The iconic Superman is the hero of heroes. His optimism and faith–both in the justice system and in the human race–make him an immensely inspiring figure. It’s not surprising that many people within the DC Universe have tried to live up to his example. That even goes for some of his enemies.
Several Superman villains have tried their hands at reforming. In fact, some have taken multiple stabs at turning their lives around, but these attempts aren’t always successful. That may be due to their incorrigable natures. On the other hand, the publishers may just want to keep the villains around for popularity’s sake. Thankfully, this doesn’t deter the Man of Steel. He still fights for the innate good in every person.
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5 Lex Luthor
This savvy businessman has been all over the moral spectrum.
As Superman’s greatest adversary, Lex Luthor strives to be the pinnacle of human achievement. When the godlike Kryptonian comes out of nowhere and wins the people’s love, the brilliant billionaire is overcome with jealousy and hatred. He then dedicates his vast resources to destroying the alien in both body and reputation, thereby cementing his own superiority. The irony is that he often proves himself the better man.
Many stories paint Luthor as an unexpected hero. He occasionally teams up with the Justice League to thwart a larger threat. He even leads the charge in several Elseworld scenarios, such as Injustice and Red Son. Here, he protects humanity from a corrupted Superman. However, this is a little too good to be true.
In just as many stories, Luthor’s altruism is merely a front. For instance, he’s become the US president a few times, but this position usually hides some illegal activity behind closed doors. The sad part is that this doesn’t make him any different from many politicians. At least Luthor is good at his job, whichever side of the moral spectrum he’s on.
4 Toyman
This sad man is as broken as his toys.
Here’s a foe who’s constantly at war with himself. Winslow Schott is a deranged inventor who uses his skillset to wreak havoc on Metropolis as Toyman. His tech is as advanced as it is childish. That said, Schott eventually tries to grow up, retiring from his life of crime. He even aids Superman against another crook bearing the “Toyman” mantle. It seems things are looking up.
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Unfortunately, the lure proves too much to resist. Schott comes out of retirement soon after. He attempts to go straight numerous times, but his insanity keeps pulling him back. Such a vicious cycle is tragic and more akin to a Batman villain. Perhaps that’s why Toyman has endured.
3 Livewire
Sparks fly when Livewire gets a second chance.
Like Harley Quinn, Livewire originated in the DC Animated Universe before coming into the comics. Leslie Willis is an anti-Superman shock jock who loses her livelihood and suffers a horrific lightning accident. She then uses her electrical powers against the Man of Steel and any other heroes who get in her way.
At certain points, though, she finds herself working with those same heroes. They encounter a common enemy in the Auctioneer: an extraterrestrial being who sells unique individuals to the highest bidder. The would-be victims team up to overcome the crooked collector. To Livewire, though, it’s an alliance of convenience. Afterward, she goes right back to her criminal exploits.
Thankfully, one of those crimes changes her. Superman lends her an energy suit, bringing her erratic abilities under control. After securing a lighter sentence, he gives her a second chance. She uses that chance to become a hero. The Man of Steel inducts her into the Supermen of America, dedicated to protecting the innocents whenever he can’t. Who would have thought that one of his biggest detractors becomes such an essential ally?
2 Maxima
A jilted lover soon finds a worthier cause.
This royal warrior is similar to Superman in that she’s an alien with incredible powers. Maxima thinks that makes them a perfect match. They could produce an elite line of rulers, but the Man of Steel refuses to give himself to such an imperialist cause. The jilted princess vows revenge for this insult, teaming up with Brainiac in the process. However, she ultimately aids the Justice League in stopping the computerized villain. She even joins their ranks for a time, combatting threats as great as Doomsday. At the end of the day, Maxima wants to prove herself worthy of Superman’s love.
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When she extends the offer a second time, he turns her down again. Unfortunately, she doesn’t take it any better, throwing in with the Superman Revenge Squad. Despite this, it seems his heroism rubs off on her, especially once he saves her life. From here, her efforts turn toward preserving her people. She eventually sacrifices herself to save them and the rest of the universe by taking the full force of Brainiac’s Warworld attack. At long last, Maxima lives up to her high station.
1 Rampage
This scientist excels once she gets her anger and energy under control.
Here’s one of many comic cases of Jekyll & Hyde. Dr. Kitty Faulkner’s search for clean energy results in a laboratory explosion. The event transforms her into an orange, muscle-bound giant with a penchant for smashing. It doesn’t take a genius to draw comparisons to The Incredible Hulk. Like the Marvel figure, Rampage isn’t responsible for her actions in this state. Thus, she can go back to a normal life after Superman helps her get rid of the overwhelming energy. Little does he know that she’s now reliant on such energy.
Kitty needs a certain amount of solar power to survive. A villainous doctor takes advantage of that weakness, transforming her into Rampage to ravage a rival’s political campaign. Thankfully, Superman once again returns her to normal. From here, she turns her life around. Kitty soon gets a job at S.T.A.R. Labs and swiftly moves up the ranks. She has one or two more bouts of Rampage incidents, but they never last. She has a greater impact in using her solar knowledge to help restore the sun. Turning her weakness into a strength, Kitty finally fulfills her goal to aid mankind.
