From: Batman #497 By Doug Moench (script), Jim Aparo (pencils) and Dick Giordano (inks) Throughout the early 1990s, comic books were filled with outrageous, over-the-top moments designed strictly for shock value. The breaking of the bat, in Batman #497 is certainly shocking and outrageous, but it also manages to make a lasting impression in a way few 90s comic books were able to do. The scene is most memorable for just how easily Bane is able to take down a hero as venerable as Batman. While Bane may have muscles on top of muscles, Batman has never appeared quite so overmatched and overwhelemed in his superhero career. Bane picks up the Caped Crusader like a small a child before delivering the nearly fatal blow, cracking his back over his knee. The end result is a comic book panel that is both violently disturbing and awe-inspiring. The scene would be revisited years later in Christopher Nolans The Dark Night Rises, proving that despite the fact that it originated in the overindulgent 90s, the moment is still iconic and powerful enough to translate to film.
9. Spider-Man Discovers The Burglar
From: Amazing Fantasy #15 by Stan Lee (script) and Steve Ditko (art) Perhaps no comic book demonstrated the cruel twist of irony with more viciousness than Amazing Fantasy #15. This comic famously features the origin of one of the greatest superheroes of all time, Spider-Man, and tells the story of how his apathetic reaction to stopping a petty burglar would indirectly lead to the criminal murdering his Uncle Ben, teaching the young hero the lesson: with great power must also come great responsibility. That moment of discovery for Spider-Man is one of the mediums biggest sucker punches. While still mourning the loss of his beloved uncle, Spider-Mans conquering of the burglar is initially believed to be the heros first victory since acquiring his new powers. Instead, the hero sees the face of the criminal and immediately connects the dots to the man he let run by him earlier, leaving him guilt-stricken. The burglar scene helps set Spider-Man apart from so many other heroes that were introduced during this era. Despite his cockiness and arrogance earlier in Amazing Fantasy #15, having to own up to such a critical mistake as letting the burglar run free is something that makes Spider-Man relate-able to his readers. Underneath the mask, he is a flawed human being capable of making terrible mistakes with tragic consequences. Spider-Mans world was never the same after discovering who the burglar was, and for millions of Spidey fans years later, their worlds were also changed forever by this moment.
Mark is a professional writer living in Brooklyn and is the founder of the Chasing Amazing Blog, which documents his quest to collect every issue of Amazing Spider-Man, and the Superior Spider-Talk podcast. He also pens the "Gimmick or Good?" column at Comics Should Be Good blog.
