DC's Ultimate Female Villains: Unveiling the 20 Most Iconic Characters in Comics

Highlights

The DC Universe is filled with iconic female villains who deserve recognition for their feats and legacy.

Characters such as Rose Wilson, Queen Bee, and Blackfire demonstrate their abilities and sow chaos among renowned DC heroes.

These female antagonists possess expertise, bravery, and a distinctive outlook, bringing a fresh perspective to the realm of villainy. They prove to be formidable adversaries for both heroes and villains.

"The hammer of justice knows no gender." This profound statement stems from the legendary Batman and holds true within the vast world of the DC Universe. In every multiverse and around every corner, villainy lurks, unaffected by gender. Within the realm of DC Comics, there exists a remarkable array of female villains who have earned rightful recognition and admiration. Their imprints upon the comic pages are infamous, as they test the mettle of renowned DC heroes. To become an iconic female villain requires both experience and courage, and these characters stand tall as the epitome of excellence, showcasing their remarkable abilities and leaving an indelible legacy that only grows stronger with each passing year in the realm of comics.

Updated by Ben Painter September 29, 2023: When it comes to DC Comics, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman often face threats such as Doomsday, the Joker, and Lex Luthor. While these male characters are the main focus, it's important to acknowledge and appreciate the powerful female characters in DC's lineup. The film Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) demonstrated the excitement and success of girl-powered adventures, highlighting the need to give spotlight to more characters on this list. This updated list proudly introduces three new iconic villains from the world of DC Comics.

20 Rose Wilson

First Appearance:

Deathstroke

#15 (October 1992)

Rose Wilson, the daughter of Deathstroke, carries the weight of her infamous lineage. However, she defies expectations by straddling the delicate line between good and evil. Surprisingly, she even aligns herself with the Teen Titans, the very team her father has relentlessly attempted to dismantle.

Often referred to as Ravager, Rose has garnered attention both in the television series Titans and for her impressive array of skills. Notably, she possesses the remarkable ability to replicate any object or technique after witnessing it just once. Coupled with her heightened speed, strength, and agility, she emerges as a formidable adversary to both heroes and villains alike.

19 Queen Bee

First Appearance:

Justice League of America

Zazzala, hailing from the hive-world of Korll, is a notorious antagonist known for her frequent clashes with the Justice League. Throughout the years, she has consistently devised schemes aimed at propelling her species' interstellar dominance.

18 Blackfire

With an impressive arsenal of powers including the control over bees, the ability to fly, and the use of hypno pollen (which grants her the power to manipulate anyone to obey her every command), Queen Bee emerges as a formidable adversary and truly warrants the title of the main antagonist in a blockbuster movie. Although Queen Bee has made appearances in Young Justice, Justice League Unlimited, and Smallville, her roles were rather minor in these productions.

First Appearance:

The New Teen Titans

#22 (August 1982)

Starfire, like many comic characters, also has an evil sibling. In her case, it is her big sister Blackfire, who represents the complete opposite of Starfire.

Similar to Starfire from the Teen Titans, Blackfire comes from Tamaran. Unfortunately, on the day she was born, the Citadel Empire launched an attack on the Tamaranean city of Kyssar, resulting in the loss of over 3,000 lives. Despite being just a newborn, she was unjustly blamed for this devastating attack and consequently had her birthright as the ruler of Tamaran taken away from her. This traumatic experience fueled her hatred towards her people and her sister, who was granted the title instead.

17 Talia Al Ghul

First Appearance:

Detective Comics

#411 (May 1971)

Talia al Ghul proves to be a formidable foe for Batman, posing a true challenge. As the daughter of Ra's al Ghul, the leader of the secretive organization known as the Demon and a user of the Lazarus Pit, Talia not only inherits his immense wealth but also his exceptional talents, extensive combat expertise, twisted moral compass, and much more. With her formidable fighting skills and an intense affection for Batman, she establishes herself as a formidable and complex adversary.

16 Martha Wayne

Talia al Ghul's captivating villainy stems from her unwavering loyalty and deep-rooted animosity towards her father. Moreover, her status as the mother of Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne's progeny, solidifies her integral role in the Wayne bloodline. As the successor to both Batman's legacy and the Demon's dominion, Damian's existence further bolsters Talia's sinister presence.

First Appearance:

Flashpoint

Vol 2 #1

In July 2011, an intriguing twist occurs when The Flash alters the timeline in Flashpoint, transforming Martha Wayne into The Joker. The consequences lead to the emergence of an unforgettable antagonist. Martha's transformation into the Joker carries a profound tragedy, as she assumes this new identity after witnessing the heartbreaking murder of her son, Bruce Wayne, at the hands of Joe Chill.

Martha Wayne went beyond mere imitation and took on the persona of the Joker by permanently etching a smile onto her face, cutting into her cheeks. As the Joker, she became the ultimate adversary of her husband, Thomas Wayne, who transformed into Batman. This unique portrayal offers a fascinating glimpse into the alternate timeline of Flashpoint and presents a refreshing twist on the iconic Joker/Batman mythos.

