8 Iconic Marvel and DC Heroes Who Started Out as Villains

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Some of the best heroes from Marvel and DC Comics were once villains. One of the most popular tropes in modern storytelling is the concept of the redemption arc, focusing on a character who embarks on a journey to atone for their past sins until they redeem themselves in the eyes of the rest of the cast and, by proxy, readers.

This storytelling device is most prominent in TV shows, movies, and especially comics. Marvel has some of the greatest redemption arcs, but that doesn’t mean that DC Comics doesn’t dabble in redemption arcs as well. When the redemption is for a character who has done some dastardly unforgivable deeds, the arc sparks controversy. That being said, if done right, a redemption arc can add a new, long-lasting hero to the company’s roster that fans willingly want to cheer on in spite of their past crimes. Here are some of the most notable examples.

8

DC Comics Has Officially Settled the Catwoman Debate

The Petty Thief is Unquestionably a Hero Now

For many, Catwoman is the definition of a femme fatale. Her on-panel debut quickly established Selina Kyle as an expert criminal thief, but also her complicated love affair with The Caped Crusader. Her complex relationship with Batman has endeared Selina to try harder to transition from a member of his reogue’s gallery to a member of his Bat-Family.

As time passed, Catwoman stopped wanting to be a hero strictly to satisfy Batman and more for herself. She genuinely wanted to change her ways, especially when she briefly developed resurrection powers in Tini Howard’s “Nine Lives” arc for Catwoman. She jumps at the chance to use her new abilities to help the world on a grander scale, and her attempt earns a co-sign from Superman. This arc forever shaped Catwoman into a full-blown hero.

7

Namor’s Hero-to-Villain Alignment Was Always Complicated

Jason Aaron Helped Totally Rebrand Namor as a Hero

When he first debuted for Marvel, Namor the Submariner was never an outright villain. His position wasn’t villainous nor heroic, as his self-interests lied within what he wanted for himself and his fellow Atlanteans. His initial interactions with The Fantastic Four were certainly complex, especially through Namor’s attractions to The Invisible Woman, but he was more of an antagonist than completely evil.

Because of his murky alignments, Namor’s worst deeds would read as even more questionable. He was just as likely to flood Wakanda or make deals with Doctor Doom as he was to team-up with Captain America and The Avengers. In more recent memory, though, thanks largely to 2024’s Jason Aaron run of Namor, the character has refreshingly been made more vulnerable and righteous than ever before without betraying what came before, permanently labeling Namor as a hero.

6

Red Hood’s Intentions are Good, Even When He Does Bad

From Vengeful Villain to Anti-Hero

Before being blown to smithereens in a shocking death, readers never loved Jason Todd’s time as the Boy Wonder, hence why so many voted for the second Robin to be killed off in time for “Death in the Family.” Most fans would turn a corner when he resurfaced decades later as the Red Hood.

In returning for “Under the Hood” and confronting Bruce for not avenging him, readers didn’t see the same annoying kid who couldn’t get his act together. They saw a little boy who was hurt that his father didn’t show his love and affection for him in a way he was hoping. Like any child in a similar scenario, Red Hood acts out, doing so by killing and using guns. His initial return was unbecoming of a hero, but Jason actively has taken steps to try to change and make amends with Batman.

5

Emma Frost is a Surprising Reflection of Hero Growth

The White Queen Follows Xavier’s Dream Better Than Most

Emma Frost’s roots were firmly in villainy directly opposing the X-Men alongside the Hellfire Club as the White Queen. Even as she eventually eased her way into the X-Men, audiences were split on Frost when she emerged as the other woman in a cheating scandal between Jean Grey and Cyclops.

A lot has changed since then, and the reason why her hero turn has been so successful is that, through the good and bad, Emma Frost has always been unabashedly genuine. As a villain, she swore unquestionable allegiance and loyalty to her peers, and as an X-Man, she unequivocally believes in Xavier’s dream and mission. In being humbled and honest, Emma Frost has won X-Men fans over, and it’s led to Marvel fulfilling her journey from villain to hero.

4

Black Adam Proves He’s More Than His Past

He’s Quickly Earned the Respect of the Justice League

This is one of the more recent villain-to-hero turns, as Black Adam’s switch largely emerged once Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson tried to bring the character to the big screen. As such, Black Adam started to become included in the Justice League and the former Shazam villain even received a sign of approval from Superman.

Superman is the original patriarch and flagbearer of DC Comics, so for him to show a sign of respect to anyone is a big deal, especially someone with the pedigree of Black Adam. Regardless of how he’s become featured as more of a protagonist in recent stories, the DC Universe has come to accept Black Adam, and in Superman’s eyes, he has hero potential. As long as Black Adam continues to walk down a righteous road, the sky is the limit.

3

Venom’s Heroism Overshadows His Villain Run

From Lethal Villain to Lethal Protector

Venom originally emerged as a dark reflection of Spider-Man, wearing his symbiote like a shadow. Like his evil opposite, Venom tormented Peter Parker and his loved ones, but his chaotic nature won over fans who loved his shenanigans. Marvel took notice and decided to give his fans a reason to cheer Venom.

The 1993 Venom: Lethal Protector series was stage one of Marvel completing the symbiote and Eddie Brock’s hero turn, proving to be a rousing success. In the time since, Eddie Brock has worked effortlessly to correct his wrongs, while the symbiote itself has been attached to several hero hosts over the years. Ironically, Venom has proven to be just as much of a consistent and reliable hero as Spider-Man. Venom has long left his pursuit of evil behind.

2

Harley Quinn Has Reclaimed Her Identity in More Ways Than One

She’s More Than a Sidekick and More Than a Villain

Harley Quinn was often treated as a joke without a punchline when she dated Joker, with the Clown Prince usually delivering the joke at her expense. The doctor carried a passionate love for Mista J, only for him to use her as a prop whenever the comedian needed one, or when he wanted a punching bag.

Eventually, Harley departed from The Joker’s side. In searching for her own identity, she’s found a new life for herself as a hero. Compared to most redeemed villains, Harley has a tougher time trying to garner forgiveness for the crimes she committed in Joker’s honor. The Justice League still don’t trust Harley. Fans, though, have come to admire Harley for being so willing to change in spite of others not seeing the same genuine attempt at redemption, and for overcoming an abusive relationship.

1

Rogue Has Grown into an X-Men Leader

She Debuted Working Under Magneto’s Wing

When Rogue made her Marvel debut as a member of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and drained Steve Rogers of his lifeforce, no one would have expected her to evolve into a bonafide X-Men leader. In-universe, from the moment she first arrived at Professor X’s doorstep, she worked hard to gain everyone’s trust and find a new path.

She’s succeeded to the point that some people, both in the Marvel Universe and the readership, sometimes forget that she was ever even a villain. Today, she’s enjoying a run as the Uncanny X-Men’s leader and a happy marriage to Gambit. She’s become as iconic as Spider-Man with how she connects with audiences. For all intents and purposes, Rogue might have the most successful villain-to-hero turn in either Marvel or DC Comics.

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