The Age of Ultron Has Begun!

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

It's The End of The World As We Know It

~Excerpt from Age of Ultron #1 (2013)

The releases and snippets have been ongoing since 2011, but finally it's happened; Ultron has taken over the world.

Think this is premature? Heck no! It's already unfolded in Marvel's newest 10-part event Age of Ultron. Issue #1 starts with the earth razed and heroes on the run. They've already lost. And it makes you wonder if there's anything left worth saving.

What's the plot look like? Well, a super-villainous artificial intelligence has staged an attack across the world and obliterated the human race to scant groups vying for survival. The superheroes still alive seem to be forming a Resistance, but are currently at the mercy of killer robots.

Anyone else wondering if Time Travel will be part of the plot? Someone call John Carpenter.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Volthoom Prepares To Change Reality

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

The First Lantern Wants To Make Things Right

~Volthoom, The First Lantern, from Green Lantern #17 (2013).

If you've been reading the Rise of the Third Army, then you're prepared for the Wrath of The First Lantern event. His name is Volthoom, and here's a screenshot of him...doing what he does.

In Green Lantern #17, you'll be getting an indication to Volthoom's powers and his origin. To say it's kinda weird would be an understatement, but then, it's always weird in the comic book universes and that's what we love.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

The Question and The Trinity of Sin

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

The Final Member Appears

~Excerpt from Phantom Stranger #5 (2013)

He's just been revealed, one of three, huddled in the same shadowy corner as The Phantom Stranger and Pandora. He's The Question, an enigma of the soul, and one of the mystical Trinity of Sin.

Phantom Stranger #5 has now introduced us to this era's version of The Question. But there's still lots more to come. How is he wrapped up in this mystery where the Stranger's family has disappeared? Who is he and what are his allegiances? Is he good, evil, or serving some other, spiritual purpose?

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated Mondays. What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Mogo Is Mad...

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

...and Big...and Bad.

~Excerpt from Green Lantern Corps Annual #1 (2013)

He's one of DC's strangest superheroes; he's also the strangest of the Green Lantern Corps. Maybe that's because he's a planet. And now, he's an angry planet.

Don't worry; the real villainy of Green Lantern Corps Annual #1 isn't Mogo. He's just another character in this villainous Rise of The Third Army event from DC Comics. For the last few years, he's been a bunch of space rocks floating aimlessly in the cosmos. But now, he's reformed. And you can bet he's angry.

Want to see what happens when you make a Green Lantern Planet upset? Watch Mogo take out an entire wave of the Third Army. It's not pretty.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Monday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

The Joker and His Blood-Spattered Platter

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

Batman's Nemesis Has Cooked Up Something Vile

~Excerpt from Nightwing #16 (2013)

It's The Joker. Again! And he's not without his disgusting and morbid props.

This week's submission comes from Nightwing #16, part of the Death of The Family event, which has been ruling the comic book kingdom for the last few weeks.

Red Robin, Red Hood, Robin, and Batgirl have been captured and Joker has been showing off this gruesome platter for the last few weeks. What's in it? The answer will be revealed in Batman #17, concluding the event.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly. What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Have you seen Eclipso?

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

Where is the Wrath of God?

~Excerpt from Team 7 #4 (2013)

He's the Wrath of God...or at least he was until the powers above decided he was too vengeful. Eclipso is back!

And he's part of The Black Diamond Probability event from DC Comics, appearing this month in Team 7 #4. He's been trapped inside The Black Diamond and kept on an island for centuries, guarded by restless, ethereal sentinels. Unfortunately, a plot originating from the island nation of Gamorra has caused his freedom.

This is the escalation of events to come. Eclipso heralds trouble for the future.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly. What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Stormwatch vs. Evil Stormwatch

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

Time To Choose Sides

~Excerpt from Stormwatch #16 (2013)

Stormwatch is under assault from...Stormwatch! Or should we say "Evil Stormwatch"?

Although many believed Harry Tanner, The World's Greatest Swordsman, to be dead, he's secretly been planning his return to Stormwatch as their leader. The problem, however, is Midnighter. Harry knows that he could see through his disguise - as a Shadow Lord - and warn the others.

Unfolding in Stormwatch #16, the forces of Apollo, Midnighter, Jenny Quantum, Engineer, Jack Hawksmoor, and The Projectionist are going to be tested for loyalty. This will break them apart. Who has sided with Tanner? And who will survive?

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Doctor Octopus Finishes Spider-Man

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

And The Worst Happens!

