7 Comics Heroes Who Took The Powers Of Villains

We usually think of heroes as good people who hold back, and villains as those who cause chaos with unrestrained power. But what happens when heroes start using those same dangerous powers? This creates a difficult question: does power always lead to corruption, or does it depend on the person using it? It challenges what it truly means to be a hero.

Sometimes, heroes will do whatever it takes to save the day. We’ve seen examples like Rogue taking on Ms. Marvel’s powers and Superman using Darkseid’s dangerous energy. In these moments, they’re willing to push their own boundaries and even use their enemies’ strengths against them, even if it means doing things they wouldn’t normally consider.

7. Rogue (X-Men) – From Villains to Heroes

Rogue’s journey is one of the most emotionally challenging storylines in the history of the X-Men. As a young mutant, she couldn’t control her ability to absorb powers. When she first used it, she was with Mystique’s Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and unintentionally took Carol Danvers’ (Ms. Marvel’s) strength and ability to fly. Instead of enjoying these stolen powers, Rogue was deeply troubled by guilt, disturbing voices, and fragmented memories.

6. Captain America – Red Skull’s Cosmic Cube

Captain America is known as the moral center of the Marvel Universe, but even he can be tempted by power. His enemy, Red Skull, frequently possesses the Cosmic Cube, an object that can change reality. On several occasions, Captain America has used the Cube himself, usually to fix the problems caused by Red Skull or to prevent terrible events. However, while Red Skull wants to control everything, Captain America always uses the Cube to restore things to how they should be. It raises the question of whether anyone, even a hero like Steve Rogers, should have such immense power. His limited use of the Cube highlights how even the most virtuous people are tested by it.

5. Thor – Loki’s Sorcery

Thor relies on raw physical power – things like thunder, lightning, and immense strength. Loki, on the other hand, uses trickery and magic. When Thor has needed to use magic, like in certain storylines, it’s usually because he has no other choice, not because he wants to. Thor sees magic as dishonest, going against his own straightforward and courageous nature. However, using Loki’s skills teaches him that sometimes, being clever and strategic is more effective than simply using force. Even so, Thor always feels uncomfortable when he has to resort to his brother’s methods.

4. Superman – Darkseid’s Omega Powers

During a fight on Apokolips, Superman briefly gained the power of Darkseid’s Omega Effect. After being hit with the energy, Superman absorbed it and used it against Darkseid and his army. The Omega Effect, normally used by Darkseid to destroy anything, became a tool for Superman to fight back. Because of his Kryptonian biology and incredible strength, Superman could handle and control this dangerous energy. By mastering one of Darkseid’s deadliest abilities, Superman showed that even devastating forces can be turned against those who created them.

3. Iron Man (Tony Stark) – Mandarin’s Rings

Tony Stark and the Mandarin have fought many times, but one of Stark’s smartest moves involved seizing control of the villain’s ten powerful alien rings. During a battle, Stark disarmed the Mandarin and studied the rings’ technology. He then used his incredible intelligence to briefly use the rings’ powers – including manipulating fire, firing disintegration beams, and unleashing lightning – against the Mandarin himself. However, Stark’s tendency to experiment with enemy technology highlights his biggest weakness: a desire to control things that might be better left wild. His use of the Mandarin’s weapons demonstrates that innovation and excessive pride can often go hand-in-hand.

2. The Flash (Barry Allen) – Reverse-Flash’s Negative Speed Force

During a fight with his enemy, Eobard Thawne (also known as Reverse-Flash), Barry Allen made a risky but deliberate decision to use the Negative Speed Force. This power source, created by Thawne, is a dark counterpart to the Speed Force that gives Barry his powers. Though dangerous and potentially harmful, Barry briefly harnessed its power to gain an advantage and ultimately defeat Thawne.

Barry tapped into the dangerous Negative Speed Force through immense willpower and his skill with the Speed Force. While he can’t reliably use it without great risk, his brief connection showed he can handle incredibly volatile energies. He cleverly used Thawne’s own power against him, achieving a surprising victory.

1. Spider-Man (Peter Parker) – The Sinister Six’s Powers

Spider-Man is unique because so many of his enemies are directly tied to his own life. His fights with the Sinister Six are incredibly challenging, but Peter Parker is resourceful and often finds ways to use his opponents’ powers against them. For example, he once took control of Doctor Octopus’s mechanical arms, turning them on the villain. He’s also been able to redirect Electro’s energy blasts and use Mysterio’s illusions to outsmart the group.

While his enemies are driven by selfish desires, Spider-Man always acts for the good of others. It’s remarkable that even when Spider-Man has the same abilities as his villains, his strong moral compass remains unwavering. The Sinister Six seek power to get revenge, but Peter Parker uses it to fulfill his sense of duty. This is what makes Spider-Man so compelling – he can use the same methods as his enemies, but never their harmful intentions.

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2025-12-03 22:18