Marvel & DC World Conquerors: the Good, the Bad and the Terrifying

 

When talking about the super villains of our favorite comic books, certain ones give off certain vibes that are very specific to that character.  The Joker is the embodiment of sociopath/psychopath, his vibe is just terrifying because you don’t know if he’s going to play with you, or for how long before killing you.  The Kingpin is a different kind of fear, because he’s a crime boss, but on a global scale, the average person is less than nothing to him.  On a grander scale than that, is Galactus, we’re literally less than insects to him, he simply wants to consume the planet and move on.

I want to talk about six of the real would-be World Conquerors, the ones who actively seek to take the world for themselves, the whole damn thing, and control it, long term. 

First up is Asgard's God of Mischief, Loki, Odin's adopted son and constant thorn in the side of Thor and... well, almost everyone in the Marvel Universe.

We saw what Loki did in the movies when he took over Asgard and moved Odin off to retirement, he built himself statues, had plays about himself ... but this is a very watered down version of him, a "kinder, gentler Loki".  The one from the comics and folklore is hardly watered down, he's cruel and very spiteful, towards almost anyone.  His rule would be a terrible one, filled with a lot of misery, and yes, statues to himself.  Loki is obsessed with ruling others, being the center of attention and would make for a pretty miserable world.  He's on the first of this list because his would be a rule by temperament, his swaying moods would make the world afraid of their shadow and what the infantile ruler would proclaim next.  He's certainly not the worst on this list, but he's far from the best.

Next up, we have Mongul, the ruler (used to be ruler, I can't keep up) of, WarWorld, a planet that all is set out for his pleasure and amusement, especially the battles, which he does in an arena like atmosphere, a bit like in ancient Rome, but far more vast, as he likes everyone fighting to build him up more competitors for his "games".  More than once he has tried to come to earth to take control and turn us into his own play thing.  As a ruler it would be pretty damn miserable but at least many would be safe if for that they are harmless drones (workers providing food or other duties), but it would be a brutal and bloody world for sure.  Like Loki, he really lacks the maturity to really rule, it's all about his amusement.

Thanos, the mad titan, his goal to wipe out half of life in the universe, and then just walk away, as long as the universe is grateful for his generous gift.  A genocidal madman, Thanos craves appreciation for what he see's as his being kind to the beings of the universe, determined to "set balance".  In the comics he's a bit more of a dictator, wanting to be able to command the universe at will.  He's a danger to all because, even without the Infinity Gauntlet, he's still one of the more powerful and deadly beings in the universe, with incredible fighting and combat skills, his pure strength matching even the Hulk.  The good thing about him, is after he see's his "dream" become real, he'd leave what's left of life alone.  Lucky for the survivors but not for the ones he destroys.

Easily the most terrifying one on the list, Darkseid only wants conquest, the very definition of a tyrant, his Omega Beams make him almost unstoppable.  Possessing incredible power he doesn't have the raw amount of combat experience that Thanos has, and has become a bit reliant on others to do his fighting and dirty work, but he can do that, when all he need do is think about who he wishes to slay and his Omega Beams would do the rest.  This would be the most miserable existence as he see's it as his duty to break the will of ALL his subjects, he lives for their suffering and considers it mercy simply to allow them to exist under his heel.  He surrounds himself with those who are the cruelest and most savage to keep his subjects under his constant sorrow and pain.

Back to a would-be world conqueror led by ego, brilliant genius Lex Luthor believes himself to be entitled to rule the world because of his ego & wealth.  Luthor see's it as his place in the universe to rule the earth, solely based on his belief that he deserves it.  Luthor's genius and obsession have warped his mind and soul to the point that his morals revolve only around what he wants.   In both comics and animation we've seen him become President of the United States and each time, his ego and obsession & jealousy over destroying Superman override all his decisions.  In his head, Luthor can't understand why the world doesn't worship his brilliance, many times he comes off looking like a completely spoiled and petulant child.

Finally we come to, Victor Von Doom, also well known as, Doctor Doom, the ruler of Latveria and one of the greatest villains in comic book history.  Doom is the kind of ruling genius that Luthor wishes he was.  Not only does he have the power of his brilliance and armor, his intellect might be superior to that of people like Tony Stark or Bruce Wayne, he is a man who is truly, "burdened with knowledge", far too much for his own good.  Doom is also a master of the mystic arts to the degree of almost being an equal to Steven Strange or maybe even Dr Fate.  Each time he encounters a powerful universal force, he manages to find a way to defeat them or take their power, he's done so against both Galactus and the Beyonder (Secret Wars).  It often takes a great collection of heroes to stop his plans.  Out of this list, he would probably be the most benevolant of those listed, once he has total control, that is.  While he would have the statues in honor of him, he lacks Loki's immaturity and Luthor's ego.  One of his greatest gifts has nothing to do with super or magic powers, his patience, willing to wait for an opportunity that most would not.  Doom has earned his reputation and what ego he has, he will study and explore any aspect of knowledge to gain the power he wants.  It's honestly a wonder that he hasn't accomplished his plans at some point in the Marvel Universe.