~Excerpt from Avenging Spider-Man #15.1 (2013)

There's been lots of clues, even spoilers out there, and it's all been culiminating to Superior Spider-Man #1, an issue coming out in January 2013. Previously released in December 2012, Peter Parker met his fate, defeated by Doctor Octopus.

The story has been building up over the last couple of years, finally exploding as a new title emerging from the Marvel NOW! event. For those of you following the Web-Crawler, he's been fighting Otto Octavius to prevent the villain from destroying the world. We thought he won!

But in a villainous plot of uncanny proportions, Doc Ock had another agenda. His body had been failing and we thought it was only months before he would succumb to natural (yes, I said natural) causes. Little did we know, he was preparing Peter Parker as his new host.

Obviously this new...dare we say "Superior" Spider-Man is going to cause an uproar with fans. But for now, Parker is history...

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

The Joker Doesn't Just Kill You, Nightwing

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

He Kills Everyone Else, Too.

~Excerpt from Nightwing #15, part of the Death of The Family event.

He's been terrorizing DC Comics for the last month, and just murdered a member of Haley's Circus.

The Joker is no joke; that's what Nightwing has learned over the years. But now he appears to know Dick Grayson's identity. In a cruel, senseless act of violence and madness, the super-villain kills "Jimmy", one of the Haley's Circus clowns, just for looking similar.

This is only the first death. For the second, you'll have to read Nightwing #15 and follow Death of The Family.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (now Monday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Tony Stark vs. Stephen Strange vs. Reed Richards

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

The Illuminati Has A Territorial Dispute

~Dark Avengers #184 (2013)

In what appears to be a war of the New Avengers Illuminati, Doctor Strange, Reed Richards, Tony Stark and possibly others, have separated New York and the region into territories and are attempting to destroy their opponents.

Dark Avengers #184 has it all. And it's part of the Marvel NOW! revolution. Moonstone, Skaar, and the other criminals-posing-as-heroes have fallen into an alternate universe where the good guys aren't so good anymore.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

The Evil, Insidious, Spider-Man

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

Should He Be Killed?

~Amazing Spider-Man #699 (2013)

Who's this mysterious villain, hanging on to life with only a few hours left? And why are we rooting for him to capture Spider-Man?

If you've missed the recent revelations of Amazing Spider-Man #698-699, a fiendish plot has been uncovered, a trap so diabolical it may destroy Peter Parker's legacy forever. And it was accomplished by one of his greatest arch-enemies, the figure shown in this picture above. Do you know who it is?

Here's a big hint: It's Peter Parker! (Or is it?)

The latest issue is too big, too evil, and too villainous to spoil. And the last page sums up the inevitability of our hero. There's only 700 minutes left before the Spider-Man you knew...is gone.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Is Cheetah Working with the Legion of Doom?

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

A Nefarious Alliance Revealed!

~Cheetah, from Justice League #14 (2013)

Something sinister is about to happen at Belle Reve, and it appears to be the Legion of Doom.

This story comes from the pages of Justice League #13-14, where Wonder Woman and the rest of the Justice League are taking out Cheetah, her one-time friend named Barbara Minerva. After tracking her down and learning the secret of her powers, she's been imprisoned in a special cell for an undefined period.

But apparently that's what Cheetah wants. The JL should have checked her for bugs because Cheetah is now in direct communication with other super-villains. Black Manta is one of her confirmed allies, and with those two on the roster the likelihood is that we'll be seeing the Legion of Doom in the near future.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Commissioner Gordon, Target of The Joker!

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

Batman Watches His Friend Fall

~Commissioner Gordon falls, excerpt from Batman #14 (2013).

Having escaped from Ace Chemicals, Batman learns that Bruce Wayne's Butler, Alfred Pennyworth, has been taken hostage. He immediately rendezvouses with Jim Gordon, who turns out to be the next target.

The Joker is now on the rampage in The Death of The Family event, involving Nightwing, Red Robin, and the entire cast of Bat-supporting heroes. The event started in October 2012 and features Batman's greatest nemesis.

And now he seems to know all their secret identities. With a purely psychotic intentions beyond repair, The Joker is now taking out key figures close to Caped Crusader as his insane plot unfolds.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Superman vs. General Samsa

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

The Man of Steel Faces...Government

~Superman, Earth One, Volume Two (2012)

In a stunning exchange, the legitimate ruler of the Island-Nation of Borada faces Superman and orders him to evacuate the country. The threat is real, and he backs it up with further atrocities if his demand is ignored.

