Marvel Cinematic Universe: 10 Best Villains Of 2018 So Far

2. Killmonger

Appeared in: Black Panther

Erik "Killmonger" Stevens - or N'Jadaka - entered T'Challa's world like a hurricane earlier this year, the character's laser-like focus on seeing his goals through giving him the sheer strength to claim the throne right out from under the new king, nearly killing T'Challa in the process. Regardless of whether you were friend or foe, if you got in his way, Killmonger had no problem ending your life if it meant furthering his mission.

Fundamentally, Killmonger was a sympathetic villain. His father was killed and he was abandoned by a country he had every right to be a part of, and his desire to see a world changed by Wakanda's capabilities and the liberation that could ensue makes sense.

Sadly, though, his execution was - for lack of a better term - flawed, his drive built on a foundation of hatred and revenge rather than empathy and understanding, and for all his talk of turning Wakanda into something greater, he nearly tore it apart.

Ultimately, his actions and the terrible circumstances around his mere existence helped T'Challa move Wakanda from out of the shadows and onto the world stage, the impact of which will continue to be felt from here on out, and the fact that such a flawed, "evil" character can still be viewed with well-deserved sympathy is one of Black Panther's many triumphs.

2018 has already showcased some fantastic villains, with many more certainly left to be introduced before the year is out, but Killmonger will undoubtedly be remembered as not just one of the year's best but one of the franchise's overall standout antagonists.