If a Character Dies and Nobody Notices…. (Spoilers)
Warning Spoilers!
This week, the buzz has all been about Marvel‘s Uncanny Avengers #14 which featured the “death” of two characters, Scarlet Witch and Rogue. The intertubes were filled with folks buzzing about the shocking turn of events in that series with some people holding back the spoiler, and others gladly sharing it. It was a moment that clearly resonated with people, it got them talking.
Lets juxtapose that with a “death” over in the DC Universe. This week in Superman #25, the fourth part of the “Krypton Returns” storyline, Superboy sacrifices himself to save Argo city. I haven’t been reading the series at all, so even I needed to be tipped off to the event by reader Rob who runs Canadian Comic Book Trade.
Writer Scott Lobdell hinted at the death of the character at this year’s New York Comic Con, to make way for a different Superboy, so maybe that’s why there’s no talk. But, overall, I can only think this shows off the interest in DC’s Superman. When a death doesn’t even get folks chatting or buzzing, that’s just not a good sign.
In all fairness, the news that the current Superboy would die broke last month. I for one was a little sad to see the Kon El character leave the books. I was much more touched by the sacrifice of this admittedly second tier character than the death fest that was uncanny avengers. The UA story had a feeling as if, all of a sudden, a deus ex machina would appear soon negating all these events that were happening. Plus rogue and scarlet witch both have upcoming major motion pictures, so their deaths also rated high on my BS meter.
I wouldn’t be surprised if those two deaths are undone in the next issue honestly. Much like the Catwoman “death,” neither sits right with me. And yes, the Superboy death has been a “known” thing for a while. But even then, it caused little buzz.
I’m inclined to agree with Burt. Rogue and the Scarlet Witch won’t stay dead for long. One of the things modern Marvel comics is infamous for is not sticking to character death. Or at least as far as popular, profitable characters are concerned.
With the Kon-El Superboy, I’m a bit more on the fence. Admittedly I haven’t been reading the rebooted Superman books, but the New 52 in general seems more inclined to burn bridges. It’s been only two years, but I can’t think of anyone major who was killed and brought back, except maybe through time travel. And since there’s a new Superboy planned, I’m inclined to view this change as permanent. Whether it’s a good idea or not, I have no room to say.
You know, it isn’t like the Avengers death was a surprise to the readers of that title, either. He told us AT COMIC-CON that a bunch of characers would die, coupled with an image of that cover being screened for the panel.
I actually missed that. Doh. Well that just emphasizes my point more.