Top 10 Plus-Size Supervillains in Comics

In the diverse world of comic books, characters come in all shapes and sizes, embodying a range of personalities, powers, and moral complexities. While superheroes often get the limelight, supervillains provide the necessary counterpoint that makes these stories so engaging. Yet, one subset of this villainous menagerie has been both underrepresented and, at times, stereotypically portrayed: plus-size supervillains. From the intellectual might of Kingpin to the menacing presence of Granny Goodness, these characters break the mold in more ways than one. They’re not just memorable for their larger-than-life physiques, but also for their intricate backstories and multi-dimensional personalities. This article celebrates the Top 10 Plus-Size Supervillains in Comics.

Kingpin (Marvel)

In the Marvel Universe, few villains command as much respect and fear as Wilson Fisk, better known as the Kingpin. At first glance, his imposing, plus-size physique may be mistaken for mere bulk, but it belies a keen strategic mind and immense physical strength. Unlike many other villains who rely on superpowers or gadgets, Kingpin’s greatest assets are his intelligence and influence. He’s a master manipulator, controlling a vast criminal empire that reaches into every corner of New York City and beyond.

Though primarily an adversary for Spider-Man and Daredevil, Kingpin’s ambition puts him in conflict with a wide array of Marvel heroes. What makes Kingpin particularly compelling is his complex morality; he truly believes his criminal endeavors are a form of order, a necessary evil in a chaotic world.

Blob (Marvel)

Fred Dukes, better known as Blob, is a unique figure in the Marvel Universe. A member of the Brotherhood of Mutants, Blob is a classic adversary of the X-Men. Unlike many villains who are defined by guile or technological prowess, Blob’s defining characteristic is his massive, almost unmovable physique. His mutant ability not only grants him incredible strength but also makes him nearly impervious to physical damage; bullets bounce off him and even powerful energy blasts often fail to penetrate his skin.

Blob’s size is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a manifestation of his power and an integral part of his combat strategy. While he may not possess the strategic cunning of some other villains, his physical capabilities make him a formidable foe. Over the years, Blob’s character has been fleshed out to explore his insecurities and vulnerabilities, making him a more nuanced character than his exterior might suggest.

Penguin (DC)

Unlike many of Gotham’s rogues, Penguin isn’t a physically imposing figure due to his superhuman abilities or combat prowess; rather, it’s his intellect and cunning that make him dangerous. His plus-sized, pot-bellied appearance complete with a monocle and top hat, often serves to underestimate his capabilities—a mistake many have come to regret. He’s a criminal mastermind, with an affinity for ornithology, and frequently employs bird-themed gadgets and weapons.

The Penguin operates more like a mob boss than a traditional supervillain, running nightclubs and various illegal enterprises. What makes him especially intriguing is his complex personality; he’s a social climber who craves respectability, and his criminal activities are often fueled by a desperate need for social validation. This multi-dimensional characterization makes Penguin a fascinating figure in the world of comics.

Granny Goodness (DC)

In the grim mythos of DC’s Fourth World, few characters are as paradoxically named and unsettling as Granny Goodness. A high-ranking lieutenant in Darkseid’s oppressive regime on the planet Apokolips, Granny Goodness is neither a grandmother nor good in any conventional sense. She is in charge of training the elite soldiers of Darkseid, often employing brutal and sadistic methods. Her appearance as a larger, older woman juxtaposes sharply against her vicious nature, making her one of the more unique and unsettling characters in the DC Universe.

Granny Goodness doesn’t possess superhuman physical abilities, but her power lies in her manipulative skills and the fanatical loyalty she inspires in her followers, aptly named the Female Furies. She is a psychological tormentor, a nurturer turned malevolent, making her an antithesis to the maternal archetype. This dark twist on expected norms makes Granny Goodness a complex and memorable villain.

Ulysses Lugman (DC)

He is a corrupt businessman and sometimes adversary of Superman and other heroes. Often depicted as a plus-sized, wealthy industrialist, his villainy is of a subtler, more insidious kind: the manipulation of financial markets, unethical business practices, and the wielding of economic power to achieve his goals. Lugman’s considerable girth is often used as a visual representation of his avarice and unchecked capitalism, much like the Penguin’s appearance in Batman comics.

