10 Messed Up Marvel Villains You Won't Believe Exist

Marvel and DC have never been strangers to the odd rip-off, but don't mistake the House of Ideas' Scarecrow for an ersatz version of Batman's formidable adversary - at least in his current form.

Initially introduced in 1964's Tales of Suspense #51, Ebenezer Laughton started out as a circus performer skilled in contortion. He eventually witnessed Iron Man apprehend a villain and decided that he could use his own skills for a life of crime, which is when he became the supervillain known as the Scarecrow.

So far, so normal. However, years of suffering defeat at the hands of Marvel's heroes turned Scarecrow into a terrifying serial killer, which eventually led him into the path of Ghost Rider. After dying in a battle with the Spirit of Vengeance, Scarecrow was given demonic powers and was eventually resurrected by Blackheart.

As far as creepiness goes, Scarecrow offers the complete package. He has a terrifying look, a demonic backstory, and a frightening array of powers that he can use to strike terror into his victims. All that after witnessing Iron Man fight a villain by coincidence!