[tzs]

What many people overlook is that, in Marvel terms, Epstein was not the kind of villain that Magneto or the Red Skull or Thanos are/were.

Epstein was the kind of villain that Wilson Fisk or Norman Osborn or Alexander Pierce are/were.

The former don't make any attempt to hide their evil.

The latter go to great effort to have public personas that do good.

Wilson Fisk for example was known to the public and most authorities as a philanthropic New York City businessman known for his major donations that the city and its institutions. Behind the scenes he was know as the Kingpin of Crime running a large organized crime, human trafficking, drug, and assassination operation. But only a few heroes (Daredevil and Spider-Man) and some officials knew or suspected.

To succeed in the latter kind of villainy it is essential that you cultivate relationships with a lot of respectable people who you make sure do not get involved in the evil side so you can keep the public persona's reputation clean.

[ndsipa_pomu]

I prefer to think of Epstein as Wormtongue (Lord of the Rings) - whispering plots and schemes into the ears of others.