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Best DC Comics Villains Who Are Middle-Aged

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1 month ago

October 20, 2024

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Some DC villains won’t let their age slow them down, and in some cases, it makes them further experienced when it comes to providing some of the best DC Comics characters with the utmost cruelty. Those DC Comics villains in their middle ages still exhibit traits of a youthful nemesis, determined to cut down heroes or use them for personal gain.

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One of the most beloved aspects of DC Comics is their range of villains, and not all of them come from Batman’s Rogues Gallery alone. Some of the best DC villains are well into their 40s and 60s, and some may even use the Lazarus Pit to remain forever in that state.

6 Black Manta

Aquaman’s Harshest Foe, Also in His 40s

First Appearance: Aquaman #35 (September, 1967)
Created by: Bob Haney, Nick Cardy

David Hyde became the Black Manta after witnessing his father’s murder at the hands of Atlanteans. Experimented on and treated as insane for what he saw, Hyde’s bitterness would shape him into becoming the Black Manta, a supervillain with one purpose in mind: to bring Atlantis to its knees. Black Manta is easily Aquaman’s biggest hater and has been that way for decades.

With Aquaman being in his early 40s, it makes sense that his nemesis is also in his 40s. Black Manta’s history is entwined with Aquaman, and whether that’s due to the birth of his own son, or the murder of Aquaman’s, he’s a character that will always prioritize his evil doings over how old he is.

5 General Zod

The Kryptonian Loyalist Who Must Be Around 50 Thanks to the Phantom Zone

First Appearance: Adventure Comics #283 (April, 1961)
Created by: Robert Bernstein, George Papp

As a Kryptonian, Zod’s age is a little elusive, as he could be anywhere between his late 30s to his early 70s due to the time slippage of the Phantom Zone and the destruction of Krypton. What is known, is that General Zod is far older and experienced than Superman, and this evil Kryptonian is a damnable conquerer hellbent on Superman’s end.

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A ruler of humanity and a destructive loyalist of Krypton, General Zod’s age will always be an enigma due to the amount of time he spends in and out of the Phantom Zone. While he may be over 7 decades old, his actual time aging, with his Kryptonian biology, might place him at the peak of health.

4 Ra’s Al Ghul

The Body of a 40-Year-Old and the Mind of a Hundred-Year-Old

First Appearance: Batman #232 (June, 1971)
Created by: Dennis O’Neil, Neal Adams

Ra’s Al Ghul isn’t exactly in his middle ages, considering he’s a couple of centuries old. However, thanks to the reinvigorating waters of the Lazarus Pits, Ra’s Al Ghul is constantly able to resurrect himself and cheat death to provide himself with youth, at the cost of his dwindling sanity. Ra’s Al Ghul may be centuries old, but his health will always place him in the peak of his late 60s or even younger.

Ra’s Al Ghul’s addiction to the Lazarus Pit is dangerous for both his mental state and his repairing body, but it’s clear that he won’t be stopped. As a member of Batman’s Rogues Gallery, Ra’s Al Ghul has spent centuries trying to erase crime through any means, and he will spend centuries more.

3 Deathstroke

The Assassin and Terminator is Well Into His 50s

First Appearance: Teen Titans #2 (December, 1980)
Created by: George Perez, Marv Wolfman

One of the most infamous assassins on the market, Deathstroke is an absolute vile terminator who was once part of the army’s employ. With an enhanced mental capacity and physical strength, Slade Wilson’s time as Deathstroke would be one of violence and fear, and even into his 50s, Deathstroke shows no signs of slowing down against the Teen Titans and other Justice League heroes.

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Deathstroke is prolific among fans as being one of the more versatile villains that have seen his fair share of fighting with so many different heroes, and his age is no secret. While his age has been a problematic entry into his relationship with Terra, it’s also been used to highlight how efficient he is at combat.

2 Amanda Waller

The Loyal Black Ops Agent of the U.S. Government is in Her Late 40s

First Appearance: Legends #1 (November, 1986)
Created by: John Ostrander, John Byrne, Len Wein

Amanda Waller has an elusive career in America’s political and black ops spectrum, and her start began alongside Slade Wilson in Team 7. Amanda Waller’s bitterness only grows with age and experience, and it seems in her late 40s, she holds nothing but resentment towards DC heroes and villains alike and seeks to use them all for the gains of her government.

Famed for leading Task Force X, Waller will use anyone and anything to further her gains and that of the U.S. government. She’s loyal to her flag and only that and holds no feelings for anyone under her employment, whether willing or otherwise. Her attempts to sabotage and control the Justice League many times over have showcased her ruthless nature in a world of politics.

1 Lex Luthor

The Spiteful and Egotistical Nemesis of Superman is in His 40s

First Appearance: Action Comics #23 (April, 1940)
Created by: Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster

Few villains are as intelligent, egotistical, hateful, and bald, as Lex Luthor. Luthor has spared no expense or brain cell in defeating his nemesis, Superman, to no avail. Founding LexCorp and building his control over Metropolis, Luthor would resent everything about Superman and his natural gifts. No matter how far Luthor comes in business or politics, his hate for Superman will always be his central stage.

It makes sense for Lex to be somewhat older than Superman. After all, he is a man whose history is rooted in riches and self-made finance, as well as at one time being the President of the United States. Yet, his perseverance only aids his hatred of Superman, who he will forever see as an alien.

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