10 Most Hated Retcon Changes In Marvel Comics

8. The Sentry

There’s not really one specific alteration or retcon in The Sentry’s publication history that strikes as the worst, more so we’re instead referring to pretty much his entire existence as being worthy of a spot on our list.

Writers Paul Jenkins and Rick Veitch conceived the original Sentry some time in the late 90s, and the tale of one of the most powerful human-originated characters in Marvel history was born. TOO powerful, if anything.

Robert Reynolds was a meth addict who, through his own nefarious intentions, got access to a Super Soldier Serum replica that turned out to be way more super than anyone thought and, as his origin tells, gave him the power of “a million exploding suns.”

Long story short, The Sentry’s entire origin was as a result of one big retcon. His character was actually re-written into titles such as the Fantastic Four, Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man in the fictional universe, with co-creator Jenkins even appearing in the comics to help substantiate his presence.

Constantly battling with his equally powerful and tormenting alter ego, The Void, the only way for Reynolds to get rid of his evil side was to make the world forget he existed. All those team-ups, friendships built over several issues but portrayed as lasting decades—gone.

This would happen several times as the poisoned chalice of The Sentry’s powers were revived in the mid-2000s for titles such as Civil War, World War Hulk, the New Avengers and Dark Avengers before he was finally killed off in the 2010 storyline Siege.

It’s a bit of a shame, as Robert Reynolds’ tragic tale of tremendous power imbued upon a tortured addict always had the potential for tear-jerking, but too many square pegs in round holes made his history a confusing one from day dot.