15 Comic Book 'Firsts' You Didn't Know
9. Lightning Lad - First Comic Book Character To Be Resurrected
Resurrection plays a huge role in comic stories. I mean, let's be honest, you're not really a comic book character unless you've returned from the dead at least once. Some characters like Jean Grey and Superman have been resurrected so many times, it's become a recurring joke amongst fans and creators alike.
And it all started with Lightning Lad, a superhero from the 30th century. He is a member of The Legion of Super-Heroes and has travelled in the past several times to assist Superman.
In Adventure Comics #304 in 1962, Lightning Lad was "stricken by the deadly ray of the evil invader, Zaryan", which ended his life. Eight issues later, his teammates tried to reanimate their fallen comrade by directing the energy of a lightning bolt into Lightning Lad's body. (Basically, they ripped off the story of Frankenstein.)
One of the teammates, Proty, realises that Lightning Lad can only be resuscitated if he absorbs the life-force of another. As the electricity of the lighting goes into the superhero, Proty sacrifices himself, allowing Lightning Lad to live.