
A malevolent character fueled by animosity can indeed be powerful, particularly when their actions are so extreme they seem to contemplate murdering mothers. However, it’s usually more acceptable when there’s some underlying truth to their wicked deeds. Here are seven villains from the Arrowverse whose actions, despite being malevolent, held a grain of truth:
1. Malcolm Merlyn (Arrow) – Although he initially appeared as a benevolent benefactor, his true intentions were revealed when it was uncovered that he had been manipulating events to protect his daughter.
2. Damien Darhk (Legends of Tomorrow) – Despite being responsible for numerous atrocities, his actions were driven by a desire to save his family from a prophesied apocalypse, adding a layer of complexity to his villainy.
3. John Diggle (Arrow) – When he became Spartan and went rogue, it was due to the manipulations of HIVE, revealing that even heroes can be corrupted by external forces.
4. Eobard Thawne (The Flash) – Known as the Reverse-Flash, his hatred for Barry Allen stemmed from his own tragic past and a desire to prove himself superior, making him a complex villain with personal motivations.
5. Malcolm’s Earth-2 counterpart (Arrow) – On another Earth, Malcolm was driven by love for his daughter rather than hatred, making him less malevolent in nature but still a formidable adversary.
6. Oliver Queen/Spectre (Crisis on Earth-X) – When possessed by the Spectre, Oliver became a darker version of himself, performing actions that were morally questionable but ultimately served to save multiple worlds from destruction.
7. Cisco Ramon/Killer Frost (The Flash) – While Killer Frost was initially portrayed as a villain, her origins stemmed from Cisco’s own emotional trauma and the struggle between good and evil within him, making her a tragic antagonist with relatable motivations.