Updated September 3, 2020 60.9K votes 9.9K voters 5.5M views
Voting Rules
Vote up the epically emotional events from comic books.
Fans of comic books usually look towards their favorite series for excitement, action, and escapism. However, there are those brilliantly written pieces that tug at our heartstrings and can make us cry. This list collects the most emotional moments in comics, those moments in superhero stories that left you devastated and crying.
Almost all of the major heroes have ventured forth into the great beyond at one time or another. It kind of comes with the job. However, when written delicately, these deaths transcend the medium and become actual news. People all over the world mourned the death of Superman and Captain America. People recoiled when told about Robin's brutal demise.
For some, the tragedy isn't the event, but watching the fallout as beloved characters sink into depression and despair over their loss. The reality that gets injected into comics sometimes feels so real that it's hard to separate one's self from it. It's only when both the heroes and the audience are able to look at death, acknowledge its ever-presence in our life, and continue forward, that they are able to obtain heroism.
So grab that box of tissues and your security blanket - these are the most emotional events in comic book history. Most of these entries are tears of sadness, but a few are tears of happiness or relief.
1
1,617 VOTES
Superman's Words to a Suicidal Girl
Photo: DC
All-Star Superman is considered by many to be one of the most touching Superman stories in the modern era. This moment sums up why. As a girl is about to jump from a tall building after failing to get in touch with her therapist, Superman intervenes. He saves the day not with heat vision, cold breath, or a massive punch, but with empathy, kindness, and a hug. Anyone who suffers from depression and has had similar suicidal thoughts can certainly relate.
1,617 votes
2
2,592 VOTES
Batman and Ace
Photo: Warner Bros.
Amanda Waller recants to Terry McGinnis a tale of Batman's compassion in a later Justice League Unlimited episode. Ace, the ultra powerful child in the Royal Flush Gang, has her powers of manipulation grow out of control. Waller has deduced that the only way to stop the girl is to put her down. Sparing the other League members, Batman opts to confront Ace. When he reaches her, she is just a frightened child swinging on a swing set. Instead of killing her, Batman holds her hands until she passes naturally.
2,592 votes
3
1,465 VOTES
Barry Allen Remembers Wally West
Photo: DC
The DC Rebirth issue follows Wally West as a phantom trying to warn the New 52 Universe of impending danger before he is lost from reality. Throughout the issue, he fails to get his message across. Resigned to his fate, he makes one last visit to say goodbye to his uncle, Barry Allen, despite the fact that Allen likely wouldn't remember him. As Wally is about to be lost in the Speed Force, Barry remembers and embraces his nephew.
1,465 votes
4
2,432 VOTES
Gwen Stacy's Death
Photo: Marvel
Peter Parker's life is normally circling the toilet bowl. However, one of the cruelest moments in the webslinger's life hits when love interest Gwen Stacy has her neck snapped. Although it's unclear if she was already dead when the Green Goblin tossed her from the top of that bridge, it is generally accepted that when Spidey caught her on the way down, her neck was snapped by the pull of the webbing.
2,432 votes
5
2,044 VOTES
Death of Jason Todd
Photo: DC
Although "Death in the Family" lacks some of the emotional punch of some of these other stories, one can't dispute the impact it had on the Dark Knight and even casual Batman fans. Robin, then Jason Todd, is beaten to death and blown up by the Joker after being betrayed by his mother. Not only is the punishment extreme, it's also cruel.
2,044 votes
6
2,269 VOTES
Tony Stark on Captain America's Death
Photo: Marvel
It's easy to paint Iron Man as the bad guy in Marvel's Civil War story - especially when Captain America is assassinated at the conclusion of the event. However, Tony gets his moment alone with the deceased Captain America, where he tearfully breaks down the reasoning for his actions and remorse at Cap's passing.
