10 Pathetic Comic Book Villains You Just Feel Sorry For
7. Rhino
As the Rhino, Aleksei Systevich comes across as just another random goon trying to make a name for himself. However, his backstory is nothing but tragic. Growing up in a poverty-stricken region of Russia, Aleksei vowed to bring his family to America where they would have a second chance at life.
Due to his lack of skills and education, Aleksei could only get cash by taking part in a radiation treatment. The experiment fused a rhino-like hide to his body, giving him vast strength and durability.
However, this exoskeleton isn't a costume; it's permanently grafted to his body. Because he literally looks like a rhino, Aleksei was unable to get any job, forcing him to beg on the street and ultimately, become a villain-for-hire.
The sad thing is people think Aleksei is causing trouble even when he's going about his day. Even Spider-Man has made this mistake! When Aleksei was visiting his mother's grave, Spidey attacked him, assuming the supervillain was up to no good. Moments like this are deeply depressing, as you realise Rhino voluntarily turned himself into a monster just to protect his family.