The top 10 comic book movie and TV moments of 2023

4. Rocket's origin story

Comic book project: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

Superhero origin stories are always full of tragedy. The most infamous is Peter Parker’s. Uncle Ben's dying is the catalyst to his becoming the Amazing Spider-Man. As sad as that was, it’s nothing compared to Rocket’s.

The first Guardians of the Galaxy briefly hit on Rocket’s origin. We knew he was experimented on and that was bad enough. Seeing him gain a family and have them killed in front of him was devastating. The worst part was when he thought he and his friends got away. He was given a glimmer of hope and had it ripped from him. He wasn't the same after that.

It may not have been a happy moment, but it was one of the most memorable of the year.

3. Miles vs The Spider-Verse

Comic book project: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

The measure of a superhero is how they adapt when the odds are against them. When you’re Spider-Man, this is right of passage. There’s always a Sinister Six or Twelve ready to kill you. Miles had his first overwhelming experience and he was spectacular.

Miles had to run away from and fight an untold amount of Spider-Men, Women, a Spider-Powered T-Rex, and dozens more. It looked like he was running for his life without a plan when he was in control the entire time. The look on Miguel O'Hara's face when he realizes he'd been played was priceless.

This was almost number one. It was an incredible and defining moment for Miles Morales. Unfortunately, the next two were better.