The Quietly Disappointing Comic Book Storylines We’ve (Mostly) Forgotten
When discussing controversial or even reviled comic storylines from DC and Marvel, fans often gravitate towards the same examples. Civil War or Identity Crisis are frequent targets, and for good reason. But this focus often overshadows other stories that, while flawed, haven’t received the same level of scrutiny – or even remembrance. These aren’t necessarily the *worst* comics ever made, but rather storylines that felt like missteps, quickly fading from the collective memory despite their impact at the time.
Why Do Some Flops Fade Away?
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon. A shift in creative teams, a major reboot, or simply the sheer volume of content released by the Big Two can bury these stories. Sometimes, a storyline is overshadowed by a more successful event happening concurrently. Other times, the issues are quietly retconned or ignored in later arcs. The result? A forgotten chapter in comic book history, ripe for re-evaluation.
Notable Under-Hated Comic Storylines
1. Avengers Disassembled: A Fractured Foundation
Initially met with considerable backlash, Avengers Disassembled (2004) aimed to dismantle the classic Avengers lineup to make way for a “new” team. While it succeeded in shaking things up, the execution felt haphazard. Key characters were killed off or alienated, and the motivation – boosting sales with more recognizable faces – felt cynical. Ironically, the Marvel Cinematic Universe proved the original roster’s enduring appeal, rendering the reboot largely unnecessary. The storyline’s impact has diminished significantly, often overlooked in discussions of Avengers history.
2. Heroes in Crisis: Trauma and Tone Deafness
DC’s Heroes in Crisis (2018-2019) attempted to explore the psychological toll of superhero life, but stumbled badly. The murder mystery framing device felt contrived, and the revelation of Wally West as the perpetrator was deeply unpopular. Writer Tom King’s exploration of trauma often felt superficial and exploitative, lacking the nuance required for such sensitive subject matter. DC later walked back some of the storyline’s implications, further diminishing its lasting impact. The event is now largely remembered as a misstep in DC’s publishing strategy.
3. Age of X-Man: Stalling for Time
Marvel’s Age of X-Man (2019) arrived during a period of uncertainty regarding the X-Men’s future, stemming from the Disney-Fox merger. This alternate reality storyline, a spiritual successor to Age of Apocalypse, felt like a placeholder, delaying meaningful developments until Jonathan Hickman’s groundbreaking Dawn of X era. While not terrible, it lacked a compelling narrative and ultimately served as a narrative holding pattern. The storyline’s lack of lasting consequences contributes to its relative obscurity.
4. Genesis: A Wave of Wasted Potential
DC’s Genesis (2017) introduced the concept of the Godwave, a cosmic force responsible for the creation of the DC Universe. The premise held promise, but the execution fell flat. The storyline disrupted the status quo without offering a compelling payoff, and felt like a missed opportunity to explore deeper themes. It’s a rare DC event that rarely enters the conversation when discussing the publisher’s major storylines.
5. Superman: Grounded: Down to Earth, But Not Engaging
Following the “New Krypton” arc, Superman: Grounded (2010-2011) aimed to reconnect Superman with the American people by having him walk across the country. While the intention was noble, the execution was tedious. The storyline focused on mundane problems, failing to capitalize on Superman’s inherent grandeur. The abrupt departure of writer J. Michael Straczynski mid-story further hampered its impact, and the subsequent New 52 reboot effectively erased it from continuity.
6. Wonder Woman: War-Torn: A Botched Introduction
The first arc of Wonder Woman in the New 52, War-Torn (2011), is largely remembered for its disastrous introduction of Donna Troy. Instead of a heroic ally, she was presented as a villainous pawn, a jarring departure from her established character. The storyline felt contrived and ultimately undermined the potential of the New 52 Wonder Woman run. The later Rebirth era largely retconned this version of Donna Troy, further diminishing the storyline’s relevance.
7. Onslaught: A Reboot That Wasn’t
Onslaught (1996) was Marvel’s attempt at a large-scale reboot, triggered by a powerful psychic entity. The event led to the “Heroes Reborn” universe, a modernized take on classic Marvel characters. However, “Heroes Reborn” proved unpopular with fans and critics, and was quickly abandoned. While Onslaught was a significant event at the time, it’s now largely remembered as a failed experiment, overshadowed by more successful Marvel storylines.
8. Civil War II: A Divisive Sequel
Following the success of the original Civil War, Marvel attempted a sequel with Civil War II (2016). However, the storyline was plagued by controversial creative decisions, particularly the death of James Rhodes (War Machine) at the hands of Captain Marvel. The event felt forced and lacked the thematic depth of its predecessor. The fallout was minimal, and the storyline is rarely discussed among Marvel fans.
9. Green Lantern: Godhead: A Disrespectful Take on the New Gods
DC’s Green Lantern: Godhead (2015) pitted the Green Lantern Corps against the New Gods of Apokolips. However, the storyline drastically altered the New Gods, portraying them as ruthless and power-hungry. This depiction felt disrespectful to Jack Kirby’s original vision and alienated many fans. The storyline’s impact was limited, and the New Gods have since been largely restored to their original characterization.
The Future of Comic Book Storylines: Avoiding the Fade
What can publishers learn from these forgotten failures? Several key trends are emerging:
- Respect for Legacy: Fans value continuity and character consistency. Radical changes should be earned, not imposed arbitrarily.
- Meaningful Stakes: Events should have lasting consequences, impacting the universe in significant ways.
- Strong Creative Vision: A clear and compelling narrative vision is essential. Storylines should feel purposeful, not like filler.
- Authentic Representation: Stories exploring sensitive topics like mental health must be handled with nuance and respect.
- Fan Engagement: Listening to fan feedback and incorporating it into future storylines can build trust and loyalty.
The comic book industry is constantly evolving. The rise of digital comics and streaming adaptations has created new opportunities for storytelling. However, the core principles of good storytelling – compelling characters, engaging plots, and respect for the source material – remain paramount. Publishers who prioritize these elements are more likely to create storylines that resonate with fans and stand the test of time.
FAQ
- Why do comic book events often feel convoluted? Many events attempt to juggle multiple storylines and characters, leading to a complex and confusing narrative.
- Are reboots always bad? Not necessarily. Reboots can be a way to refresh a universe and attract new readers, but they must be handled carefully to avoid alienating existing fans.
- How important is continuity in comics? Continuity is crucial for many fans, providing a sense of history and connection to the characters.
- What makes a comic storyline memorable? Strong characters, compelling plots, emotional resonance, and lasting consequences are all key ingredients.
Pro Tip: Before diving into a major event, research its background and read reviews from other fans to get a better understanding of what to expect.
Did you know? The term “retcon” (retroactive continuity) was coined by Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Roy Thomas in the 1970s to describe changes made to established storylines.
What under-appreciated or forgotten comic storylines do *you* think deserve a second look? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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