The Oldest Villain in DC: Unraveling the Title of Timeless Antagonists

In the complex and rich universe of DC Comics, identifying the oldest villain among the sprawling array of antagonists can be a challenging yet fascinating task. Two notable contenders often surface in this conversation: Vandal Savage and Lex Luthor. Both characters have played pivotal roles in shaping the DC universe, with Vandal Savage emerging as a prehistoric immortal and Lex Luthor as a modern-day industrialist turned supervillain.

Vandal Savage: The Ancient Immortal

First appearing in Green Lantern #10 in 1943, Vandal Savage is widely regarded as the title holder for the oldest villain in DC Comics. His origin story is deeply rooted in mythology, painting him as a prehistoric human who gained immortality through exposure to a meteorite thousands of years ago. This exposure allowed him to live for over 50,000 years, witnessing the rise and fall of civilizations, empires, and even superpowers.

Vandal Savage Background: - First appearance: Green Lantern #10 (1943) - Origin: Stone Age Cro-Magnon human - Powers and abilities: Immortality, longevity, vast knowledge, strategic brilliance - Notable conflicts: Batman, Justice League, Green Lantern

Lex Luthor: The Everlasting Nemesis of Superman

Lex Luthor is another formidable contender for the title of the oldest villain in DC Comics. Making his debut in Action Comics #23 in 1940, Luthor has become one of the most iconic and enduring villains in the DC universe. Known for his intricate plots and unwavering determination to outsmart superheroes, Luthor has always played the role of Superman's arch-nemesis. While he may not be as ancient as Vandal Savage, his longevity and cunning have made him a formidable and recognizable figure in the DC universe.

Lex Luthor Background: - First appearance: Action Comics #23 (1940) - Origin: Wealthy industrialist and mastermind - Powers and abilities: Genius intelligence, vast resources, and many attempted schemes

The Great Darkness: Vandal Savage's Timeless Majesty

The passage you provided highlights Vandal Savage's immense age and the significance of his existence. He is often described as existing "before the light, before the multiverse," which underscores his immense age and immortality. Vandal Savage appears in various DC storylines, interacting with other iconic characters and shaping the course of history. His longevity and strategic brilliance have made him a central figure in numerous pivotal moments of the DC universe.

In the CW series The Legend of Tomorrow, Vandal Savage's character is reimagined, further emphasizing his ancient and powerful nature. His historical and strategic knowledge, as well as his determination to dominate time and space, solidify his position as the oldest villain in DC.

Extra-Terrestrial Antagonists: Ancient Deities and New Gods

While Vandal Savage and Lex Luthor are fascinating characters, the DC universe is replete with other ancient and powerful entities. For instance, deities from various mythologies, such as Greek and Roman gods, have significant roles in the DC universe. God of War, Ares, and his Roman counterpart Mars are often depicted as adversaries in various stories. Additionally, the New Gods of Apokolips and New Genesis, like Darkseid and his father Yuga Khan, represent another layer of ancient power and conflicts.

Key Figures: - Vandal Savage: Stone Age Cro-Magnon with meteorite-induced immortality - Lex Luthor: Wealthy industrialist and modern villain - Ares (Mars): God of War, Roman counterpart - Darkseid: Ruler of Apokolips, father Yuga Khan (Zonuz)

Conclusion

Whether Vandal Savage or Lex Luthor holds the title of the oldest villain in DC Comics remains a topic of speculation among fans and scholars. Both characters have played significant roles in the DC universe, each with their unique origin stories and distinctive contributions to the rich tapestry of the DC universe. The eternal question of which of these iconic villains is the oldest adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative of the DC world.

Keywords: Vandal Savage, Lex Luthor, Oldest DC Villain