8 Comic Book Villains Whose Own Desires Are Their Downfall

One of the key factors in making a truly great comic book villain is giving them a genuine motivation and definitive desire.

There may be the odd exception to this, where it’s simply a case of sheer insanity and bloodlust that drives a rogue, but so many of the baddest of the bad are driven by their own unique motives.

Of course, regardless of why they’re doing what they’re doing, it’s not exactly a stroll in the park for these villains to get what they want out of life. After all, there’s usually some cape ‘n’ tights sort waiting to punch them and their dreams squarely in the face.

Away from the plentiful superheroes who are out to put a stop to their nefarious schemes, however, there’s also the suggestion that some of these villains may be their own worst enemy. For instance, what would be the follow-on effect should they actually achieve what they really want to achieve? Could they go on as the characters we all know and love, or is it maybe a case of being careful what you wish for?

Here, we’re highlighting eight infamous rogues who can never truly “win” in their never-ending missions to cause chaos – and that’s all down to themselves!

Edward Nygma has spent more time than most trying to best the Caped Crusader. And so determined to be a thorn in Batman’s side has The Riddler been, he’s even gone as far as working out that the Dark Knight and Bruce Wayne are one and the same.

Still, when it comes down to it, the Master of Riddles always has to let Batman win. Why’s that, you ask? Well, that’s so that he can bask in his own genius.

The whole schtick of The Riddler is to conjure up the most brilliant riddles, schemes and plans known to mankind. For Nygma, however, there is always that need to showcase his own smarts and reiterate to people that he really is the smartest person in the room.

As such, for Riddler there’s no point in making a grand plan or riddle if nobody else is aware of just how fantastic his plan is. That means, Eddie always has to let the cat out of the bag when it comes to the grandiose details of his latest scheme – meaning his own ego will always stop him from truly winning.