The world of DC Comics has long been home to some of the darkest characters in comics. So much so that people have started associating DC with tragic backstories. From the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents to the destruction of Krypton, almost every DC character has gone through a tragic fate that transforms them into a hero.

However, these tragic stories aren’t just limited to heroes. Some of the greatest villains in DC come from wretched pasts that define their path of darkness. So, it's important to travel back in time to understand these characters' motivations and inspirations. That said, here are the characters with the most tragic backstories in DC Comics.

8 Bane

Born In A Prison

Popularly viewed as one of Batman’s most iconic villains, Bane never had it easy. His childhood started in a prison where he was forced to serve a life sentence due to the crimes of his father. So, as the popular saying goes, Bane was born in darkness and molded by it.

With his mother dying at the age of 6, Bane learned to survive in the brutal prison environment by making himself the strongest man in it. Eventually becoming the proclaimed king of the prison, Bane is subjected to the experimentation of the drug Venom, which he becomes reliant on for his future life. Breaking out of the prison at the end, this innocent boy turns into one of the most dangerous villains in DC Comics.

7 The Flash

Suffers The Loss Of His Mother

Similar to Batman, Barry Allen also witnessed the death of his parents as a child. However, his condition was arguably worse than Bruce’s. While Bruce lost both his parents, he still had a billionaire business to fall back on. On the other hand, Barry had nothing. So, witnessing the death of his mother, which would wrongfully admit his father into prison, is a tough price to pay to be the fastest man on the planet.

With such a tragic childhood, perhaps becoming the Flash isn’t even worth it, which is why Barry keeps struggling with the moral implications of time travel. In one instance, he could turn back time and save his mother. However, this would put a dent in the very fabric of space and time. This moral dilemma after a traumatic childhood makes Flash one of the most complexly tragic characters in DC.

6 Martian Manhunter

Witnesses The Destruction Of His Entire Race

Martian Manhunter, or J'onn J'onzz, was born on Mars, which used to be a thriving planet according to the comics. However, as his story progresses, it becomes one of the most heartbreaking origin stories in DC Comics. Similar to Superman, the Martian Manhunter also went through the destruction of his race. But, while Superman has no recollection of the destruction of Krypton, the Manhunter witnessed and remembers it all.

Betrayed by his brother, Ma'alefa'ak, in his thirst for power, Martian Manhunter witnesses the massacre of his race, including his wife and daughter. Following these traumatic events, J’onn is subjected to a blood ritual that will grant him his iconic powers, at the expense of his peace. Going through so much tragedy, J’onn serves as the last surviving green Martian, fighting for the legacy of his people.

5 Mr. Freeze

Loses His Wife To A Terminal Illness

Originally known as Victor Fries, Mr. Freeze is another one of Batman’s most iconic villains. However, his path toward villainy is motivated by a tragic backstory that intertwines love, loss, and obsession. Initially a brilliant scientist, Victor dedicated his life to scientific research. However, after his wife Nora becomes terminally ill, his devotion to curing her makes Victor insane.

Desperate to save her, Victor commits crimes in Gotham City to acquire enough money and fund his research. This obsession, combined with his indomitable will, makes Victor a villain that won’t stop at anything. However, despite his villainous actions, Mr. Freeze is just someone who wants to cure his wife and revive his love.

4 Superboy-Prime

Transforms From Loving Superheroes To Resenting Them

Superboy-Prime is an alternate version of Superman, raised on a parallel earth known as Earth Prime. However, his tragedy is far different from the original Clark Kent. In fact, some might argue that it’s worse. To put things into perspective, on Earth-Prime superheroes only exist in comic books. So, Superboy-Prime grew up idolizing Superman. However, once he gets similar powers after a comet event, life for him turns into tragedy.

During the Crisis on Infinite Earth timeline, Super-Boy Prime joins other superheroes to fight the Anti-Monitor. By the end of that event, his universe is completely obliterated, trapping him in an alternate dimension with no escape. Losing his friends, family, and everyone he loves, Superboy-Prime turns into villainy and goes down a dark path. And, when Earth-Prime comes back into existence, he’s looked upon as a villain and alienated by everyone. This entire journey makes him one of the most complex and misunderstood characters in DC.

3 Red Hood (Jason Todd)

Goes Through Torture And Murder

Considering Batman is one of DC’s darkest characters, the theme of tragedy revolves around the characters related to him. This includes Jason Todd, who would later on become Red Hood. Initially a street orphan living in desperation, Jason was adopted by Batman to be the second Robin. However, this was short-lived as Jason would later on be captured by The Joker and tortured to death.

But, as with most DC characters, death doesn’t mean an end. Through a series of events, Jason is resurrected and transformed into Red Hood. This alter ego of Jason had resentment running throughout his body. Operating with hatred towards Batman and the Joker, Red Hood becomes a villain who seeks vengeance. While he would go on and mend matters with the Bat-family, his tragedy earned him a spot among the saddest stories in DC.

2 Batman

Witnesses The Murder Of His Parents

Perhaps the most iconic and tragic backstory in DC belongs to Bruce Wayne. Similar to most DC characters, his story of tragedy begins with his childhood. After attending a movie, the Wayne family is confronted by a mugger. And, in the infamous event, he murders both of Bruce’s parents in an act of violence.

This changes Bruce completely. Witnessing the murder of his parents, Bruce goes into a deep state of isolation. This sense of loss and helplessness catalyzes his future actions. Bruce vows to protect the city of Gotham to ensure no one else goes through similar pain, turning him into Batman. However, even as Batman, Bruce struggles with attachment and emotions, highlighting his childhood trauma.

1 Supergirl

Watches Her Planet Die

Kara Zor-El, or Supergirl, is Superman’s older cousin. So, while Superman is an infant during Krypton’s destruction and doesn't have any recollection, Kara remembers it all. Witnessing the death of her entire planet in her teenage years, Kara’s life is defined by tragedy. However, this isn’t where the crisis stops for her.

As Superman is sent to Earth, Kara is sent along with him to protect her infant cousin. However, during her journey, she gets stuck in a space warp, trapping her in a state of stasis. And, by the time she gets free and reaches Earth, Kal-El is already a full-grown adult. So, she doesn't even get to fulfill her purpose. Struggling with the themes of loss and guilt, Supergirl’s story is sad, to say the least.