15 Worst Comic Storylines Ever Written!

15 Worst Comic Storylines: Comics have the unique ability to transport readers into fantastical worlds, explore deep emotional landscapes, and challenge societal norms. However, not all storylines hit the mark. Some narratives fail to resonate, disappoint fans, or derail beloved characters. Whether due to poor writing, inconsistent character development, or controversial plot twists, these 15 comic storylines have earned their reputation as some of the worst ever written. Understanding these missteps can offer valuable lessons for creators and enthusiasts alike.

1. Superman: Secret Identity

By Kurt Busiek and Stuart Immonen

Overview: Superman: Secret Identity attempts to humanize Superman by placing him in a realistic setting where he is an ordinary boy named Clark Kent who gains powers similar to the iconic hero.

Why It’s Considered Poor: Fans criticized the series for straying too far from the established Superman lore, resulting in a character that felt disconnected from his traditional roots. The attempt to blend everyday realism with superhero elements led to inconsistencies and a lack of the grandeur typically associated with Superman.

Impact: The series struggled to find its footing, receiving mixed reviews and failing to capture the magic that makes Superman a timeless character.

Personal Insight

Attempting to reimagine a legendary character without maintaining core elements can alienate long-time fans. This storyline highlights the importance of respecting a character’s legacy while exploring new narratives.

2. X-Men: New X-Men – Curse of the Mutants

By Grant Morrison

Overview: Part of Grant Morrison’s ambitious run on New X-Men, Curse of the Mutants introduces controversial plot points, including the transformation of beloved characters and drastic changes to the team’s dynamics.

Why It’s Considered Poor: Many fans felt Morrison’s experimental approach led to disjointed storytelling and characters acting out of their established personalities. The drastic changes alienated readers who were attached to the traditional X-Men ensemble.

Impact: The storyline received backlash for its perceived lack of coherence and respect for the characters’ histories, leading to a decline in the series’ popularity during Morrison’s tenure.

Personal Insight

While innovation is essential in storytelling, it must be balanced with character consistency. Drastic changes without proper development can undermine the narrative’s integrity.

3. Avengers: Disassembled

By Brian Michael Bendis and David Finch

Overview: Avengers: Disassembled depicts a catastrophic event that leads to the dissolution of the Avengers team, caused by internal conflicts and external threats.

Why It’s Considered Poor: Despite its ambitious premise, many readers felt the storyline was poorly executed, with unresolved plot points and character motivations that didn’t align with established histories. The abrupt disbanding of a beloved team left fans feeling unsatisfied.

Impact: While the storyline aimed to reset the Avengers roster, it was criticized for its lack of satisfying resolutions and emotional depth, leading to mixed reactions from the fanbase.

Personal Insight

Major storyline shifts require careful planning and execution to ensure they resonate emotionally with the audience. Abrupt changes without adequate buildup can diminish the impact.

4. Green Lantern: Rebirth – Geoff Johns’ Early Issues

By Geoff Johns

Overview: Geoff Johns’ initial issues in the Green Lantern: Rebirth series attempted to revive the character and restore his legacy after a period of decline.

Why It’s Considered Poor: Some fans argued that Johns’ early attempts lacked depth and failed to effectively reintegrate key elements of Hal Jordan’s character. The storyline was seen as formulaic, relying heavily on nostalgia without offering fresh perspectives.

Impact: While the series eventually gained acclaim, the initial issues were criticized for not living up to expectations, causing some hesitation among long-time readers.

Personal Insight

Reviving a character requires a balance between honoring their legacy and introducing new elements. Early missteps can be overcome with refined storytelling and deeper character exploration.

5. Spider-Man: The Clone Saga

By Various Writers

Overview: The Clone Saga is a long-running and convoluted storyline that introduces the concept of clones in Peter Parker’s life, including the revelation that Ben Reilly is the true Peter Parker.

Why It’s Considered Poor: The saga was criticized for its excessive length, inconsistent writing, and implausible plot twists. Fans felt that the introduction of multiple clones diluted the emotional core of Spider-Man’s story and disrupted character continuity.

Impact: The Clone Saga is often cited as a low point in Spider-Man’s history, leading to diminished reader interest and a tarnished reputation for the series.

Personal Insight

Prolonged story arcs with convoluted plots can alienate readers. Maintaining narrative clarity and character integrity is crucial for sustained engagement.

6. The Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk – Early Reception

By Greg Pak

Overview: Planet Hulk sends the Hulk to a distant planet where he becomes a gladiator and eventually a leader, fighting against the Red King.

Why It’s Considered Poor: While later praised, some early readers felt that the storyline was a departure from the Hulk’s traditional narratives, lacking emotional depth and character development. The new setting was seen as gimmicky rather than enhancing the character’s journey.

