The Magnet Man

Born Erik Lensherr, the villain known as Magneto has been a thorn in the side of the X-Men since the formation of the team. He controls the power of magnetism, meaning he can manipulate any metallic metal even in its smallest form. He can also control the magnetic pull of the earth and defy gravity by appearing to fly, when he reality he is just propelling himself through the air as one would with anti-gravity boots for example.

While these are impressive powers, and there is a lot he can do with these abilities, they aren't the greatest powers in the world. So what makes Magneto one of the greatest villains of marvel comics?

There are two factors that comprise the flawed character of Magneto that make him stand out among his peers. First is his wisdom and intelligence. He has lived through hard times and has seen many things. He has been on the good side and the bad side. He has faced his own mortality, mistakes and flaws, and he has experienced that of many others. He is a tactician and a manipulator instead of a headstrong and careless ruffian. He knows what he wants and he finds a way to get it without ever lifting a finger if he can. But when he does lift a finger he does it with extreme prejudice.

Second is his purpose. As a boy, he was separated from his parents and raised in a Nazi prison camp. He was branded, beaten, tortured and degraded his entire life for being different. And he was a mutant, so he had a double dose of hatred tossed his way. He experienced the cruelty of mankind and saw his people, both Jewish and mutant, be punished for simply being different, and it broke something in him. It also created resolve and fire.

The most dangerous of villains are the ones that believe they are doing the right thing. Take away the purpose of anyone and you can eventually defeat them talk them down, or outsmart them. But a person with a purpose is convinced against all doubt and all argument and will not be swayed.

Of the villains of marvel comics, Magneto is one of the greatest threats of all. He has been a hero and has lead and fought beside the X-Men before, but only when it served his purposes. He is not a man to be trusted, but he is also not a man to be underestimated. He is simply Magneto.

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