10 Shocking Times Superheroes Just QUIT

The Spectre is one of the most fascinating characters in the entire DC canon. Starting out as the ghost of a detective who solves murders in the golden age, The Spectre was revealed to in fact be the literal wrath of God sent to bring punishment to the guilty. As such, it doesn't really need Jim Corrigan, and can move to whatever host it wishes.

So it was in the John Ostrander Spectre series from 1992, that Jim Corrigan would be retired as the host of The Spectre. Throughout the series, facing many great challenges, including finally confronting the man who murdered him in the first place, Jim learns why he was chosen as the Spectre to begin with. Not simply to smite evil, but to understand it, and himself.

By the end, Jim comes to terms with his anger at evil in the world, and how it had its roots in his own abusive childhood. With the peace he's found in death, the Spectre releases him to the afterlife, but stays behind to find a new host.

It was surprising to say the least, seeing this 62 issue run conclude with the departure of one of the original DC heroes. And while The Spectre itself has remained behind, this is where the story of Jim Corrigan, detective and supernatural superhero, concludes. The Spectre isn't exactly a character surrounded by cheer and happiness, but at least detective Corrigan finally got the happy ending he deserved.