10 Comic Book Heroes Taken Down In Just One Hit!

Early in Civil War II, the heroes have some decidedly minor disagreements over how they should handle the mysterious pre-cognitive abilities of Ulysses, the newest member of the Inhumans. Unfortunately, everything changes when - following one of Ulysses premonitions - Captain Marvel leads the Ultimates into battle to intercept Thanos's attempt to steal the Cosmic Cube.

James Rhodes, aka War Machine, takes part in the ensuing battle, having been visiting Captain Marvel whom he was dating at the time. Unfortunately, he is no match for Thanos, who kills Rhodes instantly with a single punch that tears through his armour. Thanos is defeated, but Rhodey can't be saved.

Both Carol Danvers and Tony Stark are devastated by his death. Earlier in the story, Tony had refused to upgrade Rhodey's outdated armour because he could not afford it. Overcome with grief and guilt at the loss of his friend, Tony declares that Ulysses' premonitions are too dangerous.

However, because Thanos was still stopped, Carol believes Rhodey would want them to continue using Ulysses. While things do not completely blow up until later, War Machine's one-shot death is the beginning of the simmering tension between Tony and Carol that drives the central conflict of Civil War II.