DC Comics’ 7 Biggest Grudges of All Time

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DC Comics pioneered the idea of long-lasting conflicts between heroes and villains. Even in its early days, comics featured famous rivalries like Superman versus the Ultra-Humanite, and the Flash battling Rival. Vandal Savage seemed to be enemies with everyone! While some pairings, like Batman and the Joker, or Superman and Lex Luthor, were just beginning, these conflicts steadily grew over the years as the DC universe expanded. These enduring grudges have become central to many characters’ identities and have fueled countless stories, providing readers with decades of thrilling entertainment. The most memorable of these rivalries have truly become legendary.

As a huge DC fan, I’ve seen a lot of rivalries over the years, but a few really stand out. They’ve become legendary, woven into the very heart of the DC Universe, and given us some truly amazing fights and drama. I’m talking about the seven biggest, most long-lasting feuds in DC Comics – the ones where the hatred has simmered for decades.

7) The New Teen Titans/Deathstroke

The Teen Titans are well-known heroes, and their long-standing conflict with Deathstroke is a major reason why. Their history is filled with battles against many villains, but their rivalry with Deathstroke truly shaped the team. After Deathstroke’s son, Grant, died while working for H.I.V.E. to eliminate the Titans, Deathstroke himself took on the mission, famously infiltrating the team with Terra in “The Judas Contract” to destroy them from within. Ever since, the Titans have had a complicated relationship with Deathstroke, sometimes fighting alongside him and other times against him. His intense dislike for the team, and anyone who joins them – whether they’re teenagers or adults – continues to cause violent clashes.

6) Hal Jordan/Sinestro

Hal Jordan and Sinestro have a long and complicated history as rivals, rooted in a former friendship. They initially bonded when Hal first became a Green Lantern, but their differing views on maintaining order – Sinestro believed in using fear – eventually drove them apart. Despite fighting side-by-side against major threats, they’ve also engaged in brutal conflicts. Their ongoing feud is a genuine tragedy, consistently leading to negative consequences.

5) Green Arrow/Hawkman

Green Arrow and Hawkman are heroes who have a long-standing rivalry. Originally, their conflict stemmed from differing political views – Green Arrow leaned liberal, while Hawkman was conservative. Though a disagreement over how to handle the villain Dr. Light sparked further conflict in the past, even that event isn’t considered official continuity anymore. Despite working together against common enemies, Green Arrow and Hawkman frequently clash and are likely to fight when they’re around each other.

4) Wonder Woman/Cheetah

Wonder Woman’s villains aren’t particularly strong, but Cheetah stands out as her most compelling adversary. While several characters have taken on the Cheetah persona, Barbara Minerva has consistently been Wonder Woman’s greatest rival. Their relationship began as a friendship, but eventually deteriorated. After gaining Cheetah’s powers, Minerva became Wonder Woman’s enemy, and their conflict is deeply rooted in personal feelings. There’s a tragic element to their rivalry, as it’s hinted they have romantic feelings for each other, making their endless battle particularly heartbreaking for both of them.

3) Barry Allen/Reverse Flash

Barry Allen became the Flash, protecting Central City and becoming a legendary hero, even inspiring people centuries later. However, Eobard Thawne became dangerously fixated on Barry, even altering himself to become a copy. Eventually, Thawne traveled back in time and turned into Barry’s greatest enemy, known as the Reverse Flash. Driven by hatred, he constantly travels through time, relentlessly seeking new ways to harm the Flash.

2) Batman/The Joker

The Joker is Batman’s most enduring enemy, and their conflict has spanned decades. At its core, their opposition stems from a fundamental difference: the Joker thrives on chaos, while Batman strives for order. As long as both remain committed to their beliefs, their violent clashes will continue. The Joker is uniquely capable of pushing Batman to break his strict rule against killing. Their hatred is endless, and they’re destined to fight forever – or, at least, as long as people remain interested in their story.

1) Superman/Lex Luthor

While not Superman’s original enemy, Lex Luthor became his most enduring foe. The reasons for their conflict have changed over time, but at its core, it’s a clash between selfless heroism and ruthless ambition. Superman consistently works to help others, while Luthor prioritizes his own interests. This fundamental difference repeatedly puts them at odds, with Superman thwarting Luthor’s schemes and fueling the billionaire’s resentment. Interestingly, Superman doesn’t harbor hatred in return, always hoping for a better outcome for Luthor, which adds complexity to their rivalry. Despite their animosity, they can even collaborate effectively, but the tension between them always remains.

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2026-04-16 16:11