10 Saddest DC Comics Stories of All Time

DC Comics is a world full of superheroes and wonders. However, not every series can be full of cheerful moments. For a story to be great and real, there must be more somber moments. DC has consistently gotten this element right, giving readers some of the saddest moments in comic book history.

Many DC stories have found new ways to hit readers where it hurts, from major character deaths to tragic origin stories and everything in between. Some superheroes are even defined by their tragedy, be it a backstory or a failure to get there in time. These are some of the moments readers will remember for years to come. Yet somehow, they always get back up and keep going, saving the day again and again.

10

Blackest Night Opened the Door to Many Sad Moments

DC Heroes Fought Ex-Allies and Worse in Blackest Night

When a DC event takes over the universe, it’s easy to forget the underlying tragedy, but not in Blackest Night​​​​​. In this event, a villain named Nekron raised an army of dead that included famous DC superheroes. Watching heroes battle their fallen comrades was a harrowing moment for readers.

The very foundation of Blackest Night is deeply saddening, but this was only the beginning. During the ensuing battles, countless heroes fell, only to join the opposing ranks. Many of these heroes were fan favorites or otherwise characters who felt like pillars of the franchise. In other words, they felt immortal to the readers. It was impossible not to take that to heart. It’s no wonder this event became one of DC’s most iconic and memorable events.

9

The Death of Superman

When the Invulnerable Superman Fell, It Shocked a Nation

There’s no denying that Superman is one of the most iconic superheroes ever. He’s often seen as the hero who cannot fall or fail, so the events of The Death of Superman stunned the nation. More accurately, his death shocked two universes, as the comic book world and the real world were both taken aback by Superman’s death at the hands of Doomsday. Readers now know that Superman can and will return, but that doesn’t diminish what happened.

The Death of Superman is easily one of the most tragic events to occur in DC Comics. It’s one of those moments that live in the hearts and minds of readers, impossible to beat. DC has tried to top this event, but they’ve only come close on a few occasions. Something about the Man of Steel makes his story hit so much harder.

8

Jason Todd’s Murder

Batman Is No Stranger to Loss, But That Doesn’t Make it Hurt Less

There’s nothing more tragic than watching a hero fall. During “A Death in the Family,” young Robin, aka Jason Todd, was kidnapped by the Joker. Unfortunately, the tragedy had just begun, as Jason Todd was brutally beaten by the villain and left to die. This event is highly emotional – and complex, as the readers at the time actually had a say in what happened.

Nearing the end of “A Death in the Family,” it became less clear if Jason Todd would survive his beating. Fans were given two numbers to call; one would let them vote for his survival and the other for his death. In the end, the numbers were clear: readers voted that Jason Todd would not survive. Todd was later brought back, but he will forever bear the scars of his experience.

7

The Killing Joke Left a Mark On Batman Comics

Barbara Gordon Went Through So Much In The Killing Joke

Readers have a lot of opinions about what happened during The Killing Joke. Some readers love the lengths it went to, while other readers enjoy seeing how much change a distraught Joker can bring to the world. No matter how one looks at it, there’s no denying the lasting impact The Killing Joke had on its characters.

Many iconic DC characters are pushed to their limits in The Killing Joke. The Joker is arguably pushed over the edge, with Commissioner Gordon dancing with the line. However, Barbara Gordon faced the most profound trauma when she was paralyzed at the hands of The Joker. This event forced Barbara to retire her mantle of Batgirl, at least for the time. The silver lining is that it led to the rise of the Oracle, Barbara’s new alter-ego.

6

Brainiac Reminds Superman of His Weakness

While Superman Won the Fight, He Lost His Adoptive Father

If there’s one lesson every superhero must learn, they can’t save everyone. It seemed like Superman may have been the exception to that rule for a time. That is until Brainiac set out to prove him wrong and unleashed an army of robotic drones on Earth in this event, forcing the Man of Steel into a dangerous battle.

