THE TOP 10 GREATEST SUPER VILLAIN COSTUMES OF ALL TIME

As important it is for a superhero to wear a costume that strikes fear into the hearts of criminals, it's equally important for the discriminating super villain to put together an outfit that makes a lasting impression on those caped jerks who're trying to stop you. Here's a tribute to the "Top 10 Greatest Super Villain Costumes Of All Time" from all eras of comic book and strip goodness. These are the costumes that not only stand the test of time as kick-ass legendary bad guy clothing, but are simply gorgeous works of art that deserve recognition. So to all the comic book artist equivalents of Mackie and Gaultier, this is for you!

#10 CATWOMAN

Like many fashionable ladies, Catwoman has gone through a myriad of costumes throughout her career. From her first appearance in 1940 she was always dressed to stop Batman cold and make him rethink his crime fighting ways. Though she started out with little more than a green dress and a whip, how could you not love a skin-tight purple suit with thigh high boots and a whip? Perhaps her only misstep was a bizarre green and yellow getup from the '70s that looked more like a disco dancer than a world famous super thief.

#9 MING THE MERCILESS

First appearing as Flash Gordon's adversary back in 1934, the evil ruler of Mongo was one of the first true super villains to ever grace the comic strip medium. From the start he wore outrageous capes, headwear and gloves that would still work well with today's discerning bad guy. Even his live action incarnations in the movie serial and campy 80s version with Max Von Sydow were pretty damn cool.

#8 BLACK MANTA

The strength and beauty of Black Manta's costume is it's simplicity. The jet black uniform with clam-shaped helmet and illuminated eyes is both creepy and beautiful at the same time.

Check out this great video clip of Aquaman fighting Black Manta. His quick thinking ends up potentially killing millions!

Clearly when you have a costume this cool, it makes one make irrational decisions. You can CLICK HERE to read Seanbaby's profile on the famous bad guy.

#7 POISON IVY

Batman certainly has some of the most famous and picturesque villains in his 60 years and counting run and Poison Ivy is certainly one of the best. Though the version displayed by Uma Thurman in the horrible Batman and Robin film was pretty bad, the comics have always shown it to be a memorable and visually stunning number that clearly represents her character and sexuality.

It's funny that she first appeared in the comic book back in 1966, but was never thrown into the canon of TV villains that same year when the show debuted. She would have been an excellent addition alongside Catwoman and the rest.

#6 DARK PHOENIX

The John Byrne/Chris Claremont created Dark Phoenix costume is a brilliant mix of dark red and gold that perfectly accent her fiery psychic powers. Phoenix's original costume was a green and yellow version with the same pattern, but once she "went bad" it turned in to this tasty number. Plus, the red portions are rather practical because Jean Gray can totally go commando during her monthly period and nobody will be the wiser 'cept Wolverine (damn his hyper sense of smell).

#5 THE RIDDLER

Let's face it. It's tough for dudes to pull of skin-tight outfits. Either they're too fat or you got problems with people checking out your junk. Only The Riddler could wear this green spandex number with such studliness. The Riddler also had some cool variants including a green blazer version for the more formal occasions. Plus, the outfit inspired various other super villains, most notably...

Matthew Lesko!

#4 GALACTUS

This purple and plum colored number is the kind of outfit that only an devourer of worlds could pull off (no, not Paul Prudhomme). Jack Kirby designed a helluva great costume, but it didn't come without growing pains.

Check out the awesome original version of his costume with the extra sexy bare arms and legs! Who knows where he finds the giant razors to keep those gams so smooth?

#3 THE GREEN GOBLIN

You have to admire a mad scientist who not only can invent pumpkin bombs, and a goblin glider, but can take the time to design a gorgeous green and purple classic outfit, complete with individually stitched all over it, and a kickass mask. If Harry Osborne just used his talent to work in the movie industry, he would have been the most successful special effects guy the world had ever seen. Plus, you gotta love his sexy man bag. And his purse!

#2 HARLEY QUINN

Though a relatively new character in the grand scheme of things, Harley Quinn has fast become a fan favorite, largely due to her visually striking red and black getup. First introduced in Batman The Animated Series, she eventually crossed over into the comic books and is easily one of the most memorable characters in Batman's world o' freaks.

#1 DOCTOR DOOM

Oh yeah...it doesn't get any cooler than Doom. Those green robes, gold cape holder, and gorgeous dull gray armor give an elegant statuesque beauty that few villains have ever equaled. You can totally see how Lucas got the inspiration for Darth Vader with this getup. It's too bad they didn't make him look like this in either of the Fantastic Four movies, 'cause he might have actually come across as menacing, instead of some dude who might do your nails. He's still the gold standard by which all super villain costumes are measured.

-Robert Berry
rberry@retrocrush.com