5 DC Villain Rip-Offs Who Became Beloved Characters In Their Own Right

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DC Comics is famous for its incredible villains, a tradition that has continued throughout its history. Many of these villains have become hugely popular and have surprisingly influenced stories for decades. Like most creative fields, comics often draw inspiration from existing ideas – Superman himself was originally based on various earlier concepts. DC’s iconic villains have served as models for countless other characters, sometimes resulting in obvious copies. But occasionally, these copies actually become legendary characters in their own right.

Over the years, many creators have been inspired by DC Comics villains and reimagined them into new characters. These new creations often build on the original ideas but find fresh ways to explore them, resulting in characters that have become fan favorites. Here are five examples of characters clearly inspired by DC villains who have gone on to achieve popularity.

5) Doctor Doom

Doctor Doom is one of Marvel’s most interesting villains, but his origins aren’t entirely unique. A close look reveals he shares a lot in common with DC’s Lex Luthor. Both are brilliant, power-hungry scientists with a strong dislike for their greatest foes, and both possess a certain charisma and a fondness for the color green. While they aren’t exactly the same – Doom becoming a ruler seems to have influenced how Luthor evolved from a common criminal to a successful businessman – the connection is clear. Despite these similarities, Doctor Doom has become incredibly popular, arguably even more so than Lex Luthor.

4) Deadpool

The connection between DC’s Deathstroke and Marvel’s Deadpool is a famous and fascinating example of character inspiration. When Deadpool first appeared in the early 1980s, he was strikingly similar to Deathstroke – a skilled, sarcastic mercenary villain. While Deadpool has since evolved into the witty, fourth-wall-breaking hero he is today, his origins were much closer to those of Slade Wilson, the Teen Titans’ formidable foe. This transformation has ultimately benefited Deadpool, making him a more compelling and popular character.

3) Thanos

Thanos initially drew heavily from the character of Darkseid, but evolved over time. Early designs for Thanos clearly show how much the character borrowed from Darkseid, particularly in their costumes – Thanos even adopted Darkseid’s bare arms and legs look. Both villains also share a similar motivation: the pursuit of incredibly powerful objects. While Thanos has become his own character, the influence of Darkseid is still noticeable.

2) The Hulk

While the Hulk is famous for being incredibly strong, his concept isn’t entirely unique. He actually borrows ideas from several sources, and one DC villain, Solomon Grundy, appears to have been a key influence. Though their backstories are quite different – Grundy is an undead creature from a swamp, while the Hulk was originally created through scientific means (though his origins have become more complex) – they share some striking similarities. Both are powerfully strong, easily angered, and have unusual skin colors. While Grundy wasn’t the sole inspiration for the Hulk, his influence is definitely noticeable.

1) Green Goblin

The Green Goblin is a famous villain, but it’s surprising to realize how much he borrows from other characters. He’s clearly inspired by the Joker, arguably the most iconic supervillain ever created. Both characters are terrifying and unstable, known for their wild, grinning expressions. They even share a similar color scheme, favoring green and purple. Once you notice these connections, it’s hard to deny how similar they are. The Green Goblin’s success is largely due to the Joker’s influence, showing that even copying can result in something impressive.

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2025-11-20 17:14