The good news is that Superman won the battle and saved the day, successfully retrieving the city of Kando’s bottle. The bad news is that Brainiac had a backup plan designed to hurt Superman. The villain fired a parting shot—not at the hero but at his homestead. The shot struck Kent’s farm, and while Martha survived, Jonathan Kent was struck by Brainiac. Superman’s adoptive father suffered a fatal heart attack following the event.

5

Injustice: Gods Among Us Broke Barriers and Hearts

Countless Heroes Suffered During the Events of Injustice

At least once in a generation, a creative team will ask, “What would happen if this superhero turned evil?” This question spawned one of the most painful and memorable events in DC Comics, as Injustice: Gods Among Us broke the Man of Steel and turned him to the other side. The story starts in pain, as the Joker and Harley Quinn kill Lois Lane.

Lois Lane may have been the first to die in Injustice, but she was not the last. Dozens of heroes fall over the course of this series, finding new and tragic ways to tear at readers’ heartstrings. Among the fallen include Black Canary, Mogo, Green Arrow, Chi’p, Captain Atom, Guy Gardner, Kely Rayner, and Jim Gordon.

4

“Sam’s Story” Was a Heartwrenching Superman Tale

Clark Kent Learned That Heroes Can’t Always Save the Day

Anyone looking for a good cry should read “Sam’s Story.” The story takes place in Superman/Batman #26 and is inspired by Jeph Loeb’s real-life son, Sam Loeb. It follows Clark Kent in what seems like a normal series of events, with him attending school to find one of his classmates injured. Sam plays the injury off as little more than a sports injury, but readers will soon learn the truth.

Over the course of the issue, Clark and readers learn that Sam is dying of cancer. It started in his leg before spreading to his jaw and lungs. The story is utterly shattering and heartbreaking – because it’s so human. Superman can save a thousand lives from a burning building, but he can’t save everyone, and he can’t fight cancer.

3

Identity Crisis Created Some Truly Dark Moments

Identity Crisis Showcased the True Price of Becoming a Hero

Not every major event in DC Comics is well-loved by fans. Identity Crisis proves that an event can be heartbreaking and disliked. The somewhat controversial story begins with a death, as Sue Dibny is found dead. The story quickly spirals as readers learn that Sue Dibny had been assaulted years prior – and the Justice League covered it up.

Identity Crisis offered a darker look into the world of superheroes, and it’s safe to say the experience was harrowing. The story portrayed an organization willing to overlook the tragedy of one for the sake of many. It’s heartbreaking, especially considering how it relates to Sue’s demise. At the end of the day, it’s understandable why many fans prefer not to think too much about this moment in history.

2

Dex-Starr Losing His Owner

The House Cat Turned Red Lantern Was Never The Same

A superhero’s, or supervillain’s, origin story has the most potential for tragedy, as evidenced by Dex-Starr’s backstory. Once upon a time, Dex-Starr was an ordinary cat. He was a stray who a loving and kind woman took in. That should have been the end of his story, but sadly, it was only the beginning.

After being rescued, Dex-Starr witnessed his new owner get brutally murdered. Once again, the cat was alone. This time, he knew what it was like to have loved – and lost. His little heart filled with rage, and soon, a Red Lantern Ring found the cat, offering to fill the void left behind. Dex-Starr is now known for being one of the most brutal Lanterns, as he swore to get revenge no matter what.

1

The Death of Alfred Pennyworth

Batman Lost His Most Loyal Ally at the Hands of Bane

It’s not uncommon for a character to die in the world of superheroes. Sometimes, they can even die more than once. However, the fact that these characters may eventually return doesn’t diminish the pain of their loss. Take Alfred Pennyworth. He’s died more than once throughout the history of DC Comics, but his most recent death hits hard.

Alfred, Batman’s most loyal ally, died during the events of “City of Bane.” This event happened back in 2019, and while it is likely that Alfred will one day grace the pages again, that moment hasn’t come. To make matters more depressing, every Bat Family member has keenly felt Alfred’s loss. His death has had a lasting impact on the universe. Readers will need some time to get over the moment Batman discovers Alfred’s death.