History TearJerker / TheAvengers

* [[ComicBook/CivilWar The Confession]]. 22 solid ''pages'' of tearjerker, ending in a devastating splash panel of Captain America's corpse, with Tony Stark kneeling beside it whispering, "It wasn't worth it."

** The ''ComicBook/WhatIf'' version of ComicBook/CivilWar also does contain one thing, from ComicBook/IronMan's perspective. Uatu arrives and gave him a vision of HOW it was possible to avoid further bloodshed and make good use of the Superhuman Registration Act, without killing Cap... ''if Tony just backed down and stop being stubborn''. Cue massive MyGodWhatHaveIDone on Tony as Uatu left him shouldering all the burdens that he could've avoided in the first place.

** The ending of ''Avengers'' #277, the final issue of the story arc. Captain America stands amongst his personal effects, consisting of photographs, papers, and even a baseball autographed by Babe Ruth. All he had of his life from before he was frozen was destroyed in front of him by Baron Zemo in an attempt to break him. The most painful loss was the only photo Cap had of his mother, ripped in half. He openly weeps over their destruction, telling Monica Rambeau that he couldn't allow himself to do so in front of Zemo. Many years later, during ''ComicBook/CivilWar'', Zemo used the moonstones to bring them back for Cap.

** She then proceeds to berate her former teammates for not recognizing what Marcus was and what he had done to her despite it being glaringly obvious, and tell them that she made a mistake trusting them.

** She then proceeds to berate her former teammates for not recognizing what Marcus was and what he had done to her despite it being glaringly obvious, and that she made a mistake trusting them.

** While Carol states she will move on with her life and pick up the pieces, the Avengers are forced to leave with the knowledge that they hurt Carol in the worst way possible and will now have to live with the guilt. The only silver lining is the opportunity to learn from such a horrific mistake, one they shouldn't have made in the first place.

** While Carol states she will move on with her life and pick up the pieces, the Avengers are forced to leave with the knowledge that they hurt Carol in the worst way possible and will now have to live with the guilt.
--->'''Wanda''': I suddenly feel vulnerable in ways I never imagined. Carol was my ''friend'', Vision!\\

** When the above (and "The Confession") are taken into account, the ''Avengers/Invaders'' miniseries (which takes place [[spoiler: between Steve's death and resurrection]] is ''heartbreaking''. Tony's reaction to seeing Cap on his screens... Past!Cap telling ComicBook/IronMan that he admires him for sticking to his principles despite having to go against his friends... It's kind of like being punched in the heart. A lot.
* ''Thor'' #[[http://community.livejournal.com/scans_daily/6495598.html 11]]. Using Mjölnir, and bellowing "Avengers Assemble!", [[ComicBook/TheMightyThor Thor]] summons the soul of ComicBook/CaptainAmerica. We then learn that Cap's soul is trapped between the worlds, and it is cold. On top of that, he can now feel the pain of the world and of his friends, and constantly bombarded by the sounds of people attempting to use his death for their own agendas. But when Thor asks him if he wants his death avenged, Cap replies:

* [[ComicBook/CivilWar The Confession]]. 22 solid ''pages'' of tearjerker, ending in a devastating splash panel [[spoiler:of Captain America's corpse, with Tony Stark kneeling beside it whispering, "It wasn't worth it."]]

* ''Avengers: The Initiative'' #26. We're introduced to a couple of D-list villains, Johnny Guitar and Doctor Sax, whose only claim to fame is that they'd once fought Dazzler. After being recruited into the Shadow Initiative, Johnny learns that they're nothing more than cannon fodder, and their superiors are going to be intentionally sending them on suicide missions without the knowledge of the recruits. [[spoiler: Going to visit Trauma, he learns that because of the way benefits and pensions are written, his family that he's estranged from will be well taken care of in the event of his dying in the line of duty. He decides to go through with it, but not before intentionally injuring Doc so he'll be sent home, and thus spared. Johnny's killed in the fight to reclaim Prison 42, and his and other deaths,]] as well as the sudden arrival of the 'big names' of the Initiative right at the end of the battle, suddenly make the rest of his unit aware of ''exactly'' what they are to their bosses.

