10 Most Heartbreaking Moments In Justice League History
5. The Atom Walks Away From Jean Loring
Identity Crisis was without a doubt one of the most emotionally straining comics ever created. Even aside from the central tragedy surrounding Sue Dibny’s murder, there were a number of other revelations and moments that made readers wince. None more so perhaps than this one right here.
Right at the end, the heroes are able to deduce that the Atom, i.e. Ray Palmer’s ex-wife Jean Loring is the one behind Sue’s death. The truth turns out to be more disturbing than anyone had predicted, as Sue wasn’t killed as part of some grand super villain plan designed at targeting the League - it was orchestrated by Loring to get Ray to come back to her.
It was incredibly convoluted and meant Sue’s death was even sadder than initially felt, because she didn’t in some great plot, she died for absolutely no reason at all thanks Loring’s misguided quest for love. Atom then proceeds to bring his former spouse crashing down to reality, describing her as insane and leaving her to be carted off to Arkham. A depressing affair all around.