15 Circe

First Appearance:

Wonder Woman

#37 (September/October 1949)

Wonder Woman and the Amazons face a daunting challenge due to the immense hatred and wickedness of Circe. Circe is an immortal being who has dedicated centuries to perfecting her magical abilities. Unleashed, Circe wastes no time in converting unsuspecting individuals into hybrid creatures known as the Ani-Men, thus assembling an army of humanoid animals.

Wonder Woman's love and compassion lead her to believe that there is potential for Circe's redemption, making it a difficult task to handle her villainy without resorting to killing. Although cracks in Circe's villainous facade have appeared, the day when Diana sees her transform and change her ways has not yet arrived.

14 Enchantress

First Appearance:

Strange Adventures

#187 (April 1966)

Enchantress, a formidable magic wielder in DC Comics, redefines the perception of magic users by instilling a deep fear. What sets her apart is her immortality and her exploitation of June Moone, an unsuspecting woman, to serve as a vessel for her immense power.

13 Amanda Waller

June Moone, the charming host, transforms into Enchantress, a powerful entity capable of wreaking havoc. If unleashed from her confinement, Earth will undoubtedly bear the cost in bloodshed. Renowned for her formidable skills, Enchantress has engaged in numerous battles and gained considerable fame while operating alongside the notorious Suicide Squad.

First Appearance:

Legends

#1 (November 1986)

In the realm of female DC villains, Amanda Waller stands out for her immense power and unwavering determination. While her strength does not reside in physical abilities, certain versions of her character possess formidable combat skills. Amanda Waller possesses unmatched government authority.

Despite not fitting the mold of a typical villain, Waller's moral compass treads in shades of gray, enough to classify her as such. Indifferent to the lives of her agents, they are mere assets to her cause. Her meticulous nature is demonstrated by her willingness to collaborate and strike plea deals even with known villains.

12 Livewire

First Appearance:

Superman: The Animated Series

"Livewire"

The power of electricity has always held a special place in the world of superheroes. However, Livewire stands out as a rare character who harnesses this power for villainous purposes. In the clash between good and evil, Livewire emerges as a formidable adversary, specifically targeting Superman. Underneath her alter ego as Leslie Willis, Livewire possesses an electrifying potential that makes her a force to be reckoned with.

11 Punchline

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Livewire possesses remarkable Electrokinesis abilities, granting her immense potential as a formidable villain. Her villainous attire exudes an electrifying rebelliousness, perfectly capturing her essence. Additionally, Livewire's ability to absorb energy presents a significant threat, particularly in a society heavily reliant on electricity.

First Appearance:

Batman

(vol. 3) #89 (April 2020)

With just two years under its belt, Punchline is rapidly emerging as an iconic antagonist not only in Gotham City but also in the DC universe. Alexis Kaye, the enigmatic individual behind Punchline, has been a subject of exploration, and her ongoing presence poses a significant threat to the Bat Family in Gotham. Through her adept manipulation of the public and her razor-sharp intellect, Kaye continues to wreak havoc, establishing herself as a formidable force. Following Harley Quinn's liberation from the destructive partnership with Gotham's infamous villain, The Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime embarked on a solo crusade against Batman. However, this changed when Punchline, an intelligent and obsessive individual, emerged as The Joker's new right-hand, forming a chilling alliance that would plunge Gotham into unprecedented chaos.

10 Cheetah

First Appearance:

Wonder Woman

In (vol. 2) #7 (August 1987), Dr. Barbara Minerva, a British archaeologist, becomes an iconic villain as she battles Wonder Woman and survives to recount the tale. Empowered by the plant god Urzkartaga, she is transformed into a cannibalistic cheetah woman, possessing extraordinary speed, strength, and a ferocious appetite for Wonder Woman's demise. This makes Cheetah a formidable menace within the DC Universe.

Cheetah possesses remarkable intelligence, complementing her formidable abilities such as strength and endurance. Nevertheless, being a Cheetah entails certain drawbacks, such as the inconvenience of dealing with furballs when she engages in grooming activities.

9 Granny Goodness

First Appearance:

Mister Miracle

#2 (May 1971)

Throughout the years, the DC Universe has encountered numerous formidable adversaries, yet none have achieved the same level of notoriety as Darkseid. Among those who willingly serve him and his formidable army, Granny Goodness stands out as one of his most loyal and merciless followers, holding the title of lieutenant and despot of Apokolips.

Granny Goodness' power stems from her unwavering dedication to Darkseid, as well as her surprising skill as a warrior, a fact that often belies her elderly appearance and seemingly harmless name. Tasked with training individuals at the Orphanage and commanding the indomitable Female Furies, a group that has counted members such as Supergirl and Big Barda, Granny Goodness proves time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with.

8 Lady Shiva

First Appearance:

Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter

Lady Shiva, known throughout the DC Universe as the world's most skilled martial artist and one of the deadliest women, has gained a reputation as a ruthless antagonist. What sets Shiva apart is her relentless pursuit of personal interests, making her a formidable adversary capable of posing a threat to both heroes and villains alike.

