10 Marvel Villains Who Became Heroes (& Why)

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There’s something about a comic book supervillain that feels larger than life. A good villain can make or break a series. When it comes to Marvel Comics, some of the best villains became heroes over time. Their stories changed so organically that readers couldn’t help but love their adventures as they tackled dark pasts and more.

Marvel has converted countless villains into heroes. They come from all across the galaxy, from the X-Men to the Avenger’s villains. Even some of the most iconic heroes of today’s age were once villains, as hard as that may be to believe. One thing is clear – these Marvel characters have led a rich and complex life.

10

Songbird

Melissa Gold Originally Joined Forces With Baron Zemo

First appeared (as Songbird) in Incredible Hulk #449 (1996)

Imprisoned at a young age for robbery

She has been a member of several teams, including Thunderbolts, S.H.I.E.L.D., A.I.M., Ner Avengers, and Masters of Evil

Melissa Gold is one of many characters who had a rough childhood. She eventually fell in line with a criminal who encouraged her to become a wrestler and later brought her into the Grapplers. The Grapplers frequently worked for antagonists such as Roxxon Corp. During this time, she took up the mantle of Screaming Mimi.

Unfortunately, Melissa’s villainous life had only just begun. Zemo recruited her into the Masters of Evil. She was still on the team when they changed their name to the Thunderbolts, a villainous organization masquerading as heroes. She changed her moniker to Songbird during this time. However, this is where her life took a turn. Songbird stayed on the team when the Thunderbolts reformed and began working as actual heroes. She remained on the side of good, even when the Thunderbolts dismantled, and was quick to rejoin the team when it reformed.

9

Swordsman

Jacques “Jack” Duquesne Has Had a Long History in Marvel Comics

First appeared in Avengers #19 (1965)

He had a plan to infiltrate the Avengers to cover his criminal tracks

Mantis helped turn him to the good side

The Swordsman may not be Marvel’s most famous character, but he has a long history in the comics. Jacques Duquesne, aka the Swordsman, originally graced the pages as a villain. He started life as a circus performer before turning to a life of petty crime. It was during his circus days that Jack trained Clint Barton, Hawkeye. However, the mentorship fell apart when Clint caught Jack stealing.

Since then, the Swordsman has had many ups and downs. He infiltrated the Avengers, successfully planted a bomb in their base, and instantly regretted the decision. He later tried to disarm the bomb, only to be caught in the process. Later, the Swordsman joined the Avengers for real, even falling in love with another hero, Mantis. It was during this time that the Swordsman fell in battle. While he was later resurrected, one could argue he was never the same.

8

Emma Frost

Helped Establish the Hellfire Club

First appeared in The Uncanny X-Men #129 (1979)

One of the most powerful psionics in Marvel

AKA Black Queen or White Queen

Emma Frost is another famous Marvel villain who turned to the path of good, though she frequently plays with the line between good and evil. Emma is an Omega-level telepath and one of the founders of the Hellfire Club. During her time with the Hellfire Club, Emma was frequently referred to as the White Queen. The telepath is infamous for her manipulative tendencies.

One thing is certain about Emma Frost: she cares about her fellow mutants. She formed her own mutant-focused school called the Massachusetts Academy. Her life changed forever following the death of several of her students, as she was forced to acknowledge that her students would have been safer in the hands of Charles Xavier. She allied with Xavier and the X-Men, working hard to help protect mutants and use her abilities for good.

7

Deadpool

Wade Wilson Originally Battled Against Cable and the New Mutants

First appeared in New Mutants #98 (1990)

The infamous “Merc with a Mouth”

His transformation occurred at the hands of the Weapon X project

Deadpool is a famous and fan-loved character known for his comic relief and anti-hero tendencies. However, the hero (or anti-hero) didn’t originally start this way. Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, originally appeared as an antagonist to Cable and the New Mutants. He went on to join the X-Force, where he created more problems for mutants and heroes.

Eventually, Deadpool became a mercenary—a fighter for hire. His chaos continued, though this transition let him work for either side of the line. Since this drastic change, Wade has largely been an anti-hero, though he’s confessed aspirations of joining a team like the Avengers. He’s worked with several heroes, including Spider-Man. He successfully joined the Avengers Unity Division in Uncanny Avengers #1 (2015). Most importantly, Wade now protects innocents whenever possible, making him a better person.

6

Black Widow

Natasha Was Originally a Rained Spy and Antagonist

First appeared in Trials of Suspense #52 (1964)

Her full name is Natalia “Natasha” Romanova

Has been involved with Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D., and Secret Avengers

Most fans look to Black Widow and see her as a hero who consistently supports the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. However, Natasha has an exceptionally complicated history in Marvel Comics. The hero initially started as a spy for the KGB. Her spy training involved time in the infamous Red Room, where she went through rigorous testing and even received the Soviets’ version of the Super-Soldier serum. This version is much weaker than the original, but it was enough to increase her strength, stamina, and overall health.

