As cool or interesting as it may be to read about villains, would you want to read a monthly book detailing their evil and wicked ways? Would you feel comfortable rooting for an evil psychotic killer? Is it possible to get too much darkness in a comic?
Become a premium member
Visit the store
- News
- New Comics
- Powers
-
Reviews
- Review
- An all-new story told from the perspective of an Imperial Cadet that might even leave you rooting for Darth Vader.
- Review
- The Voodoo Queen discovers the secrets of her history, the Voodoo Court and more in the latest issue of this Vertigo series.
- Shock to the System, Part Two
- Review
- Get ready for some suspense, heavy duty action and not one, but two crazy twists. This is Captain America on a mission. Brubaker and Zircher are unleashing the Captain America action here.
- Review
- Stryker's Sentinel war against mutants continue but we take a little detour to see what's going on with a couple of other mutants that haven't been seen for some time.
- Podcast
Comic Vine News
Off My Mind: Should Villains Get Their Own Series?
Villains are cool to read about but should the vile evil ones get their own titles?
Everyone likes to read about the bad guys. Often reading about the big honest hero can get repetitive and boring. With villains, you never really know what you'll get. They can approach a certain scenario in different ways. Heros always do the right thing. Villains are less predictable. Should villains get their own monthly ongoing comic series?
As cool or interesting as it may be to read about villains, would you want to read a monthly book detailing their evil and wicked ways? Would you feel comfortable rooting for an evil psychotic killer? Is it possible to get too much darkness in a comic?
As cool or interesting as it may be to read about villains, would you want to read a monthly book detailing their evil and wicked ways? Would you feel comfortable rooting for an evil psychotic killer? Is it possible to get too much darkness in a comic?
Nightshade50on Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:01 a.m.
I would love that, seeing the scenes from the eye of a psychopath. It would be nice to see things in the eye of the Joker.
Dr. Detfinkon Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:07 a.m.
Tomb of Dracula was the BEST title starring a villain because Marv Wolfman knew how to make the supporting characters (Dracula's nemesis') work...
That is crucial when it comes to villains.
That is crucial when it comes to villains.
queenfrost_on Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:08 a.m.
I would love a Joker or Deathstroke mini series :D
And a Lex Luthor one too!
x
And a Lex Luthor one too!
x
caesarsghoston Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:11 a.m.
this discussion reminds me of Dexter- the T.V. show. He is a serial killer and yet you cheer for him, you are with him and like him as a character. But there is the flip side to that "cheering for the psycho" with Dexter- he only kills the people he believe deserve it.
So in that sense, it would be difficult to read a regular series from the Joker's perspective- you don't have that "I am actually doing this for GOOD reasons" with a character like that. Or you change the character (as G Man wisely pointed out with Venom) and that change is not welcome and destroys the villain.
So pretty much you would need to do a regular series with a villain that already had some 'good' in them. Shade, perhaps?
They Killed Cap!on Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:15 a.m.
Joker is one of the best villians all time...Carnage is great as well.
As far as wanting to see a true blue villian in his own annual, I think it totally depends on the charecter. Some charecters are better suited for it. I think a Joker annual or Carnage annual would be great for like 6 to 12 issues and then fall off. Norman osbourne was good because there was soooo many different elements and it didn't totally rely on his charecter to carry it through. I would be open for it and excited to see it but I don't think it would last.
Im very excited for this new Carnage run.
As far as wanting to see a true blue villian in his own annual, I think it totally depends on the charecter. Some charecters are better suited for it. I think a Joker annual or Carnage annual would be great for like 6 to 12 issues and then fall off. Norman osbourne was good because there was soooo many different elements and it didn't totally rely on his charecter to carry it through. I would be open for it and excited to see it but I don't think it would last.
Im very excited for this new Carnage run.
EnSabahNurXon Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:17 a.m.
I would love to see villains get their own titles, it's interesting to tell their side of the story like jason todd(under the red hood version), the joker would be an interesting story(more of a mini series), the list could go on.
Sometimes you just want to root for a villain to win XD
Sometimes you just want to root for a villain to win XD
"I want to eat your brain" Did Venom actually say that in a comic? Good job on this "off my mind". Must take serious thought to think these up everyday.
difficluson Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:20 a.m.
No thanks, who wants to see villains raping women, killing kids and stuff in comicbook?
