DC Comics: Heroes in Current Continuity That Are Dead

As a historian of comic books with a special interest in characters who have faced the harsh realities of death, I must say that the list you’ve provided is truly captivating. Each character has an extraordinary story, marked by selflessness and heroism, traits that are not only essential for their roles but also make them memorable to fans like myself.

As a devoted DC Comics fan, I can’t help but notice that not every hero from the DC universe is granted the resurrection privilege. Whether it’s due to narrative reasons or the writers deciding to bid farewell to these iconic characters, several DC legends have been consigned to an eternal rest in the ongoing continuity. Alas, there’s no telling when, or if at all, they might rise again.

In the world of comics, death is an integral aspect, yet it’s commonly assumed that iconic figures such as Batman and Superman will never truly die. However, there are numerous other characters, whether they be major or minor, who have perished and deserve acknowledgment for their continued state of decease while some heroes have resurfaced in the limelight.

7 Dogwelder

Died Saving the World by Welding Two Stars Together

First Appearance: All-Star Section Eight #1 (August, 2015)
Created by: Garth Ennis, John McCrea
Appearance of Death: Sixpack and Dogwelder: Hard-Travellin’ Heroz #6 (March, 2017)

Only the mind of Garth Ennis could come up with a character as ludicrous and important as Dogwelder, a character who takes his time and talent to use welding equipment to literally weld dogs to people. It’s an absurd premise and one that is actually used to save Earth.

In a selfless act, Dogwelder drew upon the power amassed by all previous Dogwelders and managed to fuse two approaching stars, Sirius A and Sirius B. As a consequence, he lost his life, but Earth continued its journey. This heroic act may be remembered only by the esteemed members of Section Eight.

6 Alfred Pennyworth

Killed by Bane After Robin Broke Into Gotham City

First Appearance: Batman #16 (February, 1943)
Created by: Don C. Cameron, Bob Kane
Appearance of Death: Batman #77 (August, 2019)

From the very beginning, Alfred Pennyworth served as a devoted butler and guiding figure for Bruce Wayne, and his unwavering allegiance to Gotham City ultimately led to his tragic end. Unfortunately, Alfred was captured by Bane, and true to his word, if any hero dared to enter the chaotic Gotham City, he would execute Alfred.

In a determined bid, Damian Wayne, Robin, sneaked into Gotham. Unfortunately, there, he saw Bane take the life of Alfred – an event that continues to cast a shadow even five years later. Regardless of any temporary resurrection as a zombie, moving past such a loss seems almost impossible.

5 Dr. Manhattan

Erased Himself From Existence After Transferring His Life Force to a New Boy

First Appearance: Watchmen #1 (September, 1986)
Created by: Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons
Appearance of Death: Doomsday Clock #12 (February, 2020)

In a twist of events, decades after his first appearance outside the primary DC Universe, Dr. Manhattan reappears as the mastermind behind the new DC Universe following the Flashpoint event. Instead of being portrayed as a deity, he is depicted as a scientist with an insatiable curiosity about his own creations. Interestingly enough, among all characters, Superman captures his fascination the most.

Moved by Superman’s values of goodness, Dr. Manhattan chooses to stop interfering in the DC Universe and instead spends his time imagining an ideal life, one that concludes with his own demise by transferring his remaining existence to the planet where Nite Owl and Silk Specter reside. The remnants of Dr. Manhattan are embodied in a young boy named Clark, and his impact can still be sensed across a multiverse that he aimed to restore.

4 Deadman

Shot and Killed by an Assassin During a Daring Stunt

First Appearance: Strange Adventures #205 (October, 1967)
Created by: Arnold Drake, Carmine Infantino
Appearance of Death: Strange Adventures #205 (October, 1967)

Born Boston Brand, this talent would become one of the world’s greatest acrobats who even acted with the talented Flying Graysons. Yet, tragedy caught up to performances, and the illustrious Deadman would be an actual dead man. Yet, revived by the Hindu god Rama Kushna, Boston would never know peace until he found his killer, thus he haunts the Earth as a ghost.

In the realm of DC Comics, I’m not really alive, but I play the part of Deadman pretty well. Technically, I am a spirit, a ghostly protector, if you will. I may be active in the comics, but in terms of life as we know it, I’m long gone. Yet, I stick around to defend those who deserve a shot at life, keeping innocence alive in this world.

3 Jonah Hex

Left His Mortal Life Behind in the Old West, Returning as a Zombie Then a Ghost

First Appearance: Strange Adventures #205 (October, 1967)
Created by: Arnold Drake, Carmine Infantino
Appearance of Death: Strange Adventures #205 (October, 1967)

In simpler terms, Jonah Hex was an infamous gunfighter from the Old West, known for his ability to eliminate anyone in any town. People should fear him because he’s ruthless and carries a large revolver, but he’s not completely without compassion. Interestingly, though Jonah managed to kill his imposter, many history books would mistakenly consider that imposter as the real Jonah Hex. The circumstances surrounding Jonah’s actual demise remain uncertain.

It was predetermined for Jonah Hex to meet his demise, given his past has already transpired. Nevertheless, Batman has previously reanimated Jonah Hex using a Black Lantern ring, employing him to safeguard the multiverse. This resurrected Jonah Hex would eventually be claimed by the Robin King as a zombie, with his spirit haunting the weapon that accomplished this deed. That very gun ultimately wound up in Jinny Hex’s possession, only for it to later be seized by Batwoman and used to dispel the ghost of Jonah Hex.

2 Giovanni Zatara

Killed by an Ultimate Dark Magical Threat During a Séance

First Appearance: Action Comic #1 (June, 1938)
Created by: Fred Guardineer
Appearance of Death: Justice League Dark #12 (October, 2012)

In the 20th century, Zatara was a highly influential magician, whose magic prowess would eventually be mirrored by his daughter, Zatanna. As time passed, Zatanna established herself as a powerful magician in her own right, while also honoring her father’s legacy. It is crucial to acknowledge that Zatara played a significant role in shaping the magical landscape within DC Comics, particularly during its early years.

It appears that the original Zatara has not been treated kindly by current storylines, as he passed away more than a decade ago and there’s no indication of him returning. In modern continuity, Zatara is often portrayed as having a tragic backstory, with his death being caused by a powerful and mysterious magical menace that he and John Constantine were trying to defeat.

1 Doctor Fate

Sacrificed Himself Against the Upside-Down Man

First Appearance: More Fun Comics #55 (May, 1940)
Created by: Gardner Fox, Howard Sherman
Appearance of Death: Justice League Dark #27 (December, 2020)

Originally known as Doctor Fate, Kent Nelson found it impossible to turn a blind eye to injustice on Earth or among mystical beings, even during his retirement. As a wise guide in magical matters for his nephew, Khalid Nassour, Kent Nelson felt compelled to reclaim the Helmet of Fate once more, engaging in a battle against the Upside-Down Man – an Otherkind wielding immense power over magic and darkness.

In a strange twist of events, the Inverted Man manipulated the fabric of existence near him. However, Kent Nelson and Nabu transformed into Doctor Fate, channeling all their powers through Kent’s physical form as if it were a magical weapon. Unfortunately, Kent was turned to dust during this confrontation and has yet to reappear.

2024-11-17 19:05