Memorable examples of the best endings in comic books

Comic book storylines often build towards epic climaxes and satisfying conclusions that leave readers in awe. These memorable endings solidify the impact of the narratives, providing resolution to complex plots, character arcs, and universe-altering events. In this article, we will explore 20 of the best endings in comic book storylines, encompassing a variety of genres and publishers. From emotional farewells to jaw-dropping revelations, these conclusions have resonated with readers, leaving a lasting impression and cementing their place as some of the greatest endings in comic book history.

1. "Sandman: The Wake" (The Sandman #75): Neil Gaiman's acclaimed series "Sandman" concluded with "The Wake," an emotionally charged finale that brought the story of Dream to a poignant close. As various characters gather to pay their respects, the issue delves into themes of loss, acceptance, and the cycle of life, delivering a deeply satisfying and reflective ending that left readers moved and satisfied.

2. "All-Star Superman" (All-Star Superman #12): Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's "All-Star Superman" reached its conclusion with a bittersweet ending. Superman, having completed twelve extraordinary feats, embraces his mortality as he prepares to sacrifice himself for the greater good. The poignant farewell between Superman and Lois Lane beautifully encapsulates the hero's unwavering commitment to humanity and the indomitable spirit of hope that he embodies.

3. "Y: The Last Man" (Y: The Last Man #60): In the final issue of Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra's "Y: The Last Man," the post-apocalyptic journey of Yorick Brown comes to a close. The series wraps up with a poignant and emotionally charged ending that offers closure to the characters' storylines, revealing the fate of Yorick and the world after the cataclysmic event that wiped out all male beings except him and his pet monkey.

4. "Saga" #54: Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples' "Saga" is known for its rich characters and sprawling space opera. Issue #54 delivers a gut-wrenching ending that marks the death of a beloved character and sets the stage for future repercussions. This unexpected turn of events showcases the series' willingness to take risks and subvert expectations, leaving readers stunned and eager for the next chapter.

5. "Watchmen" (Watchmen #12): Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' seminal work, "Watchmen," concludes with a thought-provoking and morally complex ending. The revelation of Adrian Veidt's plan to avert global catastrophe and the ultimate decision made by the characters serve as a powerful culmination of the themes of power, responsibility, and the nature of heroism.

6. "Preacher" (Preacher #66): Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon's "Preacher" concludes with a satisfying and explosive finale. As Jesse Custer confronts the heavenly forces that seek to control him, the issue delivers a high-octane showdown that brings closure to the series' central conflicts. The resolution of Jesse's journey and the fate of his relationships tie together the overarching themes of love, redemption, and the search for meaning.

7. "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns" (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #4): Frank Miller's seminal work redefined Batman and concluded with a climactic battle between an aged Bruce Wayne and Superman. The intense face-off showcases the indomitable will and resolve of Batman as he confronts a corrupt and authoritarian establishment. The iconic ending serves as a testament to Batman's enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to justice.

8. "The Infinity Gauntlet" (The Infinity Gauntlet #6): Jim Starlin's cosmic epic reaches its climax as Earth's mightiest heroes unite against Thanos, who wields the all-powerful Infinity Gauntlet. The final issue delivers a breathtaking conclusion, showcasing the heroes' resolve and the importance of unity in the face of unimaginable power. The resolution of the conflict and the subsequent fallout leave readers with a sense of awe and anticipation for what lies ahead.

9. "Kingdom Come" (Kingdom Come #4): Mark Waid and Alex Ross' "Kingdom Come" presents a dystopian future where old and new superheroes clash, exploring themes of generational conflict and the nature of heroism. The series culminates with a climactic battle that offers a glimpse of redemption and hope for a fractured world. The emotionally charged ending leaves readers with a profound sense of the enduring power of heroism and the potential for change.

10. "The Death of Captain Marvel" (The Death of Captain Marvel #1): Jim Starlin's graphic novel, "The Death of Captain Marvel," provides a poignant and introspective ending for the titular hero. Stricken by a terminal illness, Captain Marvel faces his own mortality and embraces his inevitable fate. The story's conclusion delves into themes of acceptance, sacrifice, and the profound impact a hero can have, even in their final moments.

