10 Comics Heroes Who Lost Themselves (But Saved The Universe)

One of the most iconic deaths in comics occurred in one of its most iconic storylines. The Dark Phoenix saga is a seminal X-Men tale that expands the more cosmic side of the X-Men and expands Jean Grey's power and prominence in the comics, cementing her as one of the most complex and powerful mutants in all of Marvel.

After absorbing a vast amount of energy during a solar flare, Jean's psionic abilities are greatly elevated at the expense of her control over them. This new power attracts the attention of Mastermind, who inadvertently unlocks the Dark Phoenix persona in her. The newly empowered being leaves for a distant galaxy and absorbs a star's energy, causing it to go supernova and destroy the Shi'ar homeworld of D'Bari.

Professor X is later able to help Jean regain control over her abilities and warring personas. Unfortunately the Shi'ar intend to hold her accountable for her actions and destroy the Phoenix at the expense of the X-Men, the Earth and the solar system. To save her team and the world as a whole, Jean sacrifices herself by activating a nearby Kree weapon that disintegrates her.

The impact of her death shakes the X-Men and paves the way for future narratives that would shape the team for decades to come.