16

Reviewing an answer on another question, someone posited that Professor X is a mutant, and thus not subject to normal rules of mortality. This isn't really true, but it brought up an interesting idea, and after wracking my brain, I can't come up with a single example.

Within the Marvel or DC universes, has any superhero died of natural causes (old age, natural disease, etc)?

For purposes of this question, let's limit this to primary continuities/universes (The Watchmen was published by DC, but don't exist within the main DC universe). Being killed in a battle, or from injuries sustained in a battle would also not count.

Improve this question
2
  • 23
    Is poor comic book circulation a natural cause?
    – Oldcat
    Commented Jun 2, 2014 at 17:47
  • Just to point out, it's very natural to die when you are repeatedly shot, stabbed, electrocuted, and dropped in acid. It is, in fact, quite unnatural to survive those. Thus, you could argue that Uncle Ben died of natural causes!
    – Jeff
    Commented Dec 18, 2017 at 19:58

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
23

There are several super-powered characters from both DC and Marvel on Wikipedia's List of deceased American comic book characters who died of mundane causes. (Credit to Sean Duggan for finding that list.)

DC Universe

  • Amazing-Man died of cancer.
  • Black Canary died of cancer. (This was after exposure to radiation during a battle, so it's not really a natural death. It was also retconned a few years later.)
  • Enemy Ace died of natural causes.
  • The Question died of lung cancer.

Marvel

Improve this answer
5
  • You did a much more comprehensive job than I did. Since my answer really doesn't add anything to yours, I'm going to delete it tonight, I think.
    – FuzzyBoots
    Commented Jun 2, 2014 at 20:06
  • 12
    Apparently cancer is most every heroes secret weakness...
    – Doc
    Commented Jun 2, 2014 at 23:02
  • 6
    Also, Marvel apparently hates British super heroes.
    – Bob Tway
    Commented Jun 3, 2014 at 8:19
  • Captain Marvel's death is the most memorable one to me. I need to read that again.
    – Nacht
    Commented Jun 3, 2014 at 9:48
  • @Doc - Even Wolverine's! It turns out he's like, 90% cancer and is only alive because of his healing factor.
    – Jeff
    Commented Dec 18, 2017 at 19:59

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.