In the Trade-Paperback Superman, Earth One, Volume Two (2012), Clark Kent is brand new to the city of Metropolis and only now establishing his morals as The Man of Steel. For the first time he has to encounter and mitigate Lois Lane and her prying intuitions, the emergence of The Parasite and his lust for Superman's energy, and the nations of the world, dealing with a man who is invulnerable and unstoppable.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Who Punishes The Punisher? Not Spider-Man!

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

There's No Such Thing As A Fair Fight

~Frank Castle vs. Spider-Man, Punisher War Journal #1 (2012)

After being out-maneuvered and pummeled by Spider-Man, The Punisher ends the fight with an explosive the wall-crawler can't dodge.

The Punisher has never played by the rules and has no problem killing bad guys; that's why he's about to be the number one target of interest with Spider-Man and The Avengers. Starting in the five-issue mini-series, Punisher War Journal #1, Earth's Mightiest Heroes have decided to end the manhunt for the vigilante.

Here's the problem, though: The Punisher won't go down without a fight.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Nick Fury and Agent Coulson vs. Marvel NOW

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

Six Months Left...And Counting

~Marvel NOW Point One #1 (2012)

The newest incarnation of Nick Fury, his son, has taken over the franchise; now he's a field agent who operates with his long-time buddy Agent Coulson. Their immediate assignment, however, is a stranger who showed up all-of-a-sudden and began taking over the stock market. SHIELD immediately picked up this anonymous figure without a title and he began explaining how the world would end...

It's all unfolding in Marvel NOW Point One #1. Fury and Coulson are witness to a series of stories landmarking the event: The New Nova, The Origin of Starlord, Loki and the Young Avengers, and more!

Time is no longer on their side; the problem is they don't know who's the bad guy.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

The Joker Gets His Face Back!

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

Death of The Family Begins

~Batman #13 (2012)

The Joker is back. But he's not the same. Evil and twisted thoughts are now pale before this malevolent creature, killing his way through Gotham City and now at the doorstep of Alfred Pennyworth!

In the amazing Batman event Death of The Family, The Joker has returned after a year of uncertainty and grotesque mutilation. He was last seen in Detective Comics #1 (2012) when he was captured while on a rampage. After being dropped at Arkham Asylum, our last picture of the super-villain was a wall displaying his surgically-removed face!

Death of The Family is expected to run from October 2012 to February 2013 and will affect the entire Batman Crime-Fighting Family. You can follow the Reading Order and clues by clicking on the link.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Surtur Follows Loki

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

And When He Goes, So Does Everything Else

~Journey Into Mystery #644 (2012)

The Nine Realms are falling into ruin and it's all Loki's fault. All his tricks and sins are now center-stage; the ultimate threat is about to destroy him: Surtur.

Follow Loki and Thor as their entire race, with the others, battle for survival in Journey Into Mystery #644.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

Captain America and The Ultimates Face Civil Unrest

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

With Border Security at an All-Time High

~The Ultimates #15 (2012)

There's serious trouble with the technology of today. As a matter of fact, "Social Media" has a whole new meaning. This excerpt comes from the latest release of The Ultimates, where The United States is involved with tech that's gone overboard.

Think this response for border security is crazy? That's nothing. In this alternate reality story, Captain America has resigned his position and the States have split up with some seceding from the Union. Even Nick Fury is a wanted man. And during all of the crisis, the polls are opening for the next Presidential Election.

Stay tuned. As The Ultimates go into action, the ending is a big surprise.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.

The Dark Phoenix Has Returned

VILLAINOUS MOMENTS

Cyclops Has Gone Mad With Power

~Avengers vs. X-Men #11 (2012)

Scott Summers, formerly known to as Cyclops to the world of mutants and the public, has transformed into the ultra-powerful entity known as Dark Phoenix. The world is bracing for devastation.

Originally, Scott and four other X-Men had routed the Phoenix entity, somehow consuming its power among them; shortly after, they became known as the "Phoenix Five" and strived to create a utopia on earth (Re: Pax Utopia).

All those dreams fell away as their desires and goals turned to ultimatums and demands. Now the only member left, Scott is the sole vassal of a power that has turned him into Dark Phoenix. The Avengers have made no comments, but are already planning a counter-strategy.

You can read more about these exploits in the Avengers vs. X-Men story.

Villainous Moments is a column from of The Superheroes List, updated weekly (usually Tuesday). What are the bad guys doing this week? Macabre and unthinkable, grotesque and unbearable; here's your answer! Look for #VillainousMoments on Twitter.