Thanks for the Comic Book Memories: Memorable Deaths of the 2000’s

2009 saw some of the most memorable deaths in the entertainment and political realms in recent memory.Icons, legends and established figures were taken from the world, some on the verge of a comeback and some in their prime.Comics have also lost some icons, not only this year but in the past decade.Death in the real world is a vastly different thing from that of the fictional world, with the prospect of return always a possibility where comics are concerned.With that in mind we look back at some of the more memorable losses in comics over the first decade of the new millennium.While not everyone who died is on this list, it hopefully covers those comic book deaths that were surprises, twists or the loss of those who were near and dear to the hearts and minds of readers everywhere for one reason or another.Wasp (Marvel, 2008) She was one of Marvel’s original heroes, with her role as an Avenger established in the first issue of the series.She started out in a typically sexist portrayal for the 60’s, but she began to emerge quickly as a smart and savvy member of several incarnations of the Avengers.Her death in Secret Invasion #8 staved off a Skrull victory, and in the end her willingness to die for humanity proved to be the ultimate reflection on her character and integrity as a hero.Kenneth Irons (Image/Top Cow, 2001) This antagonist of every possessor of the powerful Witchblade led to frequent battles with nemesis and bearer of the Witchblade Sara Pezzini.All of that came to an end however in the pages of Witchblade #75, when Irons met a bitter end at the hands of Joe Siry.Irons’ mad quest for the Witchblade caused him over the years to commit awful acts, such as the sacrifice of his wife, and his death took down one of the biggest villains in the Top Cow universe.Sue Dibny (DC Comics, 2004) Regarded by many as the heart of the Justice League community for many reasons, Sue Dibny’s shocking death in the pages of Identity Crisis #1 kicked off one of DC’s most controversial stories in recent memory.What progressed was the reveal of more shocking crimes, team secrets and even more deaths, including the death of original villain Captain Boomerang, Digger Harkness.Sue’s death was brought home once again in the painfully emotional last pages of Identity Crisis #7.