1. Bane
The man in the mask: a paragon of physicality, with an intelligence to match, Bane was everything the Batman strove to be, but better. He brought Batman to his knees, then broke his back for good measure, something even the Joker could never accomplish. In short, Bane was Batmans defeat. And yet through it all, Nolan's Bane was calculating. He gave the city to its citizens, liberated it from the rich and powerful, and inspired as much awe as terror. Much of Banes appeal was not just in his physical prowess, but his dialogue that spelled out a finality and futility to Batmans efforts. Doing all of this while half your face is covered up was no easy feat, but Tom Hardy was able to pull it off, and Bane is now jockeying Ledgers Joker for the considerable accolade of the best Batman villain of all time. Which side of the fence do you fall on? Do you take issue with any of the points raised in this article? Share your thoughts on The Dark Knight Rises below.