11. "Spider-Man: Blue" (Spider-Man: Blue #6): Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's "Spider-Man: Blue" is a heartfelt exploration of Peter Parker's enduring love for Gwen Stacy. The series' finale offers a touching tribute to Gwen, allowing Peter to finally express his feelings and find closure. The emotional resonance of the ending strikes a chord with readers, reminding them of the power of love and loss in shaping a hero's journey.

12. "Crisis on Infinite Earths" (Crisis on Infinite Earths #12): The groundbreaking event by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez reshaped the DC Universe, concluding with a multiversal battle against the Anti-Monitor. The issue features the sacrifice of several heroes, resulting in the rebirth of the universe and the formation of a new status quo. The grand scale and significant consequences of the ending forever altered the landscape of the DC Universe.

13. "The Astonishing X-Men" (The Astonishing X-Men #24): Joss Whedon and John Cassaday's run on "The Astonishing X-Men" concludes with a powerful and emotional ending. The resolution of the Danger storyline highlights the resilience and unity of the X-Men, showcasing their unwavering dedication to protecting a world that fears and hates them. The bittersweet ending offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing struggles of mutantkind.

14. "Planetary" (Planetary #27): Warren Ellis and John Cassaday's "Planetary" provides a fitting conclusion to the exploration of the secret history of the world. The series wraps up with a revelation that uncovers the true purpose of the Planetary organization and its impact on the world. The thought-provoking ending offers a sense of closure while leaving room for further exploration within the rich tapestry of the story.

15. "Animal Man" (Animal Man #26): Grant Morrison's run on "Animal Man" reaches a mind-bending conclusion that blurs the boundaries between fiction and reality. As Animal Man confronts his creator, Grant Morrison himself, the issue dives into meta-commentary on the nature of storytelling and the relationship between creators and their characters. The surreal and thought-provoking ending cements the series' place as a groundbreaking work of postmodern superhero storytelling.

16. "New X-Men" (New X-Men #154): Grant Morrison's run on "New X-Men" concludes with a game-changing ending that redefines the mutant status quo. The issue unveils the tragic events of "Riot at Xavier's" and the subsequent fallout, leading to a radical shift in the X-Men's direction and the establishment of a new mutant haven. The resolution of the storyline offers a fresh start for the X-Men while raising intriguing questions about the future of mutant-kind.

17. "The Walking Dead" (The Walking Dead #193): Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard's long-running series, "The Walking Dead," concludes with a surprise ending that shocked readers. The final issue reveals that the story was being recounted by an adult Carl Grimes, providing a poignant reflection on the journey and the enduring resilience of humanity. The unexpected conclusion surprised readers and served as a fitting end to a beloved series.

18. "Infinity" (Infinity #6): Jonathan Hickman's "Infinity" event brings together the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and other cosmic heroes to face the threat of Thanos and the Builders. The final issue delivers an action-packed and emotionally resonant conclusion, showcasing the heroes' triumph and the consequences of their actions. The ending sets the stage for future cosmic events and reinforces the importance of unity in the face of overwhelming odds.

19. "The Ultimates" (The Ultimates #13): Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch's "The Ultimates" offers a bold and cinematic ending to their reimagining of Marvel's iconic team. As the Ultimates face off against an alien invasion, the issue delivers epic action sequences and reveals the true nature of the team's mysterious leader, Nick Fury. The explosive and game-changing ending leaves readers craving more of this reimagined universe.

20. "Superman: Red Son" (Superman: Red Son #3): Mark Millar and Dave Johnson's "Superman: Red Son" presents an alternate reality where Superman is raised in the Soviet Union. The series concludes with a morally complex ending that explores the nature of power and the potential consequences of absolute authority. The thought-provoking resolution challenges readers' perceptions of heroes and offers a captivating conclusion to this captivating Elseworlds tale.

The best endings in comic book storylines have the power to leave a lasting impact on readers, providing closure to complex narratives while evoking emotional resonance. The 20 examples discussed in this article showcase the diverse range of storytelling in the comic book medium. From poignant farewells to world-altering revelations, these memorable endings have left an indelible mark on the comic book landscape, solidifying their place as some of the most significant and unforgettable conclusions in the history of the art form.