Top 5 superheroes with the most tragic origin stories

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: A Batman costume from the 2012 Dark Knight Rises film worn by Christian Bale and designed by Lindy Hemming is on display at the DC Comics Exhibition: Dawn Of Super Heroes at the O2 Arena on February 22, 2018 in London, England. The exhibition, which opens on February 23rd, features 45 original costumes, models and props used in DC Comics productions including the Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman films. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mentions

The biggest omission on this list is probably Batman. The reason why Batman is just an honorable mention is his socio-economic background. While my number one pick is also from a wealthy background, movies and TV have presented Bruce Wayne in a very favorable light.

Of course, the death of his parents is what defines Batman and creates an emotional scar on his childhood (and indeed the rest of his life), however, he inevitably overcomes that tough childhood because he has the means available in order to get justice. Yes, money doesn’t buy happiness, but I’m willing to bet that the Parkers and the Kents would have liked that extra income.

There are also no other MCU characters on my list. Black Widow’s backstory was close due to her training in the Red Room and the forced sterilization she went through. However, like with Batman, others suffered even more tragedy. Her solo movie, which has a new release date, may shed more light on her backstory, but we can only work with what we have right now.

The majority of MCU superheroes have all suffered from one specific tragic event – whether it be psychological damage, loss of sight, brainwashing to be a Russian agent and of course, death of loved one (or in Gamora’s case: The death of her civilization).

Again though, that’s really it. With so many similarities, you have to play semantics.

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