10 Devastating Comic Book Deaths That Came Out Of Nowhere

After reading the first few pages of Watchmen, it was obvious Alan Moore's magnum opus was going against the grain. Although there had been many flawed vigilantes and adult-oriented graphic novels in the past, comics fans had never seen anything like this before or since.

As unconventional as this 12-part mini-series is, readers expected Watchmen to have a traditional superhero ending. When we see the Crimebusters march towards Adrian Veidt's lair in the second-last issue, we assumed they would defeat the nefarious supervillain, narrowly averting a global catastrophe.

Instead, Veidt alerts Rorschach and Nite Owl he has already unleashed his doomsday weapon, killing millions of people.

As shocking as this revelation is, it gets worse. Because Veidt's attack was believed to be an alien invasion, every war on Earth ends so humanity can unite against a common foe. Despite the fact Veidt's actions were deplorable, the heroes let him get away scot-free, since his masterplan brought about world peace.

Uncompromising to the end, Rorschach walks away, preparing to publicly expose Veidt. Knowing that every war would reignite if mankind learned the truth, Dr. Manhattan stops Rorschach in his tracks.

Although he knows Manhattan is too powerful to fight, Rorschach refuses to back down. Knowing his fate is sealed, Rorschach pulls off his mask, ordering his teammate to "Do it". Manhattan reluctantly agrees, obliterating Rorschach.