People like hm...Magneto, Bane, Mystique and juggernaut in the old days could probably carry their own series.
People like hm...Magneto, Bane, Mystique and juggernaut in the old days could probably carry their own series.
punkeliason Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:21 a.m.
I would love to read a Joker's series. It might be pretty interesting read about an unpredictable character as the Joker.
Nightshade50on Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:22 a.m.
@caesarsghost said:
Maybe So, but the Joker would open up for good twists to the series because of his unpredictability and we can get into his psychology more. The joker isn't the only candidate, but i see your point, Some other villains might make for better stories." this discussion reminds me of Dexter- the T.V. show. He is a serial killer and yet you cheer for him, you are with him and like him as a character. But there is the flip side to that "cheering for the psycho" with Dexter- he only kills the people he believe deserve it. So in that sense, it would be difficult to read a regular series from the Joker's perspective- you don't have that "I am actually doing this for GOOD reasons" with a character like that.
Agreed. That is why only the best authors that portray that villain should make the series, not just get a unknown or minor.Or you change the character (as G Man wisely pointed out with Venom) and that change is not welcome and destroys the villain.
Usually the problem with putting the spotlight on a villain is that the reader begins to empathise with them. Once you start to feel that you have common ground & associate with someone, they go from being a villain & become a misunderstood good guy. Just look at Venom.
It's a little different with someone like Osborn or the Joker. Their psychological mania is difficult to associate with. But they have been key characters in so many big stories. Does it make someone blood thirsty to see more stories that focus on these guys? After all, there's nothing but murder & mayhem that follows in their wake. But in the hands of a good writer, it could lead to a gritty psychological thriller.
But personally... I prefer to read about the heroes defeating the villains :)
It's a little different with someone like Osborn or the Joker. Their psychological mania is difficult to associate with. But they have been key characters in so many big stories. Does it make someone blood thirsty to see more stories that focus on these guys? After all, there's nothing but murder & mayhem that follows in their wake. But in the hands of a good writer, it could lead to a gritty psychological thriller.
But personally... I prefer to read about the heroes defeating the villains :)
username4321on Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:22 a.m.
Yes.
Villan owned titles are the bee's knees man. Ostrander's Suicide Squad was one of the best series of the 80's. Secret Six has been at the top of my read pile for over 2 years and Lex's story in Action Comics has me biting every month. A resounding YES from me!
dondaschon Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:31 a.m.
This has been done in part already with the Knightfall series, which focused on Bane. That was very well done, and I have no doubt that others could be done similarly. Perhaps not an ongoing series, but maybe a 5-10 story arc
lastdrag0n89on Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:37 a.m.
I for one think that its a great idea. I can see them more as mini series but i dont want to see stories rehashed in the villains eyes. I would want a new story focusing on the villain.
AmazingSpiderMikeon Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:38 a.m.
You know I was thinking about his as I have been developing my own comic book series. What exactly happens when the villains aren't causing chaos because it seems that when Spider-man is fighting Venom or the Green Goblin, what are the other villains doing? Are they scheming or just making a bowl full of Jiffy pop and watching The View?
NXHon Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:46 a.m.
@queenfrost_:
Yeah. There is a lex luthor comic. Its called action comics.
Yeah. There is a lex luthor comic. Its called action comics.
Punishmenton Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:49 a.m.
that dark wolverine books was really good. and he ws evil yo
Grouchy224on Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:54 a.m.
@difficlus: I'd like to see that.
DEGRAAFon Oct. 25, 2010 at 6:56 a.m.
Lex Luthor has his own series in Action comics right now. I think its possible to do but the character has to be complex. they cant jsut be a serial killer and thats it. I think an on going would work better for the Joker, Penguin, or Two-Face, along with Lex's already on going. With the gotham villains named, They could follow the manipulations of near by gangs, mobs, and mafia's. As well as plans to take on heroes other tan there main hero. I think its a great idea when writers pit villains against heroes other than their usual one(s)
Dig Deeper into Darkseid
Worshipped as the "God of Evil", Darkseid is the supreme monarch of planet Apokolips. Considered one of Superman's greatest adversaries and the greatest threat to the DC Universe, he seeks to control all living things with the Anti-Life Equation.
