Summary
- Booster Gold - A thief seeking fame, hated for his narcissism and lack of genuine heroism.
- Eobard Thawne - The Reverse-Flash who torments The Flash, committing heinous acts over centuries.
- Black Manta - Aquaman's archenemy, kidnapper of his child, causing personal vendetta and immense hatred.
DC Comics has an extensive history of characters of all sorts, from the best of the best to the worst of the worst. With a vast universe filled with colorful history, there have been characters that have garnered immense disdain, both heroes and villains.
In a world where the impossible is possible, redemption is still a difficult road to tread. Some characters commit horrific crimes or exhibit such negative traits that they are collectively hated inside and outside the DC universe. Rarely do these characters appear in a positive setting and are received with just as much ire as they give. Here are some of the most hateable characters in DC Comics.
DC Comics: Best Superman Stories Of 2023, Ranked
These are some of the best Superman-themed stories pioneered by DC Comics in the year, 2023.
8 Booster Gold
An Unbearable Egomaniac
- First Appearance: Booster Gold #1
Booster Gold has an infamous reputation among heroes and villains in DC Comics. Originally from the future, Booster Gold was known as Michael Carter, an athlete who fell from grace after a scandal. Using stolen tech, Carter donned the name Booster Gold, traveled to the past, and became a hero in search of fame and glory.
Unfortunately, Booster's narcissistic attitude rubs everyone the wrong way, even Superman. He's not much more than a two-bit thief who's only in the superhero business for show, not because he cares. It's obvious why everyone hates Booster Gold.
7 Eobard Thawne
A Devious Psychopath
- First Appearance: The Flash #139
Eobard Thane is the greatest rival of The Flash, known as the Reverse-Flash. Having harbored a grudge against the Scarlet Speedster for hundreds of years, Thawne has committed unspeakable atrocities against the Flash, from trying to ruin his life to murdering his loved ones. Thawne utilizes the same abilities as the Flash and thinks up some of the most diabolical acts he can to make the Flash miserable. Thawne is more than just a comic rogue or recurring villain to the Flash; Barry hates Thawne for everything he's been put through because of him.
6 Black Manta
A Heartless Murderer
- First Appearance: Aquaman #35
Black Manta is an Aquaman villain who has had a decades-long feud with the master of the Seven Seas due to a vendetta and pure spite. Manta has caused many problems throughout the DC universe, but for Aquaman, the feeling is personal. Black Manta kidnapped Aquaman's firstborn child and put them both in an impossible position, which resulted in Aquaman losing his child. Ever since, Black Manta has been one of the most hated villains in DC Comics for Aquaman and many other Justice League members.
5 Maxwell Lord
A Master Manipulator
- Justice League International #1
Maxwell Lord may be one of the most infamous villains in DC Comics, who hurt the Justice League in a way in which they nearly never recovered from. Initially, Maxwell Lord was responsible for establishing the Justice League Incorporated and was a valuable ally to many heroes. However, behind the scenes, Lord used his secret meta-ability to manipulate and control many of the heroes he worked with. This betrayal cut deep within the ranks of the Justice League and resulted in a pivotal moment that severed decade-long friendships.
4 Lex Luthor
A Maniacal Genius Millionaire
- First Appearance: Action Comics #23
Lex Luthor is the legendary rival of Superman, having been a thorn in the Man of Steel's side for decades. Lex Luthor is a self-made man who built a company responsible for dozens of technological advancements, and he himself is a brilliant scientist. Shamefully, Luthor utilizes his magnificent brain to find ways to destroy Superman out of wounded pride. With hundreds of shady backdoor dealings, corrupt deals, extortion, and being a frontline adversary to the Justice League, Lex Luthor is one of the most hated villains in DC Comics.
3 The Joker
A Deranged Killer Clown
- First Appearance: Batman #1
The Joker is a villain who needs no introduction, and has plagued the streets of Gotham City ever since the caped crusader put on the cowl. The Joker sees himself as an accurate picture of society's darker half. As the self-proclaimed clown prince of crime, he has terrorized the citizens of Gotham and buried just as many.
9 Best Horror Stories in DC Comics, Ranked
DC Comics explores horror's darkest corners with stories of psychological terror, supernatural twists, and gripping, unforgettable narratives.
The list of atrocities that the Joker has committed starts with terrorism, kidnapping, the murder of Jason Todd, and the shooting of Barbara Gordon. For these crimes alone, Joker sits among the top of the most despicable individuals in DC Comics.
2 Deathstroke
A Deviant Mercenary With No Remorse
- First Appearance: Teen Titans #2
Deathstroke is a super-soldier who lends his incredible physical and mental skills to the highest bidder, killing across the entire world. Deathstroke is a cold and unfeeling man who does whatever it takes to get the job done and cuts down anyone who gets in his way.
10 Strongest Evil Teams In DC Comics, Ranked
With so many superhero teams out there, it's only fair that the bad guys get to join forces too.
On one occasion, Deathstroke made the Teen Titans the focus of his ire, and manipulated the entire team by using a young girl named Tera as a tool to break the team apart. This event placed Deathstroke in a league of his own when it came to the lines one should never cross.
1 Dr. Light
A Detestable Villain Of The Lowest Kind
- First Appearance: Justice League Of America #12
Dr. Light, also known as Arthur Light, is an infamous villain who has had battles with many members of the Justice League. Having a long and violent history, Arthur Light seemed to take pride in his violent acts and often gloated about his deeds. While commonly a minor criminal that never posed too much of a threat, that changed when Dr Light infiltrated the Justice League watchtower and assaulted Sue Denby, the Elongated Man's wife. This act forever branded the characters as filth, and he was justly punished for it afterward.
10 Strongest DC Heroes Who Have Never Joined The Justice League
These powerful DC heroes make up the strongest who have never been part of the illustrious Justice League.