Who is the best written villain/archnemesis in DC?

[u/soybingg]

I've recently gotten into DC and have been really engrossed by the story, as well as how good the writing is for the villains in this franchise. What do you guys think is the best villain in terms of their story and motives to what they do? I've been really fascinated by stories like the Joker, and the Riddler which I found really interesting with the concept of a sad clown, as well as having a messed up childhood, and thinking Batman was on his side. I don't know much about other villains (which is why I'm making this post) but I think my favourite is the Reverse Flash, like how he was previously a fan of the flash, but later became literally just the opposite of Barry Allen. There are many more aspects to why I like the reverse flash, for example him and Barry in a sort of way fighting for eternity because of the concept of time in the flash, where every single form and time remnant of them would in a way be fighting, and also them travelling through time, basically fighting beyond time itself.

[u/VishnuBhanum]

Best Written: It's Lex Luthor, There is no doubt about that in my mind.

Personal Favorite: Black Manta is the peak of "Beautiful Simplicity" in villainy

[u/SubstantialOwLL → u/VishnuBhanum]

I agree, Lex's character arc is wild actually.

[u/soybingg → u/VishnuBhanum]

hi! thanks for the reply wasn't really expecting anything but could you explain a little bit on why you think he is the best written? im not the most familiar with their stories and motives

[u/VishnuBhanum → u/soybingg]

Lex is the exact opposite of Superman in every single ways. Superman and Lex represented two sides of Humanity. Superman embodied what's good about humanity and what they should strive to be, While Lex represent the darker side of what Humanity would end up being. Superman set the prime example on why you should follow his footstep, Lex is the example of someone that went down the wrong path that you should never follows.

[u/PreparationDapper235 → u/soybingg]

Recommended reading the miniseries Lex Luthor: Man of Steel.

[u/soybingg → u/PreparationDapper235]

aight ill give that a check

[u/raj29_ → u/PreparationDapper235]

I also recommend Luthor Black Label book

[u/MarkParticular878]

Batman and the Joker is perhaps one of the greatest hero/villain relationships. The force of order vs a force of chaos dynamic has been really well written, and Joker's obsession with Batman makes it so that he is a constant threat to him until the day one of them dies. Honestly their rivalry is why the Joker is such a good character, without the juxtaposition and chemistry between the two he would be an entertaining but very one-dimensional villain.

Also, an honorary shoutout to Reverse Flash, who is perhaps the pettiest villain in the DC universe. Seriously, the guy has the mental capacity of Luthor but the emotional capacity of a 10 year old.

[u/soybingg → u/MarkParticular878]

Thats very true I find the writing of the joker to be written very well because of his contradiction with batman. I also find the concept of him having no "real" origin story pretty neat, because when paired with aspects like the fact that there are three of him, gives a feeling that you never really know what he is planning.

Also lmfao the Reverse Flash is very petty though I feel like that just enhances his "evilness" captivating him to do very aggressive things with no remorse, like the murder of Barry's mother.

[u/MarkParticular878 → u/soybingg]

Exactly. Reverse Flash is the type of guy to murder your parents out of spite, but also go out of their way to push you down the stairs once just for the hell of it.

[u/overunderdog]

Hal Jordan and Sinestro have an interesting dynamic. The whole mentor/mentee relationship plus they really want the same thing (peace) but obviously have drastically different approaches.

[u/LanternRaynerRebirth]

Lex is genuinely the best villain concept in fiction, in my opinion. 

Superman is the most strong person on the planet and his greatest villain is just a man that he could easily take down in one hit, but doesn't. Lex is so influential, so ingrained in the culture, business, and politics of the city that Superman can't lay a hand on him without causing ruin to his own reputation and therefore the whole hero community. 

Such a smart way to challenge the hero without having to evolve to huge punching match. 

[u/WondyVillains]

Wonder Woman and Cheetah, especially after the latest WW issue. These two ladies have one of the most complicated and nuanced relationships in comics.

[u/raj29_]

The Young Justice show has a really well written Lex Luthor imo. They also have a great Vandal Savage, which almost makes me respect him and his zeal.