Everyone has a favorite anti-hero, and many of them have made their mark as superheroes at some point in their lives, including some notorious villains! Whether they made the “career switch” for various reasons, perhaps due to being an anti-hero, or simply following their own moral code, the transition can often be a matter of redemption. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 8 most famous villains in comics who became heroes. Some names may surprise you, while others might not be so shocking considering they were once villains. Let’s take a look!
8. Black Widow
Black Widow first appeared in 1964, during the height of the Cold War, serving as a spy for the Soviet Union, making her one of the most notorious villains against the Avengers. However, due to her own moral compass, she has become one of the most famous anti-heroes in Marvel. Initially, Natasha Romanova was a secret agent working against the national military and even faced off against Iron Man. But after discovering the KGB’s hidden agenda, she underwent a “redemption arc” and became a key member of The Avengers.
7. Deathstroke
The dynamic between superheroes when facing Deathstroke is often characterized by the challenge of defeating him! Although he originates from the New Teen Titans, Deathstroke is primarily portrayed as a villain, yet he is recognized as a formidable anti-hero. His cunning and tactical brilliance often lead heroes to respect him, and he has had moments of being considered a “hero” in various storylines. This character frequently traverses the line between good and evil, making him a complex anti-hero.
6. Magneto
Magneto is one of the most outstanding anti-heroes in the X-Men universe, representing the extreme contradictions of mutant society. After countless battles and suffering, Eric eventually ‘saw the light’ and joined the X-Men. However, Magneto has often fluctuated between villainy and heroism throughout his story arcs, which has made him a complex character within the comic universe.
5. Clayface
Clayface is not just a shape-shifting villain but has also taken on the role of a tragic figure in the Batman universe. Once a famous actor, he became a monstrous figure after a tragic incident. This change in his character has allowed readers to empathize with him. When DC rebooted Detective Comics, Clayface escaped from Arkham Asylum to star in a film about himself, and Batman offered him a chance for redemption by helping heroes like Batwoman, Red Robin, and Spoiler.
4. Hawkeye
Hawkeye is often seen as a former criminal, being a former villain before joining the Avengers. Despite his complicated past, Clint Barton’s character is not defined by his former actions. When Black Widow saved him after he had betrayed her, he realized his potential for good and joined The Avengers, helping Captain America and others in their fight against evil.
3. Doctor Octopus
Dan Slott created a significant turning point in comics by having Doctor Octopus switch bodies with Peter Parker, becoming Superior Spider-Man. During this brief period as a superhero, Doctor Octopus also had moments of being heroic, despite his past as a villain. Ultimately, in a selfless act, he sacrificed himself to allow Spider-Man to return and protect New York City.
2. Deadpool
When he first appeared, Deadpool was a true villain with the intent to kill Cable and target the New Mutants. Initially created as a parody of Deathstroke, he quickly evolved into a popular anti-hero known for his humor and self-awareness. Despite his chaotic tendencies and questionable morals, Deadpool has embraced his role as a “hero” over time, revealing that deep down, Wade Wilson is a character seeking redemption.
1. Lex Luthor
For years, Lex Luthor has been the arch-nemesis of Superman. However, after becoming President, the character’s direction shifted significantly. In The New 52, Geoff Johns made a bold move by redefining Lex as a potential hero in Forever Evil, where he joins the Justice League. Here, Lex is seen as “Metropolis’ new Superman,” attempting to redefine his legacy while hoping to change the opinions of his former adversary.
Source: Comicbookmovie
