The DC Universe has some of the most iconic and colorful villains in all of fiction. Many of these iconic DC villains have continued to increase in popularity since their inception, with some debuting on comic pages over 80 years before the time of writing.
While some of these DC villains are known for a particular aspect of their character, such as Joker for his mad schemes, they still have a long and varied history that, if examined, reveals some interesting and lesser-known talents and abilities.
10 Joker Practiced Diplomacy When He Served As Iran's UN Ambassador
Diplomats need to be level-headed and open to compromise, capable of interacting with heads of state and dignitaries from across the globe. It may come as a surprise to learn, then, that the Clown Prince of Crime once served as Iran's ambassador to the UN.
In Death in the Family, the Joker infamously beats Jason Todd to death, and Batman begins to hunt down the Ace of Knaves to avenge Todd. However, Superman informs Batman that Joker struck a deal with Ayatollah of Iran to become the Middle Eastern country's UN ambassador, granting the Joker diplomatic immunity and preventing Batman from touching him.
9 Harley Quinn Received Special Training From The Amazons Of Themyscira
Harley Quinn has one of the most interesting in-universe and real-life histories. Despite being originally set to appear in one episode of Batman: The Animated Series, she would go on to take the DC Universe by storm, gaining a tragic backstory and, eventually, a loving relationship with Poison Ivy.
Harley is famously a talented gymnast and psychiatrist, but in one storyline, she was trained by the Amazons of Themyscira, only for Quinn to return to her clown makeup and life of crime.
8 Gorilla Grodd Had A Brief Political Run
When it comes to villains playing the political game, it's generally Lex Luthor who springs to mind for fans. The Superman villain famously became President of the United States in one particularly iconic storyline. However, Gorilla Grodd also had a political run.
Despite being a gorilla and lacking an American passport, Gorilla Grodd attempted to run for the highest office in the United States in one story. Fortunately, the villain was unsuccessful in his bid.
7 Killer Croc Can Wrestle Crocodiles With His Bare Hands
Killer Croc is one of the most tragic and powerful DC villains. Due to his appearance, Killer Croc (or Waylon Jones) suffered terribly at the hands of his Aunt, eventually forcing the young Jones into a life of crime that would put him behind bars for 18 years.
Upon his release, Killer Croc joined a circus and wrestled crocodiles for a living, proving himself capable of defeating these powerful animals with his bare hands.
6 Poison Ivy Is A Talented Folk Singer
Poison Ivy is one of the most interesting characters in the DC Universe. Initially, the character started out as a villain, with stories showing her to be an unhinged ecoterrorist with more love for plants than humanity. However, as the Earth's climate crisis began to grow more desperate, Poison Ivy became more sympathetic, and her role shifted closer to that of an anti-hero.
While she is known for her botanical skills and control of plants, Poison Ivy was shown to be a talented folk singer. In an Elseworlds tale, Pamela Isley starts her own folk duo with Harley Quinn.
5 The Penguin Spent His Youth Studying Ornithology
The Penguin is one of Batman's oldest foes, with the slippery crime boss appearing in comic books, TV shows, and movies since his debut in 1941. While this may not be the most surprising talent, it is certainly a skill of note.
In some continuities, the Penguin studied ornithology in his youth, even going on to study the topic while in college before he started out on a life of crime.
4 Deathstroke Has Killed A God
Deathstroke is one of the most talented fighters and assassins in the DC Universe. Across the long history of this character, there are very few DC heroes Deathstroke hasn't defeated, with Slade Wilson besting the likes of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
The extent of Deathstroke's victories extends far beyond DC heroes, the super assassin has also wielded the mythical God Killer sword and killed the Titan, Lapetus.
3 Sinestro Was An Anthropologist On His Home Planet
Sinestro is one of the most terrifying villains in the DC Universe. The archenemy of Green Lantern uses the abilities of his yellow power ring and cunning to spread fear across the universe and push various Green Lanterns to their limits.
However, some may be surprised to learn that Sinestro is a scholar of sorts. Back on his home planet, the leader of the Sinestro Corps was a keen anthropologist.
2 Ocean Master Used His Piracy Skills & Tech To Challenge Aquaman
Ocean Master is one of Aquaman's most formidable enemies, with the Atlantian frequently working with the likes of Black Manta to challenge the King of the Seven Seas for his crown. While Ocean Master's abilities are well known, he has a less known talent.
In Ocean Master's early continuity, he was a high tech pirate who was jealous of Aquaman's abilities and crown, using his piracy skills and tech to challenge Aquaman for the title of King of Atlantis.
1 Victor Zsasz Was Once A Successful Businessman
Victor Zsasz is one of the most intimidating and unhinged killers in the DC Universe. The serial killer is known to carve tally marks into his body whenever he kills someone, stopping at nothing to add as many marks as possible, while also keeping a special place for the Dark Knight.
However, before Zsasz would become the infamous murderer, he was a successful businessman. Unfortunately for Zsasz, after his parents' deaths, he would turn to gambling and lose his fortune and business.