Are Superman or Batman Villains More Dangerous?

Think DC Comics superheroes, and the first two to come to mind are probably Batman and Superman. For years, both superheroes have consistently been compared to one another, and DC themselves occasionally pair the two up in comic books.

However, if there’s one thing we often don’t talk about are the villains in both characters’ realms. This infographic on Batman’s villains highlights some of the caped crusader’s biggest nemeses, but what about Superman? More importantly, how do Superman’s great foes stack up against the Bat’s?

Below, we look at some of the iconic villains from both superheroes and see which villain is more dangerous.

Mister Mxyzptlk vs. The Joker

Mister Mxyzptlk, also known as Mxy, is a powerful being that shares similarities with the Joker. Both characters are decked out in purple and are tricksters in their own right.

However, unlike the Joker, Mxzyptlk’s abilities allow him to warp reality and teleport anywhere. His weakness? If he’s tricked into saying his name backwards, then Mxzyptlk gets shunted back to his home in the fifth dimension and is unable to return for 90 days.

Did we say tricking? If there’s anyone in the DC Universe who’s a master of manipulation, it’s the Crown Prince of Crime. DC even explored a non-canon story where Joker was able to obtain 99% of Mxzyptlk’s superpowers and destroy the universe with his newfound powers.

Mister Mxyzptlk’s intentions are far less evil than the Joker. History has shown us he’s more interested in playing practical jokes on Superman, whereas the Joker, one only has to look at the Injustice storyline when he tricks Superman into killing his pregnant wife and destroying his beloved Metropolis. There is no line that he won’t cross in the name of chaos.

Given the Joker’s complete lack of morals, deception, and ruthlessness to do whatever it takes, no matter how deadly. These traits arguably are more dangerous than Mxyzptlk’s powers, which are usually benign.

Most dangerous: The Joker

Lex Luthor vs. Bane

Conniving, charming, yet ferocious, both Lex Luthor and Bane have a lot in common.

Luthor has no superpowers. Over time though, his genius intellect (and money) has afforded him some amazing weapons, including a war suit that’s strong enough to withstand energy blasts and durable enough to go toe-to-toe with the Justice League.

Bane, on the other hand, is naturally strong. He does, however, get abnormally strong when he inhales venom, a drug that’s pumped into his veins through his mask. As it turns out, though, the venom can also be Bane’s biggest weakness. An overdose could lead him to lose his mind, and without a regular dose of the serum, he can experience withdrawal symptoms and revert to his normal state.

That being said, we think that in a battle, Luthor would gain the upper hand, whether it be through his mind or combat. Bane’s only chance would be to catch Luthor without his war suit, but you don’t survive multiple battles with the Justice League only to be caught off-guard.

Most dangerous: Lex Luthor

Brainiac vs. Ra’s al Ghul

Brainiac, also known as Vril Dox, is a Superman villain with incredible superhuman abilities. Often depicted as an alien cyborg, Brainiac has super strength, telepathy, and telekinesis alongside other powers. This extraterrestrial being is best known for his ability to shrink various cities — including Kandor, the capital of Superman’s home planet, Krypton — and storing them in bottles.

In general, this intelligent and charismatic character is quite similar to Batman’s Ra’s al Ghul.

While Ra’s al Ghul might not have superpowers per se, he’s incredibly skilled at alchemy and potion-making, making him pretty darn powerful. He’s also the leader of a terrorist group called the League of Assassins.

Despite Ra’s al Ghul’s impressive skill set, cunning mind, and occasional regeneration (thanks to the Lazarus Pit), he’s no match for a being that collects worlds. Brainiac’s mental powers and intellect are too much for Ra’s to even come close.

Most dangerous: Brainiac

Doomsday vs. The Riddler

It’s the classic matchup of brawn versus brains, and we just couldn’t resist pairing these two together.

While Doomsday doesn’t share many similarities to the Riddler, both villains are extremely hard to defeat by their respective heroes and have the potential to wreak havoc. Paul Dano’s interpretation of Riddler in 2022’s “The Batman” is a force to be reckoned with. He can be destructive and difficult to catch. In fact, many critics are now arguing that The Riddler is one of the best villains in the DC Universe.

While The Riddler plots to get inside your head, Doomsday takes a more direct approach and aims to break your head. He’s the product of an experiment that aimed to create the ultimate life-form, ultimately leading to his ability to evolve against what kills him – scary, right? His power is also on the same level as Superman, and he has had many battles with the Justice League.

Sometimes brains beats brawn, but in this case, we can safely say that when Doomsday is on the loose, the whole planet is at risk.

Most dangerous: Doomsday

Metallo vs. Deathstroke

Easily one of the most dangerous of Superman’s enemies, Metallo is a Kryptonite-powered cyborg with incredible abilities. Beyond superhuman strength, speed, and durability, Metallo also has laser vision and a computer brain, which makes him so fascinating.

If squaring off against Deathstroke, we’re certain Metallo would win. Much like Metallo, Deathstroke, too, is blessed with enhanced superhuman abilities. Intelligent, strong, and an expert assassin, Deathstroke’s definitely hard to defeat. However, because Kryptonite powers Metallo, we think he could take Deathstroke out in just a few hits.

Most dangerous: Metallo

So, who’s more dangerous? In our eyes, Superman villains are definitely more powerful; they need the strength and abilities to stand any chance against the Man of Steel, but Batman villains have a certain edge – and it’s that lack of morality that makes them just as dangerous as the rest.