A lot of doers of evil deeds actually have an amazing respect for human life. In fact, given true choice and power, they prove themselves willing to save and preserve it with the best of them.
What are the greatest instances of (at least temporary) face "turns", where a villain shows unexpected mercy or even outright altruism or self-sacrifice to save other people? Are these instances more common at Marvel Comics, as is commonly believed, or at the Distinguished Competition? Who are the most heroic or life-respecting/life-saving characters yet classed as villains in comicdom going by their actual history?
Back up your assertions with scans, if possible, please.
Recent Ock comes to mind. Almost fries the earth then 10 issues later performs a surgical procedure to save a little girl he himself nearly killed earlier.
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Azula: My mommy didn't love me so I'm going to burn down your village.
I wouldn't call that a heroic villain trait/feat. Seems more like he was feeling bad/guilty for almost killing a little girl and that's against his morals? You know more about him than I do though so maybe he has no problem with killing children. Still I don't see fixing someone's own mistake as the most heroic trait or instance.
DC Universe Online's entire comic book arc is about Luthor turning into a hero. I liked it and his portrayal of a hero who still carries his villain baggage/snark.
A good chunk of Marvel Villians were once "heroic" enough to show their support for the U.S. after the 9/11 bombing.. (please log in to view the image) It even made doom cry.. (please log in to view the image)
one of the stupidest comic book moments ever.
__________________ Banned 30 days for the Crime of "ETC"... and when I "ETC" I do it HARD!!!
Seriously, this was written solely for New York in the face of real-life tragedy. I don't think anyone was concerned about the canonicity of it, or how in character anyone was. That you are speaks to a profound lack of perspective and context.
Whether he calls or even consciously considers himself to be so, Magneto is decidely human and cares deeply about a great many people.
He loved his family, for instance.
But they died in the gas chambers.
He loved his daughter.
But she was slain by a Russian mob.
He loved his wife, Magda.
(I don't know what happened to her, unfortunately.)
Magneto BECAME Magneto precisely BECAUSE he cared for humans.
It was the anger he felt at the humans he loved being taken AWAY from him that led him to strike out.