10 Best Times Superheroes Switched Sides

Who knew turning bad could be so good?

Injustice Superman Comic
DC Comics

Pure of heart superheroes going up against bad to the bone villains has been part of comic book storylines since the medium began. More complex characters who operate within the grey area between good and evil have been around for what feels like eons too.

But it's time to forget about those characters today, instead, let's examine the times - and reasons why - the most heroic of superheroes crossed over to the dark side. Whether it be alternate realities, mind control, psychological breakdowns or just lust for revenge, these are the best times a superhero turned evil.

Movies, TV shows, video games and obviously comic books themselves have all been taken into account here to cover every base. Importantly, one-off brutal decisions from usually good heroes don’t count, instead only definitive arcs of villainy will make the cut.

Often this transformation reveals something hidden at the core of these heroes, and forces a new dynamic from those around them. After all, for all their sidekicks, allies and teammates, it’s not just a matter of trying to stop this newly turned foe, but understanding why they turned in the first place.

10. Hawkeye - Avengers Assemble

Injustice Superman Comic
Marvel Studios

Technically Hawkeye is under Loki’s mind control rather than fully turning evil, but technicalities make up quite a few times good guys go bad, so it’s fair game here.

Although Hawkeye is introduced very briefly in Thor, we don’t really get much about him until Avengers. Therefore, for moviegoers who hadn’t read the comics, seeing Hawkeye as a baddie wouldn’t have been too shocking. For those who knew of his heroic deeds previously though, seeing him work with Loki added another layer to a story already rich with character development.

With the various types of arrowheads and the realistic limitations of archery, Hawkeye’s role in the first Avengers movie is arguably the best portrayal of an archer in film. His use of a USB arrow while working for Loki is brilliantly creative too.

A large reason of why this deserves to make the cut is how Black Widow plays off it, getting the drop on Loki as she begs for Barton to be spared. Good guys going bad are always best when they upend existing dynamics in some way.

The resolution of Widow slamming his head into a railing feels like a cop out to some, but it’s perfectly in-keeping with the movie’s tone.

Contributor

Self appointed queen of the SJWs. Find me on Twitter @FiveTacey (The 5 looks like an S. Do you get it? Do you get my joke about the 5?)