With the creative restructuring happening at Warner Bros. over the last couple of months, many DC fans wait with hopeful optimism on the direction the DCU will be heading. Promising to stay true to the spirit of DC Comics, James Gunn has copious amounts of source material to utilize while crafting the blueprint.
The villains of DC alone are unique enough characters, featuring sufficient range to see screen time in various universes. Indeed, while plying their trade on the side of the vile and infamous, the villains of DC Comics have engaged in some bizarrely wholesome moments over the years, restoring themselves and showing even the blackest hearts capable of bizarrely wholesome moments.
10 Darkseid Working In Tandem With The Justice League To Save Universe
As the God of Evil, Darkseid has long been the ultimate baddie in DC Comics. Forever opposing the side of good, even Darkseid has had bizarre moments of wholesomeness where his goals align with those of his heroic counterparts. The best example is the Cosmic Odyssey miniseries by Starlin and Mignola. Premiering in 1988, this series shows the Great One allying with his sworn enemies: the Justice League and New Genesis.
And although Darkseid, much like his Marvel counterpart Thanos, always has an agenda, he wholeheartedly assists the heroes in their epic battle against the Anti-Life entity, standing beside Superman and High Father in a bizarre yet wholesome moment for Darkseid. Even though his vile agenda spurred him to action, Darkseid's will is absolute; thus, he chose to offer his aid.
9 Bane Shows The Man Behind The Monster
Forever known as the one who broke the Bat, Bane earned his place among the legendary villains of DC. Raised in the tropical hellscape of Santa Prisca, Bane forged himself into a weapon capable of the grandest acts of malice. So naturally, it is peculiar that Bane also had alimentary points in his tenure.
In the Secret Six series, fans witness a bizarrely wholesome Bane demonstrating that even villains can adhere to a warrior's code. Throughout the series, Bane will save the lives of teammates and civilians alike and begin to heal the scars on his soul left by the addictive and caustic Venom serum.
8 Lex Luthor Saves Nightwing's Life
A member of the Injustice League and Secret Society of Super-Villains, Lex Luthor has put the world in peril more times than can be counted. Also, Lex's noted animosity towards Superman and Sagittarian drive to prove himself has brought him into conflict with the heroes of DC. But even a vile intellect such as Luthor's has proven capable of bizarre bouts of wholesomeness.
One striking example of such a moment lies in the 'Forever Evil' storyline, where Lex seemingly kills Nightwing before the Murder Machine detonates. However, after fighting off an understandably perturbed Batman, Lex revives Nightwing, showing his intentions pure and teasing fans with his potential for bizarrely wholesome moments like saving the lives of his compatriots.
7 Riddler Solving Murders, Protecting Innocents
One of Batman's oldest foes, the Riddler, has engaged in many treacherous battles of wit with The Dark Knight since his first appearance in Detective Comics #140. Though often portrayed with various levels of inclinations towards violence, Riddler has shown a redeeming facet of his character too.
Written by Batman aficionado Paul Dini, Detective Comics #822 and 837 show readers an amnesic Riddler who has forgotten his criminal desires, deciding his genius-level intellect is better served to help the GD solve crimes. Working with Batman, Detective Riddler proves vital in unraveling a murder. This productive, albeit short-lived, Riddler gives fans a glimpse of the potential DC villains have when using their talents for good.
6 Black Adam Assures Smiles In Kahndaq
Even with his more recent path reflecting that of an anti-hero, Black Adam has long been a villain in DC Comics. Yielding some genuinely excellent storylines, Adam has locked horns with Shazam, the Justice League, and other heroes. Certainly a stern, no-nonsense character, Black Adam often exudes a measured indifference towards non-Kahndaqi issues.
However, the "A Coal in My Stocking" story tells a healthy tale of Adam counseling a young girl, Antalya, on showing weakness. After telling Adam she misses the holidays spent at an orphanage in New York, specifically Santa Claus, he uses the wisdom of Zehuti and sets out on a noble journey that will leave readers smiling.
5 Harley Quinn, The Transporter
In the "Behind Blue Eyes" story, DC fans are treated to an oddly maternal display by the former doctor Harleen Quinzel. Traditionally more apt to engage in wanton acts of violence with her "Puddin," Harley Quinn has shown reformative traits since ending her relationship with the Joker.
Initially taking a retrieval job for the money, Harley quickly becomes emotionally conflicted after she finds a young girl, Amanda. Nevertheless, Harley proceeds to save Amanda numerous times, risking life and limb, before ultimately making a tough choice to assure her long-term safety in this touching moment.
4 Pied Piper Prompts Creation Of The Barry Allen Fund
A unique, albeit slightly dated, nemesis of the Flash, the Pied Piper used his villainous persona to pilfer the wealthy as a member of the Rogues. Born deaf to affluent parents, Hartley Rathaway would develop a love of sound and music, leading him to adopt his Piper moniker. Yet, even though Piper long inflicted pain on others, age would yield wisdom, tempering his fire.
In The Flash #58, a repentant Piper uses his talents, constructing an elaborate scheme to open Wally West's eyes to the plight of homelessness. Here, fans see a hearty moment where Piper gives voice to the voiceless, spurning profound action in Wally, who establishes the Barry Allen Fund, dedicated to aiding those without.
3 Captain Cold Delivers Central City Miracle
A member of the notorious criminal group the Rogues, Captain Cold has utilized his frigid brand of villainy against his longtime nemesis, the Flash, countless times. As dastardly as he is self-serving, Cold may not be a sociopath, a la the Joker, but he nonetheless constitutes a legitimate threat to the heroes of DC.
But even a villain as roguish as Captain Cold has shown a wholesome moment or two over the years. Indeed, the festive "Christmas: Cold and Fast" tale shows the wonderment that even a villain can bring. In setting aside his moral differences with the Scarlet Speedster, Cold delivers a snowy Christmas miracle to his beloved hometown.
2 Poison Ivy, Protector Of Orphans
Many heroes and villains found themselves in unfamiliar territory during the acclaimed 'No Man's Land' storyline. After natural disasters tore Gotham asunder and the govt isolated it, the city quickly degraded. Yet, while many notable rogues from Batman's gallery doubled up on the debauchery, Poison Ivy showed readers her wholesome side.
After converting Robinson Park into a botanical paradise, the femme fatale of Batman Ivy begins offering orphaned kids refuge as long as they respect the Green. Then, after suffering subjugation at the hands of an empowered Clayface, Ivy helps feed the city and vows to protect the kids in this nutrient-rich moment.
1 Larfleeze Gives The Gift Of Giving
The only living member of the orange Lantern Corps, Larfleeze possesses immense power and represents a sizable threat to any he deems an enemy. Powered by the orange light of avarice, Larfleeze's desire to have everything puts him in conflict with the DC heroes. But even the embodiment of greed can have a healthy and refreshing moment, like in the Green Lantern: Larfleeze Christmas Special #1.
Here, fans witness a jubilant Larfleeze awake on Christmas. Finding no presents under his tree, Larfleeze takes to finding Santa Claus and discovering why Santa forgot him. After encountering Hal Jordan, Larfleeze is shown the true meaning of Christmas, concluding with a touching Christmas list entry in this wholesome DC villain story.