10 Shocking Times Superheroes Couldn’t Save Someone

Despite the fact that his adventures tend to be more lighthearted than that of most superheroes on this list, Spider-Man’s had his fair share of tragedies and failures. If tormenting himself for Uncle Ben’s death wasn’t enough, poor Peter has had to face the loss of friends, allies and even the love of his life.

Gwen Stacy was Spidey’s first true love and their relationship endured for a long time, despite all the hardships that come with being the girlfriend of a superhero. Even when her father died and she blamed Peter for his death, the two couldn’t stay away from one another for long.

But when the Green Goblin remembered the Wall-Crawler’s secret identity, he kidnapped Gwen and threw her from the Brooklyn Bridge. Peter managed to catch her with her web, but the sudden motion snapped Gwen’s neck.

Not only was Spider-Man unable to save the woman he loved, but his own attempt to rescue her is what actually killed her. The moment proved just as shocking for fans as it had been for Peter, the death of Gwen Stacy signifying the end of the more innocent Silver Age of Comics.