Most comics published by DC Comics take a look at the epic lives and enthralling adventures of superheroes. Whether it’s the Justice League’s most famous members or new up-and-coming costumed heroes, starring roles are generally reserved for those one would generally deem ‘good guys’.
However, every once in a while, fans get a series that focuses on villains for a change. This gives readers a chance to explore the facets of some of DC’s greatest foes and show what the DC Universe is like from their point of view. Read on to discover 10 of the best villain-centric series put out by DC Comics.
10
Sinestro Made Readers Beware Sinestro’s Might
Begins with: Sinestro #1 by Cullen Bunn and Dale Eaglesham
Fans who enjoy the smug attitude and ruthlessness of Green Lantern’s greatest villain get everything they can handle in Sinestro. The fallen Green Lantern got a series that focused on his leadership of the fear-based Sinestro Corps. This series absolutely gets what makes Sinestro such a compelling villain and showcases his best and worst traits. This series doesn’t hold back, and keeps Sinestro as a true villain, making it quite the intriguing story for fans of the Green Lantern mythos.
9
The Penguin Shows How Horrifying Oswald Cobblepot Is
Begins with: The Penguin #1 by Tom King and Rafael de Lattore
The Penguin is one of the newer villain-focused comics and is an intriguing character examination into of of Batman’s most brutal foes. Despite trying to start a new life for himself, Oswald Cobblepot is forced into the role of a controlled asset for the United States government and made to reclaim his criminal empire by any means necessary. Fans who ever doubted the ruthlessness Penguin is capable of will be surprised at the heinous acts Cobblepot gets up to in his mission. This series delivers on its promise and gives readers a truly terrifying look at how the Penguin operates.
8
Bizarro is a Hilarious Buddy Comedy
Begins with: Bizarro #1 by Heath Corson and Gustavo Duarte
Superman’s backward foe Bizarro might be a troublesome nuisance, but he showed off his softer, more gentle side in the DCYou-era title Bizarro. This six-issue limited series saw Bizarro on a road trip with Jimmy Olsen, who was writing about their strange and hilarious trek. This light-hearted, comedic series saw the unlikely pair venture to the highs and lows of the DC Universe and showcased the odd heroism only someone like Bizarro can display. It doesn’t shy away from how odd and destructive Bizarro is, but it also highlights the goodness within him.
7
Larfleeze ExploresThe Greediest Lantern in Existence
Begins with: Larfleeze #1 by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMattis, and Scott Kolins
The greediest villain Green Lantern ever encountered was briefly the star of his own self-titled maxi-series. Larfleeze spun out of the series Threshold and starred Agent Orange, the sole Orange Lantern in the DC Universe. While mostly comedic, this series has a bit of drama to it and really puts the odd ring-slinger through the works and explores the idea of a being so obsessed with avarice loses everything dear to him. The orange-hued menace was often the butt of the joke when he appeared in Green Lantern, but this comic shows a much deeper side to Larfleeze.
6
Gotham City Sirens Unites Gotham’s Best Femme Fatales
Begins with: Gotham City Sirens #1 by Paul Dini and Guillem March
In the wake of Batman’s ‘death’ after Final Crisis, Gotham City Sirens was published under the “Batman: Reborn” banner. This series sees Catwoman form an alliance with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy in a radically changing Gotham and follows the trio on heists and other adventures. This series heavily focused on the bond between its three protagonists and presented them all with rich characterizations and motives. Though it has a fairly short run, Gotham City Sirens is an essential read for fans of either Catwoman, Poison Ivy or Harley Quinn.
5
The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing is a Clever, Brutal Mystery
Begins with: The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #1 by Matthew Rosenberg and Carmine Di Giandomenico
The Joker has had several self-titled series, but the one that truly throws its readers for a loop is The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing. This series follows not one, but two Jokers, each one believing they’re the genuine article, and their mission to destroy the other. The Man Who Stopped Laughing is an incredibly odd mystery filled with twists and turns (not to mention some outrageous backup stories), but it’s a Joker story that will have fans desperate to discover the truth right up until the final issue.
4
Deathstroke is a Gripping Action-Adventure Series
Begins with: Deathstroke: Rebirth #1 by Christopher Priest and Carlo Pagulayan
The DC Universe’s greatest assassin is no stranger to being the star of an ongoing series, but the one fans owe themselves a chance to read is the DC Rebirth-era Deathstroke. This series follows Slade Wilson as he goes from contract to contract, traveling the world and going up against some of the most powerful and dangerous people alive. This series is both a thrill ride and a good dive into Deathstroke’s mind. Not to mention there’s plenty of action for fans of large-scale battles between superhumans.
3
Harley Quinn Began Harley’s Amazing Solo Journey
Begins with: Harley Quinn #1 by Karl Kessel and Terry Dodson
Harley Quinn served as the Joker’s sidekick for years, but due to her overwhelming popularity, she got to star in her very own comic. Harley Quinn follows the titular villain after she and the Clown Prince of Crime split ways and Harley rises up to become her own villain. She forms a gang and starts hitting Gotham hard with unique capers and pranks. This series and its outrageous adventures and humor lays the groundwork for fans of Harley Quinn’s later incarnations and is a crucial part of her development as a solo character.
2
Poison Ivy’s Solo Comics Gives Pamela Isley Her Due
Begins with: Poison Ivy #1 by G. Willow Wilson and Marcio Takara
After years as a villain/supporting character in other comics, Poison Ivy finally got her chance to shine in a self-titled series. Poison Ivy showcased Ivy, dying from the events of “Fear State”. With nothing left to lose, Ivy embarks on a quest to save the Earth at the expense of humanity. The comic has been a hit with fans of the character and it was quickly expanded from a miniseries to a full-blown ongoing. Harlivy shippers also went mad for the series when it finally brought Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn back together.
1
Secret Six Brought Out the Best of Multiple DC Villains
Begins with: Secret Six #1 by Gail Simone and Nicola Scott
When it comes to villain comics, there is no better option than Secret Six. This series unites several traditional villains such as Bane, Deadshot, Scandal Savage, and Catman as they form a mercenary squad and take on the most dangerous jobs in the DC Universe. Secret Six is a phenomenal series that dives deep into the minds of its protagonists and examines what it is that makes them tick. Fans will walk away with a huge appreciation for each of the Secret Six’s members and the effort put in by the creative team.
