phouka and rjung
Third vote for “The Boy Who Collected Spider-Man.”
Have to second Ozymandius’ chilling proclaimation in Watchmen. It’s sort-of the final nail in the coffin. He’s gone mad, and while what he has done is right… His methods… He goes from inspiring hero to crazed villian in one small step.
One that isn’t tragic per se, but chokes me up, is the Ramadan issue of Sandman. The end where the carpet falls to the ground, and all around is poverty and desolation… Just gives me chills every time I read it.
The end of the first Battle Angel Alita graphic novel. Alita is forced to kill Makaku, who has revealed his heatbreaking story. Those last four frames always get me. And I quote: …I don’t know if it’s a sin or something to be proud of…if it is hatred or sadness…but I am moved to tears–by something I can’t exactly explain…
I agree with Mr Vandelay.
I thought of that issue as soon as I saw the thread title
Total Spoiler-
Reed has brought in Bruce Banner and Michael Morbius. But neither of them know enough. They convince him to go to Octopus. Reed is reluctant, after all Octopus is a dangerous lunatic. Banner points out that he’s also the Hulk. Morbius reminds Reed that his own research transformed him into a bloodthirsty monster.
Reed takes the Fantasticar to the mentlal hospital they’re keeping Doc Oc in. Oc has been responding well to treatment. He seems conused, quiet, and gentle. He offers to help and leaves with Reed. As they fly over NY, Doc Oc spots a Daily Bugle billboard with a picture of Spidey Man. This causes a relapse. He telepathically summons his metal arms and proceeds to battle Reed. ‘You lied to me! Tried to trick me! You don’t want my help! You want to kill me! Because you’re jealous of my genius! Like all of them!’
Reed manages to immobilize Doc Oc. ‘Look, this isn’t about jealousy. I know you’re a great scientist. Without you, my wife and our baby will die. You’re the only one who can help me.’
Doc Oc begins to cry. He remembers why he got into science to begin with, his dreams of making the world a better place. He also remembers the years he’s spent as a madman making weapons and killing. He becomes Otto Octavius again. ‘Yes, I want to help. Please, let me help.’
They arrive at the hospital to the news that Sue is fine. But, the baby is dead. The last page is a tiny, single panel or Reed and the doctor surrounded by blackness.
The tragedy of Reed and Sue is obvious. But remember that Octavius never wanted to be a villain, or hurt any one. He was driven insane by a lab accident. In this issue, he returns to sanity long enough to find out that one more person has died because of him.Exactly! There were times where I hated Dream too, especially because of how he literally put Nada through Hell, among other things, but in the end I still cared about him and felt sad when he died.
I’d like to add another tragic moment, this one from the Japanese manga Fushigi Yugi: Nuriko’s death was very tragic. It is especially sad because he had just come to terms with his sister’s death and his own sexuality when he is killed. Miaka’s reaction to his death makes it all the more tragic.
I totally agree with this. The scene at the end with the Sultan looking dreamily into the city in the bottle is just haunting.
The death of the Glyph in Halo Jones.
The panel where it’s arm is sticking out of the wreckage after just saving Halo and Toy’s comment “No one died here today”.
I have to second the “Blue World” issue of Swamp Thing, never has lonliness been painted so eloquently.