 | ||
A supervillain is a variant of the villainous stock character archetype commonly found in American comic books, sometimes possessing superhuman abilities. A supervillain is the antithesis of a superhero.
Supervillains are often used as foils to present a daunting challenge to a superhero. In instances where the supervillain does not have superhuman, mystical, or alien powers, the supervillain may possess a genius intellect or a skill set that allows them to draft complex schemes or commit crimes in a way normal humans cannot. Other traits may include megalomania and possession of considerable resources to further their aims. Many supervillains share some typical characteristics of real world dictators, gangsters, and terrorists, with aspirations of world domination or universal leadership.
Notable supervillains
The Joker, Lex Luthor, Loki, Magneto, Doctor Doom, Darkseid, Venom, Ra's al Ghul, Galactus, Apocalypse and the Green Goblin are some well-known comic book supervillains in popular culture and have been adapted to film and television. Some notable examples of female supervillains are Catwoman, Mystique, Harley Quinn, Talia al Ghul, and the Dark Phoenix.
Supervillains are sometimes members of supervillain groups, such as the Sinister Six, the Suicide Squad, the Brotherhood of Mutants, the Injustice League, and the Masters of Evil.