** After the Wasp rendered comatose during She-Hulk's crazed rampage, Hank waits at her bedside. He quickly breaks down and begins sobbing while imploring Jan to wake up, showing that even after their tumultuous marriage and subsequent divorce, he still loves her. The real gut punch comes when he says that the brutal fight with the Comicbook/{{Ultron}} drones ([[spoiler: actually conjured by Scarlet Witch, though he doesn't know this at the time)]] only hammered home his worst fear: that no matter how much good he does or how hard he tries to make the world a better place, the only thing people will ever remember him for is [[MyGreatestFailure accidentally creating a monster like Ultron]].

* [[spoiler:The death of Thor and Hyperion during Jonathan Hickman's run. Many universes from home, and crippled, the two still charge against the Beyonders attacking them. Just to rub salt in the wound, as they see the approaching horde, Thor notes that he can't wield the hammer he brought with him, the hammer of ''[[EvilCounterpart Thorr]]'', which can only be wielded by the un-worthy. Just seconds from dying, he's worthy once more... but Mjolnir isn't there for him.]]

* ''Thor'' #[[http://community.livejournal.com/scans_daily/6495598.html 11]]. Using Mjölnir, and bellowing "Avengers Assemble!", ComicBook/{{Thor}} summons the soul of ComicBook/CaptainAmerica. We then learn that Cap's soul is trapped between the worlds, and it is cold. On top of that, he can now feel the pain of the world and of his friends, and constantly bombarded by the sounds of people attempting to use his death for their own agendas. But when Thor asks him if he wants his death avenged, Cap replies:

* Creator/WaltSimonson's first story arc, which was basically ''Comicbook/AvengersDisassembled'' years before it was written. The roster that Roger Stern had assembled is brutally taken apart, with Comicbook/MonicaRambeau nearly dying and being left in an emaciated, bedridden state, [[Comicbook/SubMariner Namor]] being forced to MercyKill his wife Marrina and then leaving in sorrow, Black Knight succumbing to the Ebony Blade's curse, Doctor Druid seemingly perishing after being sucked into a time vortex (though he's later revealed to have survived), Thor leaving to deal with events in his own book, and Comicbook/SheHulk being so ashamed of having been brainwashed by Comicbook/{{Nebula|Marvel Comics}} that she resigns. At the end of the story, the Avengers have officially disbanded, and Jarvis is left to close-up shop while reflecting on the group's legacy. Even though Captain America returns to form a new line-up during ''Comicbook/Inferno1988'', seeing the team fall apart like that is still quite sad.

* Creator/WaltSimonson's first story arc, which was basically ''Comicbook/AvengersDisassembled'' years before it was written. The roster that Roger Stern had assembled is brutally taken apart, with Comicbook/MonicaRambeau nearly dying and being left in an emaciated, bedridden state, [[Comicbook/SubMariner Namor]] being forced to MercyKill his wife Marrina and then leaving in sorrow, Black Knight succumbing to the Ebony Blade's curse, Doctor Druid seemingly perishing after being sucked into a time vortex (though he's later revealed to have survived), Thor leaving to deal with events in his own book, and Comicbook/SheHulk being so ashamed of having been brainwashed by Comicbook/{{Nebula|Marvel Comics}} that she resigns. At the end of the story, the Avengers have officially disbanded, and Jarvis is left to close-up shop while reflecting on the group's legacy. Even though Captain America returns to form a new line-up during ''Comicbook/{{Inferno}}'', seeing the team fall apart like that is still quite sad.

-->'''Goliath:''' Why shouldn't he know my real name, Hank? After all, he was [[TheReveal MY BROTHER]]!

