RobertAHeinlein's ''The Rolling Stones'' points out that for every {{Superhero}}, there must be a {{Supervillain}} to give him purpose. Heinlein's ''Number of the Beast'' further notes that if the {{villain}} is [[KilledOffForReal killed]], he must be replaced by a [[YouKilledMyFather son]] that's just as evil and BadAss [[AvengingTheVillain as his predecessor]], if the story is to continue.

In short, where would that [[TheCape caped]] clown be without ''you,'' his rival, his foil, his ArchEnemy? Nowhere, that's where. You've been around for as long as ''he'' has, after all!

Like your heroic counterpart, you have [[MagicAndPowers powers]], skills and technology that [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveSupernaturalPowers elevate you above the average person]], or indeed, the average criminal. Really, [[GoodIsBoring mundanity is for suckers]]. Why rob a bank by barging through the front door in a ski-mask, when you ''could'' release crippling fear-toxin through the AC, bust through the wall in your [[ClothesMakeTheSuperman power suit]], teleport into the vault, or cast a spell that [[BadPowersBadPeople turns the staff to]] [[TakenForGranite stone]]?

Of course, you need to look [[EvilMakeover cool]] while doing this, and don't forget those [[ChestInsignia identifying marks]], unless you want to stay [[NotWearingTights under the radar]]. If you have a day job, you'll wanna keep it [[SecretIdentity quiet]] too, because those parti-colored do-gooders will be gunning for you.

And while we're on the subject, don't those bastards just ruin everything? Spoiling your [[EvilPlan plans]] for as long as [[StartOfDarkness you can remember]]! Heck, they even trashed your [[SuperVillainLair house]] that one time! I mean, you're only knocking over banks...or levelling cities, or taking over planets...y'know, basically doing your own thing. Why've they got such bugs up their butts anyway? What'd you ever do to them, aside from stalking them and [[IHaveYourWife antagonizing their loved ones]]? You do that to ''everyone''!

Anyway, you've had enough! You're gonna bust [[CardboardPrison out of prison again]], get some [[FiveBadBand friends]] [[LegionOfDoom together]], and really show them this time! It's not even [[MotiveDecay about your goals anymore]]! It's about seeing those costumed vigilantes [[DisproportionateRetribution pay for their interference]]! After [[JokerImmunity all you've survived]], you know you're due for a win. This time it'll be different! [[StatusQuoIsGod You hope]].

Supervillains can be found in any work that features {{Superhero}}es.

[[http://www.strangehorizons.com/2008/20081006/jackson-c.shtml This]] is an excellent deconstruction as to why supervillains never go to jail.

See also EvilCounterpart, ThePsychoRangers, DarkMagicalGirl.
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