12 Most Iconic Battles In Comics
10. Elektra vs. Bullseye
From: Daredevil #181
The comic book industry was already moving in a darker and grittier direction by the time Frank Miller and Klaus Janson began their critically acclaimed run on Daredevil in the late 1970s. But the duo demonstrated just how violent and twisted funny books could be in how they depicted the death of fan favorite femme fatale Elektra Natchios at the hands of the sadistic Bullseye.
Despite being a former love interest of Matt Murdock/Daredevil, Elektra was introduced by Miller/Janson as an adversary for the hero when she became the hired assassin for Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of crime. Still, it was clear that Daredevil still harbored feelings for his former flame, which made the character wildly popular with readers.
In one of the most famous panels in comics, Bullseye stabs Elektra with her own sai. She then stumbles away and into the arms Matt, where she bleeds out and dies. The scene was later adapted for the 2003 Daredevil film.
By killing off Elektra, Miller and Janson made it clear that in this new status quo for comics; no character was safe, regardless of her popularity or fan sentiment. This approach would have a lasting influence on the industry.