[DeadKennedys]

Very astute point.

Same with Star Wars. If Vader hadn't been the baddest mother fucker this side of the galaxy, the prequels would have ruined the character. He was a ruthless killer (with a heart!), not some whiny cad with a rat-tail.

I don't want to know about their bad childhoods or failed relationships. Completely spoils their image.

If a murderer broke into your house, it'd be infinitely more frightening if you didn't know their motives, rather then if they sat you down and said "My mother never loved me. That's why I have to kill you."