* Creator/WaltSimonson's first story stv, which was basically ''Comicbook/AvengersDisassembled'' years before it was written. The roster that Roger Stern had assembled is brutally taken apart, with Comicbook/MonicaRambeau nearly dying and being left in an emaciated, bedridden state, [[Comicbook/SubMariner Namor]] being forced to MercyKill his wife Marrina and then leaving in sorrow, Black Knight succumbing to the Ebony Blade's curse, Doctor Druid seemingly perishing after being sucked into a time vortex (though he's later revealed to have survived), Thor leaving to deal with events in his own book, and Comicbook/SheHulk being so ashamed of having been brainwashed by Comicbook/{{Nebula|Marvel Comics}} that she resigns. At the end of the story, the Avengers have officially disbanded, and Jarvis is left to close-up shop while reflecting on the group's legacy. Even though Captain America returns to form a new line-up during ''Comicbook/{{Inferno}}'', seeing the team fall apart like that is still quite sad.

* Creator/WaltSimonson's first story stv, which was basically ''Comicbook/AvengersDisassembled'' years before it was written. The roster that Roger Stern had assembled is brutally taken apart, with Comicbook/MonicaRambeau nearly dying and being left in an emaciated, bedridden state, [[Comicbook/SubMariner Namor]] being forced to MercyKill his wife Marrina and then leaving in sorrow, Black Knight succumbing to the Ebony Blade's curse, Doctor Druid seemingly perishing after being sucked into a time bubble (though years later he's revealed to have survived), Thor leaving to deal with events in his own book, and Comicbook/SheHulk being so ashamed of having been brainwashed by Comicbook/{{Nebula|Marvel Comics}} that she resigns. At the end of the story, the Avengers have officially disbanded, and Jarvis is left to close-up shop while reflecting on the group's legacy. Even though Captain America returns to form a new line-up during ''Comicbook/{{Inferno}}'', seeing the team fall apart like that is still quite sad.

* Creator/WaltSimonson's first story stv, which was basically ''Comicbook/AvengersDisassembled'' years before it was written. The roster that Roger Stern had assembled is brutally taken apart, with Comicbook/MonicaRambeau nearly dying and being left in an emaciated, bedridden state, [[Comicbook/SubMariner Namor]] being forced to MercyKill his wife Marrina and then leaving in sorrow, Black Knight succumbing to the Ebony Blade's curse, Doctor Druid seemingly perishing after being sucked into a time bubble (though years later he's revealed to have survived), Thor leaving to deal with events in his own book, and Comicbook/SheHulk being so ashamed of having been brainwashed by Comicbook/{{Nebula}} that she resigns. At the end of the story, the Avengers have officially disbanded, and Jarvis is left to close-up shop while reflecting on the group's legacy. Even though Captain America returns to form a new line-up during ''Comicbook/{{Inferno}}'', seeing the team fall apart like that is still quite sad.

!![[Series/TheAvengers The British TV series]]
* Emma Peel's goodbye scene in "The Forget-Me-Knot". Especially since it's the one and only time Steed calls her by her first name when thanking her for her company.
** After filming was done, Creator/PatrickMacNee went to his dressing room and cried due to the emotion of the scene.

* The ending to the "Kang Dynasty" storyline at the end of Creator/KurtBusiek's run. Kang is defeated by the Avengers, but is content to spend the rest of his days in prison, knowing that his son Marcus will forge his own path and become a legend in his own right. Then, Marcus rescues Kang, and suggests that they make another attempt to conquer the Earth together. Kang tells Marcus he should have left him in jail, as he knows that Marcus betrayed him after falling in love with Carol Danvers. With genuine sorrow, Kang tells Marcus that he cannot tolerate a traitor in his camp, even his own son, and then stabs him to death. The final scene has Kang cradling Marcus' corpse and lamenting the fact that while imprisoned, he had the perfect ending to his legend and an heir who would make him proud, but now, he has ''nothing''.

* Swordsman's death during the "Comicbook/TheCelestialMadonnaSaga." Swordsman was a reformed criminal who joined the Avengers seeking redemption, but his lack of any real powers led to him constantly screwing up or getting his ass kicked. After many months of setbacks, including Mantis spurning him in favor of Vision, he finally proves his worth by playing a pivotal role in the rescue of his teammates after they're kidnapped by Kang. Then, without warning, and on what should've been the day of Swordsman's greatest triumph, the defeated Kang whips out a gun and tries to kill Mantis. Without hesitation, [[TakingTheBullet Swordsman steps in front of her]], and is mortally wounded. He dies in Mantis' arms, and spends his last moments lamenting his supposed uselessness.

