10 DC Villains Who Need Absolute Series

DC Comics‘ new Absolute Universe is here and making waves. This new comic line opens to limitless potential as the separate universe sets the stage for character origins with a twist. To date, iconic heroes such as Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman have all received an Absolute series. This raises the question—which villains will follow?

There’s no doubt that villains will run through the pages of the Absolute Universe. Many have already made an appearance. The Joker, Penguin, Two-Face, and even the Riddler have all been teased in Absolute Batman, but the potential still feels untapped. The changes to fan-favorite heroes and their origin stories make it clear how much more dangerous their antagonists could be. So many iconic DC villains deserve a solo series to tell their story.

10 Poison Ivy Could Be a Serious Threat to New Heroes

Poison Ivy Has Many Power Levels and Limitless Potential

First appeared in Batman #181 (1966) An extremely talented botanist with a passion for protecting the environment Has an iconic relationship with antihero Harley Quinn

Poison Ivy, aka Dr. Pamela Isley, is a botanist and eco-terrorist with limitless power. Depending on the timeline, she is known to get significant power-ups—to the point where she’s a threat to all humankind. Ivy also has a softer side, which tends to come out around characters she treasures, such as Harley Quinn. When not trying to save the world from humanity, Ivy has occasionally joined teams such as Gotham City Sirens and Birds of Prey.

A new take on Poison Ivy could make her one of the most dangerous threats – again. There’s no doubt that Poison Ivy would pose a significant threat to the young Bruce Wayne, who thus far has battled more predictable villains. She may even cross paths with other heroes depending on how much her origin story changes.

9 A Makeover for Clayface Could Make Him an Even More Terrifying Villain

A Villain that Blends in with a Crowd is Always a Threat

First appeared in Detective Comics #40 (1940) He works with villains, heroes, and antiheroes alike Once absorbed Wonder Woman’s power

Clayface is undoubtedly one of the most underutilized villains in DC Comics. Despite his obvious potential, he’s often portrayed more like a henchman or supporting character than a villain in his own right. Over the years, Clayface has undergone many transformations, swapping identities, origin stories, and more. Yet there’s no denying his power. Clayface has survived Cataclysm, battled Wonder Woman (and absorbed her powers in the process), and even tried to take over Wayne Enterprises.

If comic creators were to let a villain such as Clayface off the leash, he could pose a serious threat in Absolute Universe. Worse for the heroes, most of them are young and still need experience. Clayface would become even more of a challenge against their inexperience. His powers, intelligence, and ability to blend in would make Clayface nearly impossible to catch.

A Reboot Could Supercharge the Villain

First appeared in Batman #49 (1948) Inspired by Alice in Wonderland Utilizes mind control devices stashed in hats

Jervis Tetch, the Mad Hatter, is another dangerous villain in DC Comics who could receive a significant power boost in the Absolute Universe. The Mad Hatter is best known for his ability to control others via his hats and devices. However, this villain has much darker depths. One of the worst actions he committed was erasing Lucius Fox’s mind. He did that without even knowing the impact it would have on Batman.

Even a minor change in Mad Hatter’s backstory could prove fatal to any hero who underestimates him. For example, if his backstory were to play around with other Alice in Wonderland elements, the Mad Hatter might gain access to tricks the Scarecrow enjoys utilizing. Even without such a drastic change, simply improving Jervis’ tech would be more than enough to make the Mad Hatter a dangerous opponent for aspiring heroes.

7 The Court of Owls Would Endeavor to Plot Around Batman

A New Version of Gotham Could Mean a New Version of the Court of Owls

First appeared in Batman Vol. 2 (2012) Also known as The Tribe of Judas An ancient and secret society that has control over Gotham City

The Court of Owls brought new challenges to Batman that were unlike anything he’d ever faced. As a secret society that runs Gotham City from the shadows, the organization successfully blindsides the hero, throwing hazards and dangers from every corner. Even without their Talons (the combative enforcers), the Court of Owls proved to be a challenge for Batman, as they were nearly impossible to track down.

The biggest problem when facing the Court of Owls is their tendency to plan several moves ahead. Previous incarnations of the court sent Talons after the Bat Family, got them involved in the Arkham War, and even played a part in the Robin War. It’s easy to see how much their threat may grow when facing an inexperienced hero who himself enjoys lurking in the shadows.

6 Bane’s Strength Will Always Make Him a Major Threat

An Inexperienced Batman is More Prone to Bane’s Threats

First appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 (1993) Most famous for breaking Batman’s back Reliant on a substance called Venom

There are few more threatening than Bane when it comes to iconic villains. Bane first appeared in 1993 and quickly became one of Batman’s most dangerous enemies. Most fans will remember when Bane brutally defeated Batman, breaking his back before declaring his victory. His inhuman strength and ability to lead make him a significant menace to any hero who dares stand in his way.

In addition to being one of Batman’s top villains, he’s also a fan favorite. Bane has appeared in countless comics, video games, shows, and movies. Each adaptation strives to capture the whole of this character. If Bane were to face off against a younger hero, especially a younger Batman, things would not go so well for the hero. This is especially true for a hero without a support system.

