Who is the First Villain in the DC Comics Universe?

Who is the First Villain in the DC Comics Universe?

As DC fans, we already know that the superhero universe is filled with all kinds of villains. Starting from villains who were born from experiments, then there are also villains who are already rich from birth, to aliens who come from outer space. But of all that, do you know which villain was the first to exist in the DC Universe? This time we will discuss it by dividing it into two, the first is based on the year it debuted, and the second is the first villain chronologically in the DC Universe. Curious, right? So, check this out!

The First Villain By Year Of Debut

As we know, DC Comics is an American comic company that has been around for more than eight decades. Precisely in 1937, with his popular character Superman who debuted a year later in Action Comics #1 (1938). After facing a number of common problems, Superman finally met DC's first villain named Ultra-Humanite in Action Comics #13 (1939). Other than the fact that he was the result of an experiment, no one knows who an Ultra-Humanite really is. He himself didn't even know what his real name was or where he came from.

What is clear during its first appearance, Ultra-Humanite is described as the smartest being on Earth. Because of the amount of brain energy he has, his body, which is unable to withstand this energy, eventually begins to age, shrink, and cannot move. Even so, the Ultra-Humanite is still able to face Superman with his intelligence, invention, and minions. Over the years, he had been trying to transfer his brain to another, stronger body. Even in the 50s he had tried to do that to Batman, before Superman saved him.

In appearance, Ultra-Humanite is more often seen in the form of an albino gorilla as his mainstay body. Without this gorilla body, he is actually smart enough to overwhelm Superman with his various inventions. Moreover, the ability of the Ultra-Humanite brain has made him able to perform telepathy, telekinesis, and hypnosis. Then while in his gorilla body, the Ultra-Humanite transforms into a figure with super physical strength and immunity. In addition, his gorilla body also allows him to control various animals in battle.

During its early golden days, DC indirectly explained that Ultra-Humanite was meant to be the opposite of Superman as well as a counterbalance to the DC Universe. Where he is present as a villain with super intelligence, who must defeat a super-powered superhero, namely Superman. His popularity began to fade after DC introduced Luthor as Superman's nemesis whose intelligence is below that of Ultra Humanite, but has a more perfect body.

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The First Villain Chronologically

Now we turn to discussing DC's first villain chronologically. Maybe many of you think that Darkseid is the oldest villain in the DC Universe. This is not completely wrong and also not completely justified. Because DC itself has never clearly stated how old this New God villain is. There are sources that say that the age of the New God nation itself is only around 30 thousand years. So to avoid endless discussions, let's first put aside the cosmic characters whose origins are always changing.

If we leave aside the cosmic characters, then the oldest villain in the DC Universe is Vandal Savage who first made his debut in Green Lantern #10 (1943). Unlike Darkseid, DC explicitly explains that Vandals have existed on Earth since 50 thousand years ago. Vandal claims that he is part of the Cro-Magnons, aka the first humans. A radiation from an ancient meteorite has made Vandal gain immortality and super intelligence. Since then he has always guided many evil kings and conquerors around the world.

Even though he doesn't have as much energy as Darkseid, Vandal has proven capable of dealing with many tough superheroes. Including Immortal Man, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Resurrection Man, even Justice Society and Justice League. The reason is because he has super physical strength and the ability to regenerate very quickly. In addition, he is also known to be very skilled in strategy, various martial arts, and knowledge. That's why Vandal always manages to outperform his opponents. Moreover, he is known as a villain who is very sadistic and also unforgiving.

That's the discussion about DC's first villain, both in terms of the year it debuted and chronologically. These 2 villains have managed to prove their prowess so that they can survive even today. Currently, the Ultra-Humanite is still quite often told to interfere with Superman's life in his albino gorilla form. Meanwhile, Vandal is now listed as the Justice League's nemesis. Even though they are not as famous as Darkseid, Joker, or Luthor, their status as the first villain has not been replaced until now.

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