In the comics world, the typical outline for a character is played out on how it starts and how it ends. To be blunt, every famous comic character has met their fate at some time during their existence. A comic death for a character is done for various reasons. Whether the creator feels the character has achieved all that is needed or there is a need to boost comic sales. Nevertheless, the idea of seeing your favorite superhero or villain dying when you did not expect can create a mixed reaction for the reader. Below will be issues of some notable characters who have met their fate. I'm also providing anyone a warning that reading beyond this point could spoil the death of a character that you may not have realized. You have been warned!

 

Man of Steel Comic Death

The first issue that I want to discuss is Superman #75. This character is one of the most famous comic book characters of all time. The character I am referring to is Superman. This issue details the death of the "Man of Steel", and of course the creature that he battles, Doomsday. Superman, a character with very few weaknesses, meets his doom battling it out with Doomsday and many fans never thought this day would come.

This iconic issue from DC Comics clearly spawned the attention of many fans. It is estimated that 6 million issues were sold. The issue came out with multiple printings and a special platinum edition that is polybagged in a black bag with the Superman symbol. It is said that there are only 10,000 copies of this variant with the number visible through a clear window on the back cover. An issue that every Superman fan will not forget as Doomsday beat the "Last Man from Krypton" to death in this issue. A feat, which many comic fans thought was not possible.

 

 

 

Gwen Stacey's Comic Death

Another character that met her fate in the comics occurred in the Amazing Spider-Man #121.  The character who died in this issue is Gwen Stacey. Her death came in at an interesting time in the series. It was a move to push another female character into the spotlight more. That character I am referring to is Mary Jane Watson. Stacey's death is tragic as it came as a result of Spider-Man trying to save her. She was thrown off a bridge from the Green Goblin. Her death occurred due to the whiplash of the web strand shot from Spider-Man. Her neck snapped as a result of the whiplash.

Result

Her death resulted in Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson becoming closer as friends and in eventual romance. The mourning of her death triggered them in spending more time with each other. Lastly, apparently this was a decided action by the creative team of Roy Thomas and Gerry Conway, who felt Gwen Stacey was not an interesting enough character in the series. Either way, the death of a prominent character always carries serious repercussions that writers tend to stay away from doing going forward.

Final Thoughts

The one interesting part about comics is that no character stays dead forever. Meaning, writers find ways to bring these characters back to life in unique ways. Ways that include appearing in alternative timelines or universes or simply needing some yellow sun to heal his wounds. Which death in comics is the most tragic you have read? Which death would you consider as the most unexpected?