The best plot twists in comics are, at the top, the revelation thatBucky is the Winter Soldier, the plan ofOzymandiasin Watchmen,Jason Todd becomes Red Hoodand the survival ofGreen Goblin. This tier list ranks major reversals according to their audacity and impact. Facts (stories, dates) verified, no invented odds; each entry refers to a record when it exists.
The plot twist is one of the great pleasures of comics: a revelation that recontextualizes everything. This tier list classifies twists according to theiraudacity and their shock waveat the time of their publication. Please note, this article discusses major revelations.
Editorial Ranks, Factsverified. Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Tier S: legendary reversals
The revelation thatBucky is alivein Winter Soldier (2005) is one of the most successful twists, breaking a decades-old rule. The plan ofOzymandiassubverts the entire plot of Watchmen. The return ofJason Toddin Red Hood and the survival ofGreen Goblinturned their worlds upside down.
Tier A: the big shocks
Secret Invasionreveals that Skrulls have replaced heroes.Onslaught,Hal Jordan becomes ParallaxetCaptain America agent of Hydra(very controversial) have each shaken readers.
Tier B: the notable revelations
Xorn revealed as Magneto,the Court of Owls,the Anti-Monitorand the origin ofVision(created by Ultron) are among the big twists.
Tier C: cult surprises
Labetrayal of Terra, the revelation thatthe Phoenix was not Jean Gray, the secret existence ofIlluminatiand theVoid of the Sentrycomplete the selection.
Tier D: memorable twists
LeSpider-Man clone(Clone Saga),Batman R.I.P.etDoctor Doom becomes Iron Manclose this tier list: daring reversals, more divisive but striking.
To remember
- Bucky's returnis often cited as the best modern twist.
- A big twist recontextualizesall of the above.
- Some twists are divisive(Captain America Hydra) but make people talk.
- Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Frequently asked questions
The revelation thatBucky is the Winter Soldier(Brubaker, 2005) achieves consensus, because it breaks an established rule while enriching Captain America. Ozymandias' plan in Watchmen is the other reference.
Yes, it's a classic spring of the superheroic soap opera. The best ones are prepared a long time ago; others, more opportunistic, divide readers.
Yes: the number that reveals a major twist (return of a character, first appearance of a new identity) often becomes a sought-after key number.
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