* "Under Siege,"

* The "Under Siege" storyline had Zemo trying to break Captain America by destroying his mementos and torturing his friends, letting the savage Mr. Hyde loose on Jarvis. What happens is entirely off-panel, but the sound effects, dialogue, and expressions say it all.
** [[http://peerlesspower.blogspot.com/2016/05/wherein-lies-my-duty.html Faithful]] [[http://www.supermegamonkey.net/chronocomic/entries/avengers_280.shtml Servant]], published shortly afterward, consisted of Jarvis recovering from the attack and reliving his past adventures, debating on whether or not to rejoin the Avengers. He ultimately decided that despite the risks, he would.

* The aftermath of the "Under Siege" storyline. Captain America stands amongst his personal effects, consisting of photographs, papers, and even a baseball autographed by Babe Ruth. All he had of his life from before he was frozen was destroyed in front of him by Baron Zemo in an attempt to break him. The most painful loss was the only photo Cap had of his mother, ripped in half. He openly weeps over their destruction, telling Monica Rambeaux that he couldn't allow himself to do so in front of Zemo. Many years later, during ''ComicBook/CivilWar'', Zemo used the moonstones to bring them back for Cap.
* ''Avengers'' #280, which also deals with the aftermath of "Under Siege," has Jarvis reminiscing about the history of the Avengers. He thinks back to the aforementioned death of Swordsman, and recalls having to empty the hero's bedroom after his demise. He then mentions that he discovered a photo of Swordsman's parents, but was unable to find their names or where they lived, meaning he couldn't even contact them to inform them that their son had died, or that he had redeemed himself at the end of his life.

* Swordsman's death during the "Comicbook/TheCelestialMadonnaSaga." Swordsman was a reformed criminal who joined the Avengers seeking redemption, but his lack of any real powers led to him constantly screwing up or getting his ass kicked. After many months of setbacks, including Mantis spurning him in favor of Vision, he finally proves his worth by playing a pivotal role in the rescue of his teammates after they're kidnapped by Kang. Then, without warning, and on what should've been the day of Swordsman's greatest triumph, the defeated Kang whips out a gun and tries to kill Mantis. Without hesitation, [[TakingABullet Swordsman steps in front of her]], and is mortally wounded. He dies in Mantis' arms, and spends his last moments lamenting his supposed uselessness.

* Swordsman's death during the "Comicbook/TheCelestialMadonnaSaga." Swordsman was a reformed criminal who joined the Avengers seeking redemption, but his lack of any real powers led to him constantly screwing up or getting his ass kicked. After many months of setbacks, including Mantis spurning him in favor of Vision, he finally proves his worth by playing a pivotal role in the rescue of his teammates after they're kidnapped by Kang. Then, without warning, and on what should've been the day of Swordsman's greatest triumph, the defeated Kang whips out a gun and tries to kill Mantis. Without hesitation, [[TookABullet Swordsman steps in front of her]], and is mortally wounded. He dies in Mantis' arms, and spends his last moments lamenting his supposed uselessness.

* The Ending of Kang War. After managing to conquer the Earth through military might and genius strategy, Kang the Conqueror is defeated and imprisoned, and is content in resignation to his fate, knowing it will be a fitting endeing to his legend and that his son will surpass him...but then[[spoiler:his son rescues him, forcing Kang to not only reveal his current son is the latest of several clones, all who had failed him, until this one surpassed them and lived to Kang's expectations, even if his actions led to Kang's defeat...and then Kang kills him, because now that he has returned, he cannot allow a traitor in his forces, and Kang ends drifting into space with his dead son, his whole legend and conquest undone because of both the love his son had for him, and Kangs own nature as a warlord and conqueror.]]