Impact: Initial mixed reactions gave way to broader acclaim as the storyline progressed, highlighting how evolving narratives can overcome early criticisms with strong execution.

Personal Insight

New environments and settings can revitalize a character, but they must be integrated thoughtfully to enhance rather than detract from the character’s essence.

7. Batman: Knightfall – Bane’s Introduction

By Doug Moench and Chuck Dixon

Overview: In the Knightfall storyline, Batman is physically and mentally broken by the villain Bane, leading to Jean-Paul Valley (Azrael) taking over the role temporarily.

Why It’s Considered Poor: Critics argue that Bane’s overpowering nature undermined Batman’s resilience, making his defeat feel unearned and diminishing his heroic status. The abrupt transition to Azrael was also met with mixed feelings, as many fans preferred the return of the original Batman.

Impact: While Knightfall was a commercial success, the execution left some fans feeling that Batman was not portrayed with the same strength and complexity as before.

Personal Insight

Introducing overpowering villains requires careful balance to maintain the hero’s integrity. Overemphasis on the villain’s power can inadvertently weaken the protagonist’s standing.

8. X-Men: X-Men Forever – Divergent Timelines

By Chris Claremont and Marc Silvestri

Overview: X-Men Forever explores alternate timelines and what-if scenarios, allowing fans to see different versions of their favorite characters.

Why It’s Considered Poor: The storyline was criticized for being overly convoluted and fragmented, making it difficult for new readers to follow. The constant shifts in timelines and character versions diluted the core narrative, leading to confusion and disengagement.

Impact: The series struggled to maintain a cohesive storyline, resulting in lower sales and mixed reviews from both fans and critics.

Personal Insight

While exploring alternate timelines can offer creative opportunities, maintaining a clear and cohesive narrative is essential to keep readers engaged and invested.

9. Superman: Red Son – Alternate Origin

By Mark Millar

Overview: Red Son reimagines Superman’s origin, placing his rocket landing in the Soviet Union instead of Kansas, thereby altering his values and alliances.

Why It’s Considered Poor: Some critics felt that the alternate origin compromised the fundamental ideals that define Superman, making him a less inspirational figure. The ideological shift was seen as forced, detracting from the character’s inherent goodness.

Impact: While Red Son received praise for its bold premise, the execution was polarizing, with debates over whether altering Superman’s core principles was a disservice to the character.

Personal Insight

Reimagining iconic characters requires a delicate balance between innovation and preserving their essential traits. Drastic changes can lead to mixed receptions if not handled thoughtfully.

10. The Infinity Gauntlet – Fan Fiction Reception

By Jim Starlin

Overview: The Infinity Gauntlet is a pivotal Marvel storyline where Thanos acquires the Infinity Stones and reshapes reality to his will.

Why It’s Considered Poor: While generally well-received, some fans argue that the storyline became overly convoluted with excessive power displays, leading to character actions that felt inconsistent. The resolution was seen as abrupt, leaving certain plot threads unresolved.

Impact: Despite criticisms, The Infinity Gauntlet remains a significant event in Marvel lore, influencing numerous adaptations and future storylines.

Personal Insight

Epic storylines with high stakes can sometimes sacrifice character depth and narrative coherence. Ensuring that power escalations serve the story and characters is crucial for maintaining engagement.

11. Spider-Man: One More Day – Controversial Marriage Reset

By J. Michael Straczynski and Joe Quesada

Overview: In One More Day, Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson make a deal with Mephisto to erase their marriage from existence to save Aunt May’s life.

Why It’s Considered Poor: Fans were outraged by the abrupt erasure of Peter and Mary Jane’s marriage, viewing it as a betrayal of their character development and relationship. The storyline was seen as a convenient plot device rather than a meaningful narrative choice.

Impact: One More Day received widespread backlash, leading to a loss of trust among fans and a temporary dip in Spider-Man’s popularity.

Personal Insight

Major character alterations, especially those involving established relationships, require careful consideration and narrative justification. Abrupt changes can damage the bond between characters and their audience.

12. X-Force: Messiah Complex – Overcrowded Plot

By Various Writers

Overview: Messiah Complex is a crossover event in the X-Force series that involves multiple characters and plotlines converging on the arrival of a mutant baby.

Why It’s Considered Poor: The storyline was criticized for being overly crowded and convoluted, with too many characters vying for attention and unresolved plot points. The event stretched over numerous issues, diluting its impact and making it hard for readers to follow.

Impact: Messiah Complex failed to deliver a cohesive and satisfying narrative, leading to frustration among readers and diminishing the event’s significance within the X-Men universe.

