10 Biggest Hero and Villain Rivalries in DC Comics

Every great hero needs a compelling villain. DC Comics is famous for its heroes and their equally memorable enemies, and their clashes are central to the world of comic books. While heroes face many foes, one villain often stands out as their ultimate rival. These rivalries are special because the hero and villain often share similarities or striking differences in their abilities, origins, appearances, and beliefs. Each confrontation deepens their complex relationship, making their battles increasingly intense and emotionally driven.

Superheroes often clash with each other, but their conflicts are nothing compared to the intense, long-lasting hatred they share with supervillains. Unlike typical criminals who just commit robberies, these villains obsessively focus on tormenting and defeating their heroic rivals. These epic battles are a major reason DC Comics has become such a dominant force in the comic book world, fueling many of its most popular stories.

10) Batman and Ra’s al Ghul

Ra’s Al Ghul is one of Batman’s most formidable foes, challenging him on every level – intellectually, physically, and ethically. Centuries old thanks to the rejuvenating Lazarus Pit, Ra’s is a criminal genius and master of all martial arts. He doesn’t just fight Batman; he respects him and tries to convince him to give up his heroic principles and take over as the leader of the League of Assassins. Their complicated relationship is further complicated by Talia, Ra’s daughter, who shares a romantic history with Batman and is the mother of his son, Damian. Despite their family connection, Batman remains committed to stopping Ra’s, determined to protect Gotham and the world from his dangerous plans.

9) Justice League and Darkseid

The Justice League, DC Universe’s top team of heroes, has a truly formidable enemy in Darkseid – a being who represents pure evil. While Darkseid originally battled the good-natured New Gods of New Genesis, he’s repeatedly turned his attention to Earth, driven by his quest for the Anti-Life Equation, the pieces of which are scattered across the planet. The Justice League has clashed with Darkseid and his terrifying armies many times, with each battle threatening the entire multiverse. In fact, recent stories have revealed that it was Darkseid’s invasion that originally brought the Justice League together as a team.

8) Shazam and Black Adam

Shazam and Black Adam are locked in a generational conflict. Black Adam, born in ancient Egypt, was originally the first champion chosen by the wizard Shazam and given incredible powers. But power corrupted him, leading to his imprisonment. Thousands of years later, the wizard chose young Billy Batson, an orphan, as the new champion, granting him the powers of gods and heroes. Since escaping his imprisonment, Black Adam has repeatedly clashed with Shazam. Black Adam considers Shazam too innocent, while Shazam sees Black Adam as excessively ruthless. Black Adam is a classic example of a dark mirror villain, possessing the same abilities as the hero he opposes.

7) Teen Titans and Deathstroke

The Teen Titans frequently battle otherworldly threats, but their most persistent enemy is Deathstroke. He’s incredibly skilled, strategic, and willing to do anything to win. Driven by the death of his son, Ravager, Deathstroke vowed revenge against the team. Their first major confrontation, famously told in the Judas Contract storyline, involved Deathstroke manipulating the hero Terra into betraying her friends. Even with his own children, Rose and Jericho, later becoming Titans, Deathstroke’s animosity hasn’t faded. The Titans have endured significant losses because of him, and the intense hatred between them is a defining part of their history.

6) Wonder Woman and Ares

While many see Cheetah as Wonder Woman’s greatest foe, Ares, the Greek God of War, is actually her true nemesis. From the moment Wonder Woman came to our world, she’s stood for truth, peace, and fairness – everything Ares opposes. Driven by conflict and destruction, Ares wants to see humanity tear itself apart. He’s also responsible for many of Wonder Woman’s biggest struggles, using his children and followers – like Deimos, Phobos, and the Duke of Deception – to challenge her beliefs and endanger those she cares about. Ares’ immense power and cunning make him the true architect of Wonder Woman’s most difficult trials.

5) Green Lantern and Sinestro

Thaal Sinestro went from being a highly valued member of the Green Lantern Corps to its most dangerous enemy. His biggest rivalry is with Hal Jordan, his former friend and student. Sinestro left the Corps and severed ties with Hal because he became consumed by a desire for power and control, ultimately becoming a ruthless dictator intent on dominating the universe. He even formed his own group, the Sinestro Corps, powered by fear, to fight against the Green Lanterns. Despite once being friends, Sinestro now views Hal as his ultimate enemy and is determined to destroy him. While Sinestro let power corrupt him, Hal dedicated himself to upholding the Green Lantern Corps’ values of justice and freedom.

4) Aquaman and Black Manta

For decades, Aquaman, the King of Atlantis, and his enemy Black Manta have been locked in a bitter, never-ending feud. It began when Black Manta’s father unintentionally caused the death of Aquaman’s father, leading Aquaman to kill Black Manta’s father in revenge. This fueled Black Manta’s intense hatred and desire to destroy Aquaman, his family, and the entire kingdom of Atlantis. In a particularly cruel act, Black Manta murdered Aquaman’s young son. Ironically, Black Manta’s own son, Jackson Hyde, later rejected his father’s evil ways and became the hero Aqualad. Despite this, Aquaman and Black Manta remain consumed by their mutual animosity and will likely never find peace.

3) Flash and Reverse-Flash

The basic principle that every action has a reaction perfectly describes the twisted relationship between the Flash and his enemy, the Reverse-Flash. Eobard Thawne, from the 25th century, started as a devoted fan of Barry Allen (the Flash). However, after gaining special powers and traveling to the past, he learned he was destined to be Barry’s greatest enemy. Thawne accepted this fate and deliberately caused tragedy in Barry’s life, including the deaths of his loved ones. Despite being defeated and even killed multiple times, Thawne always finds a way to return and torment Barry. This bitter rivalry would become a recurring pattern, with other heroes and villains mirroring their conflict.

2) Superman and Lex Luthor

Superman and Lex Luthor are complete opposites. Superman is a powerful alien dedicated to protecting people, while Luthor is a brilliant but ordinary man who uses his wealth and technology for terrible deeds. Driven by envy and a need to be seen as humanity’s hero, especially above an outsider like Superman, Luthor has tried everything – from using Kryptonite and creating villains to even running for president – to defeat his enemy. Despite all of this, Superman consistently tries to appeal to Luthor’s better nature and end their rivalry. Ironically, the alien Superman embodies the best of humanity, while Luthor represents its worst impulses.

1) Batman and The Joker

Batman and the Joker are arguably the most famous rivals in comic book history, representing opposing forces. Batman is driven by a need for justice and control, while the Joker thrives on chaos and cruelty. The Joker has repeatedly tested Batman’s strict rule against killing, responsible for horrific acts like the deaths of Jason Todd and countless others, and the paralysis of Barbara Gordon. Their conflict has fueled some of DC Comics’ most memorable stories for almost a century. They’re two sides of the same coin – the Joker needs Batman as an enemy, and frankly, the story wouldn’t be the same without their constant struggle.

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2026-02-22 00:11