquababy, Arthur Curry Jr. A factoid that seemed to last well within Post-Crisis continuity even till Peter David's lengthy run (if my understanding is correct).
That got me wondering, who have been the most successful villains in causing their foes the most long-standing pain and suffering (physical, mental or otherwise)? I'm talking about long-lasting anguish of some form not just the villain's dastardly plan of the month which is barely stopped in time.
Joker immediately springs to mind with his shooting and paralyzing Babs Gordon (not to mention his involvement with Jason Todd's death).
Reverse Flash (Eobard Thawne) qualifies on two counts: first, he murdered Iris West Allen and nearly succeeded in doing the same to Barry's later fiancee Fiona Webb (which lead to Barry killing Thawne to stop him, his subsequent arrest and murder trial not to mention the attempt left Fiona mentally unbalanced and committed to a hospital). Later after Flash Rebirth and Flashpoint, it was established Thawne murdered Nora Allen, Barry's mom, to which his father was charged and convicted for her murder and lead Barry towards becoming a forensic tech in order to prove his innocence.
Norman Osborn would qualify I think towards Peter if only because of Gwen. I think the Jackal would also qualify given how we (and Peter) have been dealing with the fallout and consequences of cloning for decades (along with Warren's own obsession with Gwen and it's effects on Peter).
Kingpin destroyed Matt Murdock's life after finding out his secret identity, the results of which (and Matt's comeback) have made their ensuing struggle all the more personal and bitter ever since.
I really can't think of a foe of Superman's who would qualify for such yet. Sure, Doomsday killed him (how much more personal can you get?) but he was more a mindless engine of destruction at that time rather than a cold calculating individual. Maybe Cyborg Superman??
Thoughts or other nominations?
I was reading Back Issue #108 (focused on Aquaman) which had an article about Black Manta. Within it, it was suggested that Manta may be one of the more successful DC villains because he killed Aquababy, Arthur Curry Jr. A factoid that seemed to last well within Post-Crisis continuity even till Peter David's lengthy run (if my understanding is correct).
That got me wondering, who have been the most successful villains in causing their foes the most long-standing pain and suffering (physical, mental or otherwise)? I'm talking about long-lasting anguish of some form not just the villain's dastardly plan of the month which is barely stopped in time.
Joker immediately springs to mind with his shooting and paralyzing Babs Gordon (not to mention his involvement with Jason Todd's death).
Reverse Flash (Eobard Thawne) qualifies on two counts: first, he murdered Iris West Allen and nearly succeeded in doing the same to Barry's later fiancee Fiona Webb (which lead to Barry killing Thawne to stop him, his subsequent arrest and murder trial not to mention the attempt left Fiona mentally unbalanced and committed to a hospital). Later after Flash Rebirth and Flashpoint, it was established Thawne murdered Nora Allen, Barry's mom, to which his father was charged and convicted for her murder and lead Barry towards becoming a forensic tech in order to prove his innocence.
Norman Osborn would qualify I think towards Peter if only because of Gwen. I think the Jackal would also qualify given how we (and Peter) have been dealing with the fallout and consequences of cloning for decades (along with Warren's own obsession with Gwen and it's effects on Peter).
Kingpin destroyed Matt Murdock's life after finding out his secret identity, the results of which (and Matt's comeback) have made their ensuing struggle all the more personal and bitter ever since.
I really can't think of a foe of Superman's who would qualify for such yet. Sure, Doomsday killed him (how much more personal can you get?) but he was more a mindless engine of destruction at that time rather than a cold calculating individual. Maybe Cyborg Superman??
Thoughts or other nominations?
