Ranking Batman’s First 10 Villains By Legacy

by

It’s often said that a hero is defined by their villains, and Batman’s collection of enemies is arguably the best. Most people agree the Dark Knight has assembled one of the most memorable and frightening groups of villains in comics. Interestingly, Batman didn’t always have a consistent set of recurring foes. Early in his history, villains typically only appeared in a single story. However, sometimes a villain would be so compelling that they deserved to return.

As a huge film fan, I’m always fascinated by truly memorable villains – characters like the Joker or Poison Ivy who really resonated with the people making the movies. Batman’s faced a lot of bad guys over the years, but a few of them just stood out, leaving a lasting mark on the whole franchise. Not every villain gets to become iconic, but there are definitely those who do. Let’s take a look at some of Batman’s earliest opponents and how they built their legacies.

10. Hugo Strange

Hugo Strange isn’t one of Batman’s most famous enemies, but he’s had a significant impact on the character’s history. He’s not simply a mad scientist; he’s an expert in psychology who knows how to use it as a weapon. Unlike many of Batman’s villains, Strange has actually figured out Bruce Wayne’s secret identity and exploited it. While he hasn’t been featured in many movies, Strange remains one of Batman’s most enduring and resourceful opponents.

9. Mad Hatter

It’s surprising to realize that the Mad Hatter, also known as Jervis Tetch, has been a villain in Gotham for a long time – even longer than some of Batman’s most famous enemies. Obsessed with Alice in Wonderland, he’s been using mind control to commit crimes almost since Batman began his detective work. While he isn’t as physically imposing as villains like Killer Croc or Bane, the Mad Hatter’s technology allows him to manipulate people’s minds, making him a consistent danger. He may not be the most powerful villain, but there’s a reason he’s remained a persistent threat to Batman for so long.

8. Clayface

What makes Clayface really interesting is that several different people have taken on the role over the years, creating a lasting legacy. While Basil Karlo is the most famous, others like Matt Hagen, Preston Payne, and even Sondra Fuller (Lady Clay) have all become the malleable villain challenging Batman. Though they aren’t typically masterminds trying to take over Gotham, Clayface consistently poses a strong threat, which explains why the character has remained popular for so long.

7. Mr. Freeze

Most Batman fans would agree that Mr. Freeze is one of the best villains the Dark Knight faces. While he started as a typical, somewhat silly bad guy, the Batman: The Animated Series episode “Heart of Ice” completely transformed Victor Fries. This episode was so impactful that it even changed the character’s backstory in the comic books. Turning Mr. Freeze into a tragic figure solidified his place among Batman’s most memorable enemies. DC Comics briefly tried to remove the connection to his wife, Nora, during the New 52 reboot, but fan backlash was strong enough to force them to restore his established, more sympathetic character.

6. Scarecrow

Scarecrow often doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves, despite being a long-standing and genuinely frightening villain. Introduced shortly after Batman, he’s consistently been used in stories for decades. While other villains often make fun of him, Jonathan Crane has proven himself as one of Batman’s most effective adversaries. His fear toxin is a major threat to Gotham, and he’s even been central to a major storyline, “Fear State.” Though often overlooked, Scarecrow is a significant and important part of Batman’s history.

5. Penguin

The Penguin is a unique villain in Batman’s rogues gallery. Unlike many others, he isn’t driven by madness or superhuman abilities. However, he’s undeniably one of Batman’s most dangerous and evil enemies. While his portrayal has changed over the years, he remains a truly monstrous figure in the criminal world – motivated by greed, quick to anger, deeply paranoid, and exceptionally cruel. Penguin consistently reappears in Batman stories because he represents the worst aspects of human nature that Bruce Wayne has dedicated his life to fighting. Though not as chaotic as the Joker, Penguin is an iconic villain in his own way.

4. Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy didn’t initially appear as one of Batman’s primary foes, but she quickly became a significant villain in his world. Starting as a simple thief with a love for plants and toxins, Pamela Isley has become increasingly prominent. She’s been a key character in numerous Batman storylines and even headlined her own successful comic series for three years. As far as Batman villains go, Poison Ivy has created a remarkably lasting legacy.

3. Two-Face

I might be partial, but Two-Face always stands out to me as a particularly compelling Batman villain. Stories like The Long Halloween really highlight that Harvey Dent was more than just a scarred criminal – he was a friend and close ally to Bruce Wayne, someone who could have genuinely helped transform Gotham City alongside Batman. Sadly, fate had other plans, and he continues to be a significant adversary. Two-Face’s story is ultimately tragic, which makes him such a great character to explore.

2. Catwoman

First appearing in Batman #1, it’s no surprise Catwoman has consistently played a significant role in Bruce Wayne’s life. Over the years, Selina Kyle has been an enemy, a friend, and a romantic interest for Batman. However, Catwoman stands out as one of the few Batman villains to truly become a complex anti-hero in her own right, with her own ongoing adventures. She’s even led her own comic series, joined the Justice League, and frequently challenged Batman himself. While she began as a villain, Catwoman has evolved into a much more multifaceted character.

1. Joker

It might seem obvious, but the Joker isn’t just Batman’s biggest enemy – he’s his complete opposite. And that contrast is a big part of why he’s so popular with fans. The Joker has starred in his own comic book series, played a key role in many big storylines, and even headlined two movies without Batman appearing! He’s become just as well-known as the Dark Knight himself, and arguably has the most enduring legacy of any villain in Batman’s history.

https://comicbook.com/comics/list/7-villains-too-powerful-for-batman-who-lost-to-him-anyway/embed/#

Read More

2026-01-19 21:44