10 Best DC Supervillains of the 1960s, Ranked

The 1960s were a golden era for DC Comics, known as the Silver Age. Stories focused on imaginative science fiction – think alien worlds, time travel, and alternate universes – and were incredibly popular. It was during this decade that the Justice League of America was created, along with other famous superhero groups like the Teen Titans and the Doom Patrol. These teams often worked together to defeat villains that were too powerful for any single hero. The decade also introduced some of the most well-known and iconic enemies of DC’s heroes, many of whom were designed as direct opposites to those heroes, making them complex and memorable characters.

During the 1960s, many superheroes gained iconic enemies who represented everything they stood against. This era, known as the Silver Age of comics, introduced some of DC Comics’ most dangerous and memorable villains, ranging from powerful alien invaders to heartless pirates.

10) Eclipso

Eclipso is a hugely powerful and evil being in the DC Universe, first appearing in 1963. Originally an angel cast out of heaven for his brutality, he created a terrifying dimension called the Shadowlands. Throughout history, Eclipso has repeatedly attempted to destroy humankind, even being responsible for the Great Flood and the sinking of Atlantis. He typically affects the world by possessing people, most notably Dr. Bruce Gordon. With his immense and frightening power, Eclipso is a threat to everything that exists and often clashes with heroes like the Spectre, the Phantom Stranger, and the Justice League.

9) Captain Boomerang

First appearing in 1960, Captain Boomerang (real name Digger Harkness) is an Australian criminal and a frequent enemy of the Flash. He truly earns his nickname! Originally an immigrant to America who promoted boomerangs as toys, Harkness turned to crime, utilizing his exceptional boomerang skills. He’s since built up a collection of dangerous boomerangs, some of which explode or have razor-sharp edges. A long-standing member of the Rogues, Captain Boomerang is often recruited – or forced – to join the government’s clandestine Suicide Squad. Despite being a bit of a scoundrel, his charming personality and unique, deadly weapons make him a memorable member of both teams.

8) Ocean Master

Ocean Master, also known as Orm Marius, is one of Aquaman’s greatest enemies. He’s Aquaman’s half-brother and has always been intensely jealous of him, constantly vying for the throne of Atlantis. Ocean Master also harbors a strong hatred for humans and aims to wipe them out, often using piracy and terrorism to further his goals. His special crown grants him control over water, while his trident allows him to manipulate the weather. The rivalry between Aquaman and Ocean Master is one of the most dramatic and damaging sibling conflicts in the DC universe. While his backstory has been altered a few times since his debut in 1966, his core motivations have remained consistent.

7) Starro

Starro the Conqueror was the very first villain the Justice League battled when they formed in 1960. This massive alien starfish has already enslaved nine galaxies and is determined to take over Earth. He conquers planets by releasing countless tiny copies of himself that attach to people’s faces and control their minds. Billions have fallen under his control as he tries to dominate the universe. Though he might not look intimidating, Starro is a truly dangerous enemy, and the Justice League has fought him many times to prevent him from taking over Earth and defeating its heroes.

6) Owlman

The idea of a multiverse opened the door for evil versions of DC’s heroes, and in 1964, the Crime Syndicate emerged from Earth-3 as the villainous counterparts to the Justice League. Of all the Crime Syndicate members, Owlman—the evil version of Batman, and older brother to Bruce Wayne—is considered the most dangerous and intelligent. After orchestrating the murder of his brother and parents with the help of Alfred, Owlman used his family’s wealth to become a highly skilled and brilliant supervillain. He’s a cunning and ruthless planner, and the mastermind behind the Crime Syndicate’s repeated attempts to invade the primary DC Universe.

5) General Zod

For years, Superman thought he was the sole survivor of Krypton’s destruction, aside from a few family members. But in 1961, it came to light that others had also escaped. Unfortunately, they weren’t friendly. General Dru-Zod was Krypton’s top military commander until he tried to overthrow the government. As punishment, the scientist Jor-El exiled Zod and his followers to an otherworldly prison called the Phantom Zone. This imprisonment actually saved Zod from being destroyed when Krypton exploded. Once he broke free, Zod vowed to get revenge on Jor-El’s son, Kal-El – better known as Superman. Like Superman, Zod possesses incredible powers as a Kryptonian, but he’s also a highly trained and ruthless military leader. He’s determined to conquer the universe and force everyone to submit to his rule.

4) Black Manta

Black Manta, whose real name is David Hyde, has been Aquaman’s biggest enemy since he first appeared in 1967. Growing up, Hyde was trained to be a pirate, and after Aquaman killed his father, he vowed to get revenge and destroy the King of Atlantis. To fight against Aquaman’s powers in the water, Black Manta uses a special suit that makes him stronger and lets him breathe underwater. The suit is most famous – and dangerous – for its powerful laser beams that shoot from his helmet. Black Manta’s intense hatred for Aquaman reached its peak when he committed a terrible act: murdering Aquaman’s baby son. He’s a ruthless villain who has caused Aquaman more pain than anyone else.

3) Reverse-Flash

The Flash may be the fastest hero in DC Comics, but in 1963, he encountered DC’s fastest villain. Born in the 25th century, Eobard Thawne, aka Reverse-Flash, was the ultimate fan of the second Flash, Barry Allen. After recreating Barry’s lab accident, Reverse-Flash gained the Negative Speed Force and travelled back in time to meet his hero. But what he learned upon arriving there was that he was destined to become Barry’s archnemesis. This discovery drove him insane. He embraced this role and dedicated his life to destroying Barry’s life. Using time travel, Reverse-Flash made himself responsible for virtually every bad thing that’s ever happened to Barry, including the death of his mother. A psychopathic speedster, Reverse-Flash is one of the most powerful yet deranged supervillains in DC Comics.

2) Poison Ivy

Pamela Isley, better known as Poison Ivy, is one of Batman’s most dangerous enemies in Gotham City. She sees herself as a protector of all plants and generally despises humanity. Originally a gifted botanist, an accident in 1966 gave her the power to control plants, but also affected her sanity. Poison Ivy can use plant-based pheromones to manipulate others, and her control over flora gives her incredible powers, making her a formidable opponent. While she typically considers humans to be lesser beings, she has occasionally shown a softer side. As an eco-terrorist constantly battling her own human and plant natures, Poison Ivy is a complex and fascinating villain.

1) Sinestro

Thaal Sinestro, the Green Lantern’s biggest enemy, is a power-hungry villain who wants to control the universe by inspiring fear. Originally appearing in 1961 as a Green Lantern himself—and even as Hal Jordan’s teacher—Sinestro became corrupted by his own power and took over his home planet. As punishment, the Guardians of the Universe took away his Green Lantern ring and exiled him to Qward, a dimension made of antimatter. While in exile, Sinestro created a new kind of Power Ring and formed the Yellow Lantern Corps, which doesn’t run on willpower, but on fear itself. Driven by a desire for power and control, Sinestro uses his Corps to spread terror across the universe, making him and his followers the greatest enemies of the Green Lanterns.

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2025-11-29 00:15