Personal Insight

Large crossover events need streamlined storytelling to maintain clarity and impact. Overcomplicating the narrative with too many elements can overwhelm and disengage readers.

13. Justice League: Tower of Babel – Flawed Execution

By Mark Waid and Howard Porter

Overview: Tower of Babel explores the aftermath of the Justice League falling into disarray after one of their own, Batman, has a contingency plan for each member’s vulnerabilities falling into the wrong hands.

Why It’s Considered Poor: Some fans felt that the storyline unfairly portrayed Batman’s character as vindictive and overly controlling, damaging his reputation among his peers. The plot’s heavy reliance on deceit and manipulation was seen as inconsistent with the Justice League’s cooperative ethos.

Impact: While the storyline sparked important discussions about trust and security within superhero teams, its execution left some fans feeling that it tarnished beloved characters without sufficient justification.

Personal Insight

Storylines that challenge team dynamics must ensure that character actions remain true to their established personalities. Misrepresenting characters can lead to backlash and diminish the story’s credibility.

14. The Punisher: Dead End – Gratuitous Violence

By Garth Ennis

Overview: In Dead End, The Punisher is framed for the murder of his wife and left for dead, leading him on a relentless quest for vengeance.

Why It’s Considered Poor: Critics argue that the storyline relies excessively on gratuitous violence and bleak themes without offering meaningful character development or narrative depth. The relentless brutality was seen as overshadowing any potential for emotional resonance.

Impact: Dead End was criticized for prioritizing shock value over storytelling, resulting in a disconnect between the protagonist’s actions and the audience’s investment in his journey.

Personal Insight

While dark and violent themes can add intensity, they must be balanced with character development and meaningful storytelling to ensure they enhance rather than detract from the narrative.

15. Batman: Gotham Central – Inconsistent Tone

By Ed Brubaker, Greg Rucka, and Michael Lark

Overview: Gotham Central follows the Gotham City Police Department as they deal with the city’s rampant crime, including Batman’s vigilante activities.

Why It’s Considered Poor: Some readers found the series’ tone inconsistent, oscillating between gritty realism and traditional superhero drama. The attempt to ground Batman’s universe in a realistic police procedural led to narrative dissonance, making it hard to maintain a cohesive atmosphere.

Impact: While Gotham Central was praised for its unique perspective, the tonal inconsistencies hindered its ability to fully engage readers, resulting in a divided reception.

Personal Insight

Blending genres requires a seamless integration of tones to maintain narrative cohesion. Inconsistent tones can confuse readers and weaken the story’s overall impact.

15 Worst Comic Storylines: Learning from the Worst

Every comic storyline, whether celebrated or criticized, offers valuable lessons in storytelling, character development, and audience engagement. The fifteen storylines highlighted above serve as cautionary tales for creators, emphasizing the importance of consistency, character integrity, and thoughtful narrative choices. By analyzing these missteps, both creators and fans can gain deeper insights into what makes a comic storyline successful and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Key Takeaways

1. Superman: Secret Identity: Straying too far from established lore can disconnect a character from their core essence.
2. X-Men: New X-Men – Curse of the Mutants: Experimental approaches must balance innovation with character consistency.
3. Avengers: Disassembled: Abrupt major changes require thorough execution to resonate with the audience.
4. Green Lantern: Rebirth – Early Issues: Initial attempts at reviving characters may falter without depth and connection.
5. Spider-Man: The Clone Saga: Overly convoluted plots can dilute emotional resonance and character development.
6. The Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk – Early Reception: New settings need thoughtful integration to enhance character journeys.
7. Batman: Knightfall – Bane’s Introduction: Powerful villains should challenge heroes without undermining their integrity.
8. X-Men: X-Men Forever – Divergent Timelines: Alternate timelines require clear, cohesive storytelling to maintain engagement.
9. Superman: Red Son – Alternate Origin: Reimagining iconic characters must preserve their fundamental traits.
10. The Infinity Gauntlet – Fan Fiction Reception: High-stakes storylines need balanced power escalations to maintain narrative coherence.
11. Spider-Man: One More Day – Controversial Marriage Reset: Major character alterations demand careful narrative justification.
12. X-Force: Messiah Complex – Overcrowded Plot: Streamlined storytelling is essential for large crossover events.
13. Justice League: Tower of Babel – Flawed Execution: Character actions must align with their established personalities to preserve credibility.
14. The Punisher: Dead End – Gratuitous Violence: Excessive violence without emotional depth can overshadow meaningful storytelling.
15. Batman: Gotham Central – Inconsistent Tone: Blending genres requires seamless tone integration to maintain narrative cohesion.