Even in the early days, Natasha was seen resisting her controllers, so she was willing to work with the Avengers and Hawkeye to free her bonds. Black Widow officially became free in The Avengers #30, thanks largely to her determination and passion. Since then, Widow has worked with several teams, though she’s more consistently found among the S.H.I.E.L.D. ranks.

5

Gambit

Remy LeBeau Was Originally a Thief

First appeared in X-Men Annual #14 (1990)

Raised as a member of the Thieves Guild of New Orleans

He is in a relationship with Rogue

Remy LeBeau, aka Gambit, was raised by a Thieves Guild, providing him with all the training necessary to live a life of crime. This eventually led to him working for villains like Mister Sinister. This resulted in Remy working on the wrong side during horrible events, including the Morlock Massacre. The good news is that while Gambit started as a villain, he didn’t stay that way for long. All it took was one solid friendship among the X-Men to turn this man into a hero.

After deciding to change his ways and right the wrongs of his past, Gambit joined the X-Men. While some heroes, like Storm, supported this change quickly, many didn’t want to trust the newest addition. It didn’t help that Gambit didn’t always agree with how the X-Men ran things. Over the years, Remy has softened and changed. He’s still comfortable being on his own, but he’d much rather spend his time with his love, Rogue.

4

Scarlet Witch

Wanda Maximoff Was Originally Part of Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants

First appeared in X-Men #4 (1964)

She was once married to Vision

Has been a member of the Avengers, Avengers West Coast, and Brotherhood of Mutants

Wanda and her brother Pietro originally appeared in Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants. However, it’s worth noting that the two were less enthusiastic about their organization’s actions, as was made clear when they jumped ship together. During this time, the twins believed they were mutants, explaining their alliance with the team. However, when Magneto casually threatened her brother’s life, Wanda’s allegiance was completely severed.

After leaving the Brotherhood, both siblings join the Avengers. The Scarlet Witch would continue her tenure with the Avengers for much longer than her brother. Even when Wanda is not an active member of the Avengers, she can be seen doing her part to stop evil. While there’s no denying that Wanda has made plenty of mistakes over the years, it’s clear that her heart is usually in the right place.

3

Magneto

A Character Driven to Protect Mutant-Kind, No Matter the Price

First appeared in X-Men #1 (1963)

His real name is Max Eisenhardt

AKA Magnus, Master of Magnetism, and Lord of the Electromagnetic Fire

Magneto is a powerful mutant famous for his ability to manipulate and control anything magnetic, hence the name. While many of Magento’s actions have labeled him a villain, the simple truth is that Magneto has always wanted the best for mutant-kind. The problem is that he has always believed that the safety of mutants would come with a heavy price, one that he was more than willing to pay.

That isn’t to say that he hasn’t done horrible things, both to humans and mutants. Magneto infamously killed Kitty Pryde during Uncanny X-Men #150, making him a clear villain at the time. More recently, he has been working hard to find a better balance for mutants. He worked alongside Xavier to protect Krakoa and during the events of “From the Ashes,” Magneto can be seen trying to keep the X-Men together.

2

Rogue

Anna Marie First Appeared Among the Brotherhood of Mutants

Rogue Famously Took the Power and Memories of Carol Danvers

Has been a member of the X-Men, Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Advocates Squad, and more

In a relationship with Gambit

Rogue is an exceptionally popular member of the X-Men team, but she hasn’t always been on their side. In truth, Rogue started as a villain. She was part of the Brotherhood of Mutants and even fought iconic heroes such as Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel (Ms. Marvel at the time). This fight was deeply traumatic for Carol, as Rogue took her abilities and memories. It was a low point in Rogue’s life, marking her as a clear villain.

After taking Captain Marvel’s powers and memories, Rogue quickly found it too much. With no other options, she turned to Xavier for guidance. This put Rogue in the position to join the X-Men and, with them, the side of good. Becoming a hero was far from easy for Rogue, but she has since worked hard to make things right. She and Captain Marvel even hashed out their past in Captain Marvel Vol. 1: Re-Entry.

1

Winter Soldier

Bucky’s Return Put Him Under Control of an Antagonist

First appearance (as Winter Soldier) in Captain America #1 (2004)

Full name is James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes

He was originally Captain America’s sidekick

The Winter Soldier had one of the most iconic storylines—and reveals—in Marvel history. Bucky Barnes first appeared as Captain America’s sidekick, though he fell in battle. Then, a new villain, the Winter Soldier, entered the scene. The Winter Soldier worked for the Soviets, committing some of the worst assassinations known to Marvel history. Bucky spent decades trapped under the mantle of the Winter Soldier before eventually gaining his memories.

Alongside Bucky’s memories came a semblance of control. While he often continues to work under the title of the Winter Soldier, Bucky has largely been free of the Soviet’s control since this reveal. This freedom was hard won, both in the comics and the MCU.Following his freedom, Bucky spent a stint carrying the mantle of Captain America. His story is still one of the more compelling ones available.

“}]] Marvel Comics has created hundreds of iconic characters; some of the most memorable ones started as villains before eventually becoming heroes.  Read More