- Edit/View the Wiki
- Hit the Forums (62 Posts)
-
Add/View Images
(445 Images)
-
Watch Some Videos
(5 Videos)
Popular News
|
First Impression: BEFORE WATCHMEN Limited Series
We visited the DC Entertainment office to get an early look at all 7 BEFORE WATCHMEN limited series. That's right, we've read all the #1s (and some of the #2s)! |
|
|
Comic Book Wallpapers for the New iPad
Finding the best wallpapers isn't easy. Here's a bunch and what you need to know to make your own. |
|
|
Off My Mind: Will the DC Universe Be Rebooted Again After Flashpoint?
Is it really that crazy of an idea? |
|
|
Off My Mind: Defeating Teen Heroes Through Their Hormones
Why isn't this 'weakness' exploited more often? |
|
|
Off My Mind: Should Mary Jane Gain Superpowers?
Having powers could help them stay together. |
|
|
San Diego Comic-Con 2011 Cosplay Gallery
The official Comic Vine cosplay gallery, with 1100+ cosplay photos from San Diego Comic-Con 2011. Enjoy. |
|
|
Off My Mind: Should Superheroes Keep Trophy Rooms?
It's cool to keep villains' memorabilia but how safe is it? |
|
|
Off My Mind: What if the Punisher Shot an Innocent?
It's his job to punish the guilty but what if he became guilty himself? |
|
|
Marvel Announces Landmark X-Men Marriage [Spoilers]
The wedding you never thought you'd see is finally here. |
|
|
First Look At Marvel's CAPTAIN MARVEL #1
Get a peak at Ms. Marvel as the new Captain Marvel in this four-page preview of the upcoming series. |
|
|
10 Comics to Buy This Week: 5/23/2012
Our recommendations for this week in comics. |
|
|
Best Comic Book Covers of the Week: 5/18/12
This week Spidey, FABLES, and CONAN THE BARBARIAN make our list; what's on yours? |
|
|
'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' Pushed Back to March 2013 to Add 3D
Looks like COBRA will have a longer period to plan their attack against the Joes. |
|
|
Even More 'The Dark Knight Rises' Movie Posters
If the reveal of yesterday's latest Batman movie poster wasn't enough, here are six more for you to feast your eyes on. |
|
|
Genesis: Mutantkind's Next Great Savior, Or The Next Apocalypse?
Is the future of Genesis' character predetermined, or is there a chance he won't eventually become Apocalypse? |
|
|
First Look at AMC's 'The Walking Dead' Season 3
The next season is said to be "harder, darker, faster, deeper." |
|
|
Marvel Announces Landmark X-Men Marriage [Spoilers]
The wedding you never thought you'd see is finally here. |
|
|
First Look At Marvel's CAPTAIN MARVEL #1
Get a peak at Ms. Marvel as the new Captain Marvel in this four-page preview of the upcoming series. |
|
|
Genesis: Mutantkind's Next Great Savior, Or The Next Apocalypse?
Is the future of Genesis' character predetermined, or is there a chance he won't eventually become Apocalypse? |
|
|
Even More 'The Dark Knight Rises' Movie Posters
If the reveal of yesterday's latest Batman movie poster wasn't enough, here are six more for you to feast your eyes on. |
|
|
'G.I. Joe: Retaliation' Pushed Back to March 2013 to Add 3D
Looks like COBRA will have a longer period to plan their attack against the Joes. |
|
|
Are Videogame-Based Comics Worth Reading?
It's a GameSpot-Comic Vine team-up as we get gamers and comic fans to assess titles based on Mass Effect, Gears of War, God of War, Halo, and the NES-era Nintendo lineup. |
|
|
Awesome Art Picks: Avengers, Thanos, Hawkeye & More
The coolest comic art you won't see in comic books. |
|
|
Off My Mind: Why Batman Incorporated is a Good Idea
Batman taking his war to a global level has been questioned by readers but there are reasons why it has become necessary. |
|
Recent Reviews
- Review
- An all-new story told from the perspective of an Imperial Cadet that might even leave you rooting for Darth Vader.
- Review
- The Voodoo Queen discovers the secrets of her history, the Voodoo Court and more in the latest issue of this Vertigo series.
- Shock to the System, Part Two
- Review
- Get ready for some suspense, heavy duty action and not one, but two crazy twists. This is Captain America on a mission. Brubaker and Zircher are unleashing the Captain America action here.
- Review
- Stryker's Sentinel war against mutants continue but we take a little detour to see what's going on with a couple of other mutants that haven't been seen for some time.