5 Ra’s al Ghul is a Could Outmaneuver New Heroes

His Patience and Intelligence Make Him a Significant Threat

First appeared in Batman #232 (1971) He has had many monikers over the years, including Demon’s Head, The Immortal and The Eternal Infamous ruler of the League of Assassins

There’s no denying the intelligence trapped within Ra’s al Ghul. He’s a patient DC Villain with plenty of time to plot, thanks to his access to the Lazarus Pits. Ra’s al Ghul is also the ruler of the League of Assassins, father to Talia al Ghul, and grandfather to Damian Wayne. In other words, this villain has thoroughly cemented himself in DC history.

A new take on Ra’s al Ghul could go in countless directions. For example, he could focus on battling a different hero. Or the Absolute Universe version could let Ra’s lean into his anti-villain tendencies. Regardless of who Ra’s targets are, fans know that he will go after them with all the force he can muster. A battle between the new and less supported Batman and Ra’s would be fascinating to watch – if perilous for the young hero.

4 Mr. Freeze Will Go Through Any Hero in His Way

His Determination and Cold-Blooded Decisions Make Mr. Freeze a Lethal Enemy

First appeared in Batman #121 (1959) He was first known as Mr. Zero An expert in cryogenics dedicated to his one love, Nora

Mr. Freeze is yet another iconic villain known for his chilling tendencies. Over the years, Mr. Freeze has gone through countless iterations, changing his origin, suits, and even abilities. Yet one thing remains the same: Victor is a cold-blooded killer who doesn’t hesitate and isn’t afraid to make calculated decisions. In most Freeze stories, Victor tries everything to save his love.

No matter the background story, Victor Freeze is a dangerous enemy for any hero. Every incarnation of Freeze’s story has had something new to tell, from an endless quest to save Nora to a more twisted take on his love. The Harley Quinn animated series posed an interesting twist to Victor’s fate by having him give his life to bring Nora back. Could this be teasing a version where Nora Freeze is the one in the suit?

3 Lex Luthor Would Happily Go Toe to Toe With a Younger Superman

One Should Never Underestimate Lex Luthor’s Cunning

First appeared in Action Comics #23 (1940) and Superman #4 (1940) Genius billionaire and business owner behind LexCorp Member of several organizations, including Legion of Doom, A.R.G.U.S., Injustice League, and Justice League

When it comes to genius and villainous business owners, Lex Luthor has everyone beat. He owns LexCorp and is one of Superman’s biggest threats, frequently approaching the hero from the most unexpected angles. However, Lex stands out in his battles against Superman, as he is often the only one in a long villain lineup without any powers. Ironically, these two iconic characters come head to head so frequently because they both have strong visions of what is best for the world. The only problem is that their visions are wildly different.

Over the years, Lex Luthor has had several makeovers, from becoming a superhero in his own right to controlling iconic heroes. So, there’s already a precedent for how Lex Luthor’s appearance could go in the Absolute Universe. Alternatively, the writers may trek into new ground, changing the changes in minor yet essential ways. Any change could lead Lex Luthor to villainy or heroism.

2 Atrocitus Has Pure Rage in His Heart Won’t Hesitate to Fight a New Hero

A Red Lantern Capable of Rallying the Forces

First appeared in Green Lantern #25 (2007) He is a sworn enemy of the Guardians of the Universe Famous for forging his own red lantern battery

Atrocitus is one of the most rage-fueled characters in any universe. He is easily one of the most brutal and dangerous characters in DC Comics, as he isn’t afraid to take the lives of all who stand in his way. Atrocitus is the leader of the Red Lantern Corps, though he also becomes part of the Black Lantern Corps during the events of Blackest Night. His backstory isn’t dissimilar to many heroes, having lost his family to something horrible. However, instead of turning that pain into a force for change, he turned it into pure rage.

Over the years, Atrocitus has been involved in countless epic battles. He’s fought and killed many heroes, including Abin Sur. He is also committed to the cause of adding to the Red Lantern Corps, trying to court members such as Spectre. As such, Atrocitus could easily make himself a villain in any new hero series. A slight change in his backstory may redirect his rage toward heroes outside the Green Lantern Corps.

1 Darkseid Could Become the Big Cosmic Threat of the Absolute Universe

Few Villains Can Compare to the Power of Darkseid

First appeared in Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #134 (1970) Is a universe-ending threat Ruler of Apokolips

Darkseid is one of the biggest villains in DC Comics. He’s a cosmic-level threat to any universe, not just Prime Earth. His primary goal is destruction, and he’s never set his sights small. Instead of going after a world or universe, he seeks to bring about the end of the Multiverse. It’s bad news for any hero forced to go against such a titanic villain. Interestingly enough, solo heroes have successfully taken on this villain, including Batman. However, that took forwarding and prep, something the newer heroes are unlikely to get.

Over the years, Darkseid has hatched countless plans to achieve his goals and was instrumental in the creation of the Absolute Universe. He’s also invaded countless worlds, many inhabited by heroes. He’s a natural and significant threat to all three heroes currently residing in the Absolute Universe. Even without seeing how his backstory may change, it’s clear that he could be the primary adversary hiding in the shadows.