7 Catwoman

One of the reasons Shiva is widely revered is not solely due to her combat prowess, but also because of her extraordinary daughter, Cassandra Cain. As Batgirl, Cassandra emerged as one of the rare martial artists capable of outmatching Batman himself in close-quarters combat, surpassing even her own mother.

First Appearance:

Batman

#1 (April 1940)

Catwoman has evolved into an anti-hero in modern times, with a complicated and intricate future intertwined with Batman, whom she has been a long-time love interest. However, what sets Catwoman apart is her identity not solely based on Batman, but rather her involvement in villainous acts globally.

Essentially, Catwoman excels as an exceptionally skilled thief with the ability to acquire anything she desires. She has confronted both heroes and villains, consistently emerging victorious and wealthier than before. Undoubtedly, she is one of Batman's most intricate characters within his Rogue Gallery.

6 Grail

First Appearance:

Justice League

Vol 2 #40 (June 2015)

Few fictional figures face a more dreadful destiny than being destined to bring about absolute ruin. Grail, the offspring of Darkseid, possesses a name that instills fear in all who cross her path. Yet, she is far from being merely her father's progeny. In fact, Grail played a pivotal role in setting into motion the Darkseid War, actively aiding the Anti-Monitor in his declaration of war against Darkseid.

5 Killer Frost

Despite Darkseids's demise, she remained bound to her father's influence and chose to exploit the newly born Darkseid for her own advantage. Only Grail possessed the extreme cruelty and sadism required to transform her father into an even more abominable creature than he already was, and to embark on a relentless quest to annihilate all gods.

First Appearance:

Firestorm

#3 (June 1978)

Killer Frost has made chilling appearances throughout the DC Universe, engaging in battles against numerous heroes and even aligning herself with the Suicide Squad on occasions. Possessing not only scientific brilliance but also formidable cryogenic abilities, she stands as a worthy adversary against the most frigid villains.

Although she has since reformed and transitioned into a hero, Killer Frost's past is brimming with villainous exploits that surpass her current endeavors. As a former villain, her cold, unyielding heart proved relentless as she effortlessly clashed with members of the Justice League.

4 Giganta

First Appearance:

Wonder Woman

In the summer of 1944, Doris Zuel transforms into the formidable villain known as Giganta, equipped with the remarkable ability to alter her size at any moment. This power, acquired through her exceptional intellect, allows her to grow to immense proportions and possess extraordinary strength. Giganta is a formidable adversary who has engaged in numerous confrontations with Wonder Woman. Despite her imposing stature, she should not be mistaken for a benign figure, as her intentions are malevolent.

Giganta’s primary allegiance lies with herself. She has joined forces with various groups such as the Secret Society, S.H.A.D.E., and even A.R.G.U.S., all in pursuit of her own goals and priorities. With her vast potential, Giganta poses a genuine threat to any city she sets her sights on, treating it like her personal ant farm.

3 Harley Quinn

First Appearance:

Batman: The Animated Series

"Joker's Favor (September 11, 1992)

Originating from Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn began as the Joker's loyal sidekick. Over time, she has emerged as a prominent figure in the DC Universe, surpassing her cartoon portrayal and establishing herself in the comic world. Renowned for her character development, Harley Quinn has transitioned from a villainous past to become one of the most relentless and unhinged anti-heroes.

During her villainous days, Harley Quinn proved herself to be a formidable threat. Despite being underestimated due to her whimsical personality and peculiar madness, she posed a significant danger not only to America but also to the entire world, primarily through her involvement with the Suicide Squad.

2 Superwoman

First Appearance:

J

ustice League of America

#29 (August 1964)

Superwoman, hailing from Earth-3, bears a strikingly similar name to the virtuous Superman, yet she is anything but good. As a villainous member of the Crime Syndicate, Superwoman assumes the twisted alter ego of Lois Lane, serving as an ominous counterpart to Wonder Woman in this alternate reality.

Beyond her formidable powers, Superwoman poses a grave danger to the Prime-Earth, the central continuity in DC comics. Her actions have triggered dire consequences, notably when she gave birth to Mazahs' child, who would eventually transform into the malevolent Darkseid.

1 Poison Ivy

First Appearance:

Batman

Poison Ivy revels in her villainous nature and takes pride in embracing the dark side. What sets her apart and makes her truly iconic is her ability to exude feminine power. Her motivations consistently revolve around the preservation and enhancement of nature and its greenery. While her recent environmental activism has gained a significant following online, it is crucial to acknowledge that her ultimate goal is to transform her supporters into mere plant sustenance.

Poison Ivy cherishes only a few connections to the human realm, one of which is her bond with Harley Quinn. However, even with Harley's shift in moral values, Poison Ivy staunchly embraces her identity as a formidable antagonist, deriving her essence from her dominion over mother nature rather than relying on love or interpersonal ties.