What sets him apart is that he operates within the boundaries of the law—most of the time—making him a difficult target for straightforward heroes like Superman. Ulysses Lugman serves as a reminder that villainy isn’t always about superpowers or elaborate costumes; sometimes, it wears a business suit and operates from the corner office.

Jabba the Hutt (Star Wars Comics)

Next is Jabba the Hutt, an iconic character in the Star Wars universe who has also made appearances in various Star Wars comic series. Originating from the film franchise, this gargantuan gangster lords over the Outer Rim Territories from his palace on Tatooine. Portrayed as a grotesque, slug-like creature, Jabba is a crime lord of immense influence and power, involved in various illicit activities like smuggling, gambling, and slave trading.

His plus-sized physique is not just for show; it’s emblematic of his gluttonous, hedonistic tendencies. Jabba is not a physical combatant, but his size is a part of his menacing presence, a visual manifestation of his excessive and exploitative lifestyle. While he doesn’t possess the strategic brilliance of some other villains, his vast resources and utter lack of morality make him a formidable enemy. Whether he’s placing bounties on Han Solo or capturing Princess Leia, Jabba the Hutt embodies the darker, more corrupt corners of the Star Wars universe.

Tweedledum and Tweedledee (DC)

In the kaleidoscope of oddities that is Batman’s rogues gallery, Tweedledum and Tweedledee hold a special place. Cousins Deever and Dumfrey Tweed are almost identical in appearance and often mistaken for twins. Both are plus-sized and model their criminal personas after the characters from Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking-Glass.” Unlike many other villains who rely on advanced technology or superpowers, their strength lies in their teamwork and basic cunning, often working in concert with other criminals like the Joker or the Mad Hatter.

The pair have an old-world charm with their bowler hats and round figures, but they are far from harmless. They are cunning strategists, planning heists and kidnappings with surprising sophistication. Their corpulent physique serves as a deceptive mask for their true nature: intelligent, capable criminals who can stand toe-to-toe with Gotham’s finest.

Pink Pearl (Marvel)

In the Marvel Universe, Pink Pearl is a lesser-known but captivating villain who has tangled with characters like Alpha Flight and Night Thrasher. Originally a circus performer, Pink Pearl uses her considerable size and strength to her advantage in her criminal escapades. Often underestimated because of her appearance, she is far from just a large physique; she’s also a mastermind capable of planning and executing intricate schemes.

Pink Pearl breaks the mold in more ways than one. She’s not only one of the few plus-size female villains but also one who is unapologetically confident in her physicality. Her appearance serves as a visual metaphor for the audacity and grandiosity of her plans. While she may not possess supernatural abilities, her intelligence, charisma, and physical might make her a formidable opponent.

Doctor Octopus (Marvel)

He is one of Spider-Man’s most iconic adversaries and a standout character in Marvel Comics. While not extremely overweight, he is often depicted as somewhat portly, contrasting sharply with the typically athletic or svelte figures in superhero comics. His real power lies not in physical strength but in his extraordinary intellect and the set of highly advanced, mechanical arms fused to his spine, making him an incredible force to be reckoned with.

Dr. Octopus embodies the trope of the mad scientist turned villain, but adds layers of complexity and depth rarely seen in such archetypes. He is a brilliant inventor, a master strategist, and possesses a certain vulnerability that occasionally shines through his otherwise ruthless exterior. His character explores themes of ego, the ethical dilemmas inherent in scientific discovery, and the personal tragedies that can push a person toward villainy.

Mojo (Marvel)

In the annals of Marvel villainy, Mojo stands out as one of the most bizarre and unsettling characters. Originating from a dimension known as the Mojoverse, where everything is governed by television ratings, this spineless (literally) being is the epitome of media excess and exploitation. Mojo is often depicted as an obese, slug-like creature who moves around on mechanical spider-like legs. His grotesque appearance is a caricature of gluttony and excess, making him one of the most visually memorable villains in the Marvel Universe.

Mojo is a master manipulator who controls his world through broadcasted entertainment, often at the expense of others’ suffering. He has clashed with the X-Men numerous times, capturing them for his twisted reality shows that put their lives at risk for the sake of ratings. What makes Mojo especially intriguing is that he serves as a social commentary on the media landscape, embodying the ethical pitfalls of an industry obsessed with viewership at any cost.

Also Read: Top 10 Plus-Size Superheroes