A frequent idea in DC and Marvel’s stories about the Multiverse is showing evil versions of well-known heroes. Characters like Ultraman (an evil Superman) and Hydra Supreme (an evil Captain America) explore what would happen if heroes made different, darker choices. But this isn’t just about villains becoming heroes – the Multiverse also features heroic versions of classic villains. Instead of being criminals or trying to conquer the universe, these alternate versions use their powers for good. Some were once villains who changed their ways, while others have always been protectors of the innocent.
These reimagined versions of famous DC and Marvel villains are actually the heroes who defend their universes.
1) Tangent Joker
The Joker is usually known as a cruel and sadistic villain in most versions of the DC Universe. However, on another Earth, designated Earth-9, the Joker was a hero. This Joker wasn’t a single person, but three women who shared the role: a student named Mary Marvel, a wealthy businesswoman named Christy Xanadu, and a journalist named Lori Lemaris. They would each take turns dressing as the Joker, using their athleticism and unusual, joke-themed weapons to defeat criminals and fight against tyranny. Tragically, Mary and Christy were both killed when a villainous Superman gained control of their world. The last remaining Joker, Lori, then gave up the Joker persona and became Manhunter, joining a group of heroes fighting against the evil Superman. Ultimately, they were victorious, and Lori was able to avenge her friends’ deaths.
2) Avenger Prime
Loki is often the central figure who brings the Avengers together, as seen in both comics and films. In one alternate universe, after Thor’s early death, Loki became king of Asgard. Discovering a way to travel between universes, he feared the Avengers would challenge his rule, so he preemptively eliminated them all before they could even form a team. But without the Avengers to defend it, Loki’s universe was left vulnerable, and though he ultimately won against powerful foes like Galactus, Thanos, and the Celestials, the victory came at the cost of all other life. Driven to despair, Loki attempted suicide and found himself in a strange place called the God Quarry. Seeking redemption, he became “Avenger Prime” and created the Multiversal Avengers – a team of heroes gathered from across different universes. Together, they fight threats like Mephisto and the Multiversal Masters of Evil.
3) Absolute Circe
Circe is a powerful witch and follower of the goddess Hecate, skilled in dark magic. While often an enemy of Wonder Woman in most stories, in one version of the DC Universe, she’s actually Wonder Woman’s adoptive mother. The god Apollo sent baby Diana to Circe after she was taken from the Amazons as punishment. Circe quickly fell in love with Diana and raised her, teaching her everything about magic. When Diana learned about her Amazonian roots, Circe helped her leave Hell to become a hero. Furious about Diana’s escape, Hades trapped Circe and used her to try and lure Wonder Woman back to Hell. But Diana was strong and clever enough to defeat Hades’ traps and free her mother. Now, Circe remains in Hell, patiently awaiting Diana’s yearly visits.
4) Age of Apocalypse Magneto
In the main Marvel universe (Earth-616), Magneto is known for switching between being a hero and a villain. But in another universe (Earth-295), he became a dedicated force for good. In this reality, Charles Xavier (Professor X) died before he could form the X-Men. Without Xavier and his team, the villain Apocalypse took over the world. Inspired by Xavier’s vision of a better future, Magneto created his own X-Men to oppose Apocalypse’s rule. He married Rogue, and they had a son named Charles, honoring his fallen friend. In a final showdown, Magneto unleashed his full power, defeating Apocalypse. After liberating Earth, Magneto and his X-Men worked to rebuild and promote peace between humans and mutants.
5) Earth One Killer Croc
I’ve been following Waylon Jones’ story, and it’s pretty incredible. Like the Killer Croc most people know, he was born with a condition that made him look reptilian, and he grew up being exhibited as a freak in the circus. He eventually managed to escape and found a life for himself living in the sewers. But here’s where his story takes a different turn. When Batman was down in the sewers looking for the Riddler, Waylon attacked him, thinking he was an intruder. But once Waylon realized Batman wasn’t an enemy, he actually *helped* him catch the Riddler! Batman was so grateful that he let Waylon stay at Wayne Manor, and eventually, Waylon became a full-fledged member of Batman’s team, the Outsiders. It’s amazing to see how far he’s come.
6) Ultimate Green Goblin
In the classic Spider-Man story, Spider-Man and the Green Goblin are bitter rivals. However, in a different version of the story, called the Ultimate Universe, Harry Osborn was actually a hero *before* Peter Parker became Spider-Man. After his parents died, Harry used his family’s wealth to become the Green Goblin, fighting villains like Kingpin and Shocker. Interestingly, his wife, Gwen Stacy, is Mysterio in this version. Unlike Peter, Harry is prepared to do whatever it takes, even kill, if he thinks it will help people. Although they sometimes disagree about how to be a hero, Peter and Harry still team up to keep New York City safe.
7) Alexander Luthor
Earth-3 is a world where everything is flipped – villains are heroes and heroes are villains. This world is controlled by the Crime Syndicate, a dark mirror of the Justice League. Its greatest hero is Alexander Luthor, a brilliant inventor who fights against the Crime Syndicate. Different versions of Luthor have appeared in DC Comics over the years. The original version was married to Lois Lane and had a son. More recently, Luthor created a team called the Legion of Justice, made up of heroic versions of famous villains like Harley Quinn and Sinestro. Although Luthor hasn’t yet succeeded in defeating the Crime Syndicate, he continues to fight them, remaining Earth-3’s best chance for freedom.
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2025-09-27 20:43