DC Comics: Villains in Current Continuity That Are Dead

As a longtime fan of DC Comics, I must say that the lives of these characters are as complex and intriguing as any novel or movie series out there. Each one of them has had an incredible journey, filled with twists, turns, victories, and defeats.

As a dedicated gamer immersed in the DC Comics universe, I can’t help but marvel at its ever-expanding narrative, teeming with countless superheroes and villains. It’s only natural that some of these colorful characters meet their end, but what stands out is the fact that several formidable Prime Earth villains have bitten the dust and remain absent, hinting at the possibility of their eventual return to wreak havoc once more.

Regardless if it’s been decades or just a while ago, resurrection hasn’t happened yet for these DC Universe villains to prolong their lives and continue causing trouble for their beloved heroes. But the question remains, who among these deceased villains would be missed?

7 Failsafe

His Energy Levels Were Depleted to 0% by Green Arrow

First Appearance: Batman #125 (September, 2022)
Created by: Chip Zdarsky, Jorge Jimenez
Appearance of Death: Absolute Power #4 (October, 2024)

It’s not surprising that Batman’s backup persona, Zur-En-Arrh, would establish a safety measure for Batman himself – a robot capable of lethal force and incapacitation when necessary. This formidable threat, which haunted Batman for years, was eventually defeated in his final moment by members of the Bat-Family upon his first death.

Failsafe is never truly gone, and with his android body in the possession of Amanda Waller, his data would be restored, and thus, he became a servant to Task Force X. Failsafe created an army that was able to depower the world’s heroes, but what neither of them expected was that the great Green Arrow was working for them as a rat, and managed to deactivate Failsafe and deplete all his energy reserves.

6 Floronic Man

Burned to Death by Harley Quinn

First Appearance: The Atom #1 (July, 1962)
Created by: Gardner Fox, Gil Kane
Appearance of Death: Poison Ivy #23 (August, 2024)

It’s surprising to consider that Poison Ivy might have an enemy other than Batman, but enter Dr. Jason Woodrue, also known by some as Floro or the Floronic Man. This character is a devotee of plant life who conducted extensive experiments, leading to Pamela Isley becoming his subject and eventually transforming into Poison Ivy.

In simpler terms, Woodrue used deceit to gain control as a representative for the Flower Parliament, earning powers that ultimately led to his downfall. His influence went beyond what’s natural, leading him to be consumed by his own plant-zombie creations and finally destroyed by Harley Quinn using fire.

5 Deathstroke

His Abilities Were Lost to the Great Darkness, and His Life Support Was Pulled Offline

First Appearance: New Teen Titans #2 (December, 1980)
Created by: Marv Wolfman, George Perez
Appearance of Death: Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 (February, 2023)

In the DC Universe, one of the more recent notable deaths occurred – that of Deathstroke, a figure known for his skills as an assassin and Terminator, although his questionable past with Terra is often left unmentioned. Regardless, Deathstroke’s reputation for danger and expertise is so widespread, it’s hard to go without hearing his name.

When the Justice League perished, Deathstroke orchestrated an army of supervillains to eliminate any remaining heroes. His intelligence proved instrumental in setting off the Great Darkness, which corroded both his mind and body – ultimately leading to his downfall in battle, stripping him of life. Left frail and near death, he lost access to the serum that originally granted him terminator-like abilities. As he lay on life support, a shadowy figure shut off the life support system, effectively erasing Deathstroke from existence.

4 Mongul

Killed by Kryl-Ux After Being Empowered by the White Sun

First Appearance: Superman: Villains #1 (May, 2020)
Created by: Peter Tomasi, Scot Eaton
Appearance of Death: Superman: Warworld Apocalypse #1 (October, 2022)

Originally, Mongul was brought to life by Len Wein and Jim Starlin in 1980, but the character has been deceased for quite some time now. His son took his life to claim the throne of Warworld. The Mongul lineage is marked by regicide, yet it appears this ongoing cycle finally comes to an end with the recent version of Mongul who passed away approximately 2 years ago.

In my gaming world, I was once enslaved under the ruthless rule of Mongul, the tyrant ruler of Warlord. But the day came when Kryl-Ux, a fellow slave, decided to take a stand against this oppressor. You see, Mongul had taken everything from us, even our freedom and dignity. But Kryl-Ux wasn’t going to let that continue any longer.

3 David Cain

Killed Himself in Front of His Daughter

First Appearance: Batman #567 (July, 1999)
Created by: Kelley Puckett, Damion Scott
Appearance of Death: Batman & Robin Eternal #26 (May, 2016)

David Cain was a relentless assassin, matching the prowess of Deathstroke. Realizing that to craft the ultimate soldier, he decided it was necessary to have a part in its creation, which led him to find an ideal partner in Lady Shiva. This union resulted in Cassandra Cain, who underwent a grueling training regimen designed to mold her into a lethal weapon – one that David himself endured under the supervision of Mother.

In simpler terms, David deeply disliked his mother and felt resentment towards not having a name of his own. When the Bat-Family managed to corner and defeat his mother, David, filled with remorse for taking his daughter’s life, stabbed her in the back. Overwhelmed by guilt, he threw himself into the flames below, resulting in both their deaths.

2 The Batman Who Laughs

Thrown Into the Future Death Sun by Wonder Woman

First Appearance: Dark Days: The Casting #1 (September, 2017)
Created by: Scott Snyder, Gregg Capullo
Appearance of Death: Dark Nights: Death Metal #7 (March, 2021)

In simpler terms, the villain known as The Batman Who Laughs posed a significant threat not only to the DC Universe but also the entire multiverse. He possesses the physical prowess and determination of Batman combined with the immoral and twisted nature of the Joker. On several occasions, he came close to causing endless chaos throughout the multiverse, but his final attempt would ultimately lead to his demise.

In a bid to replicate the multiverse according to his twisted vision of ‘The Last 52’, The Batman Who Laughs came very close to achieving his goal, but even someone as intelligent as Batman couldn’t foresee the unforeseen and indomitable spirit of Wonder Woman. She engaged him in a relentless struggle that spanned across time and space itself, eventually casting him into the sun, where he was consigned to eternal oblivion.

1 Reverse Flash

Accidentally Erased Himself from Existence and Became a Curator of the Flash Museum

First Appearance: The Flash #139 (September, 1963)
Created by: Garth Ennis, John McCrea
Appearance of Death: The Flash #762 (November, 2020)

In the DC Universe, there might not be a character who despises Barry Allen more intensely than Reverse Flash. This villain has carried out some abhorrent acts. From murdering Barry’s mother, eliminating any friends he had from existence, and manipulating him to reboot the entire DC Universe, this individual is an unyielding threat.

The Reverse Flash, also known as Eobard Thawne, has survived changes in time and death itself because his existence on Earth is a mystery or paradox. However, this changed when Barry Allen forgave him and took his powers, effectively eliminating Eobard from existence. Although Eobard might be the curator of the Flash Museum in the 25th century, he’s unaware that an earlier version of himself was the Reverse Flash, as Barry’s enemy no longer exists.

2024-11-17 22:04