10 Comics That Ended Way Too Soon

The vast world of comic books offers an abundance of tales, appealing to various types of readers. From thrilling fantasy quests to suspenseful sci-fi capers, this is just a glimpse of the diversity available. It’s truly fortunate that we have such a wide selection of series at our disposal. However, it cannot be ignored that sometimes, much to fans’ dismay, a cherished comic book series concludes prematurely. Occasionally, a series gets canceled ahead of its prime, while other times, the creators intended for a brief run. Regardless of the cause, fans yearn for more.

Experiencing deep disappointment is unavoidable when you become enamored with a series, only to discover it’s being terminated. Regrettably, comic book series often face the cold reality of statistics and sales figures, which can swiftly bring an end to a series if they’re not performing satisfactorily. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in publishing environments that adhere more closely to traditional methods (the dominant players within the comic industry). All of us have witnessed this unfold, and it’s typically not the fault of the creative team – their storytelling and artwork are exceptional and captivating, deserving a broader audience. It often seems like luck plays a significant role in these circumstances. Below, you’ll find a list of 10 comics that I believe concluded prematurely.

Green Arrow 17-34 (2011-2014)

The 2011-2014 run of Green Arrow, penned by Jeff Lemire and illustrated by Andrea Sorrentino, significantly transformed the character’s narrative, infusing it with renewed vigor. By revisiting the character’s origins, this series made Green Arrow appear more mature. It seemed as if a crucial piece had been missing all along, but now everything fell into place neatly. The story begins with Oliver Queen grappling with his role as a superhero, only to be plunged headfirst into a tumultuous family saga involving a full-blown clan war.

The storyline seems somewhat black-and-white now that Lemire and Sorrentino are no longer leading, and their absence is noticeable, giving off a vibe as if we’re starting over again with new creators.

She-Hulk (2016)

In contemporary times, the She-Hulk series has faced some misfortune, as the works penned by Charles Soule, Mariko Tamaki, and Rainbow Rowell were all terminated prematurely. Among these, the 2016 She-Hulk series written by Mariko Tamaki offered a fresh perspective on Jen Walters, also known as She-Hulk. This narrative unfolded post-Civil War II, with Jen grappling with intense grief and anger following the demise of her cousin. This heartrending situation catalyzed transformative shifts within Jen’s Hulk persona, a character aspect that had previously remained quite consistent. The story then delved into Jen’s Hulk persona and her submerged feelings, providing a nuanced portrayal of the intricacies of trauma.

2018 marked the termination of Mariko Tamaki’s run on She-Hulk, just two brief years into her tenure as writer. Unfortunately, readers won’t have the opportunity to witness Tamaki’s future plans for Jen, which is truly disappointing.

Orc Stain

In one of numerous imaginative works from Image Comics, titled “Orc Stain,” James Stokoe serves as both writer and artist. This graphic novel depicts a world where orcs hold power and ultimately bring about their own destruction. The series resonates deeply due to Stokoe’s unflinching approach to violence, gore, and the brutal aftermath of orcish conflicts. It delves deeply into the grimdark genre, embracing its dark tone without compromise – a quality that appeals to its dedicated fanbase. The narrative follows One-Eye, a thief with potentially prophetic connections, setting the story in motion.

Each series doesn’t necessarily conclude with a big finale. The case of “Orc Stain” is that it hasn’t been formally terminated; instead, its publication came to a halt. Creator Stokoe has hinted at plans to carry on the series, but for now, fans can only be patient, observe, and harbor hope.

West Coast Avengers (2018)

The team known as the West Coast Avengers has frequently undergone changes in Marvel Comics, both in terms of leadership and members. In 2018, Kelly Thompson brought the series back to life, featuring two versions of Hawkeye, America Chavez, Quentin Quire, Gwenpool, Fuse, and even a mascot named Jeff the Land Shark. Although it might seem an unusual lineup, remember, we’re discussing none other than the West Coast Avengers! By the way, don’t forget their iconic mascot – Jeff the Land Shark. The narrative is packed with chaos and humor that only Thompson can deliver. It includes M.O.D.O.K.’s attempt to be trendy, family conflicts spiced up with a dash of vampires, among other entertaining elements.

2018’s West Coast Avengers ended prematurely after just ten issues, leaving many fans disheartened. However, fortunately for us, the main character (Jeff) managed to secure a role in another series, demonstrating resilience even beyond the termination of his initial one.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2014)

Previously, “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” was merely a comic book series on the pages before it became a hit Netflix show. Penned by Roberto Aquirre-Sacasa and illustrated by Robert Hack, this unique take on the series has been captivating audiences everywhere. By reimagining Sabrina from “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” in a darker magical realm, they’ve given her a fresh twist that fans love! Although it draws inspiration from Aquirre-Sacasa’s “Afterlife with Archie” series, its engaging storylines have made it a favorite among viewers.

The Netflix adaptation of “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” was terminated in 2020 (due to the pandemic), but the comic book series has concluded. Since then, a few standalone issues have been published, courtesy of Kelly Thompson, and Sabrina occasionally makes appearances in the main “Chilling Adventures” series.

Nova (2016)

Many Marvel enthusiasts likely recall the effort to debut fresh heroes while donning iconic roles. One such endeavor led to the release of “Nova (2016)“. Written by Jeff Loveness and illustrated by Ramon Perez, this series unveiled a new Nova character named Sam Alexander. As a young hero, Sam grappled with juggling his superhero duties and everyday life. But that was merely the start, as Sam will soon face off against the WorldMind and numerous Marvel milestones, not to mention some family turmoil and Richard Rider’s reappearance.

2016’s series titled “Nova” ran for just 11 issues before wrapping up, leaving the narrative unfinished and failing to fully develop. However, a silver lining is that Sam’s version of Nova remains active in the Marvel Universe, albeit not as prominently used as the original Nova.

John Constantine: Hellblazer by Warren Ellis

The tale of Constantine was rejuvenated under the Vertigo label, allowing it to delve deeper into the mysterious and ominous aspects of the occult. Readers quickly embraced the series as a whole, often praising Warren Ellis’ interpretation of this renowned character. Though it ran for just 12 issues (#134-145), Ellis’ work on “John Constantine: Hellblazer” left an indelible impact. Ellis adopted a nihilistic perspective, which surprisingly complemented Constantine’s life, particularly in scenes where the violence seemed unexpectedly intense. He also emphasized themes of loss and tragedy throughout the series.

Warren Ellis’ tenure on the “John Constantine: Hellblazer” comic series was initially planned to be brief. Despite committing to just 12 issues, readers have consistently expressed a desire for him to delve deeper into the character.

The Unbelievable Gwenpool (2016-2018)

In this fresh and surprising turn, Gwenpool emerges as an extraordinary character, hardly expected to take center stage. Prior appearances in select Marvel comics had paved the way, but it was this series that unfolded the complete history of Gwendolyn Poole, who became known as Gwenpool. This tale is brimming with humor and mayhem, penned by Christopher Hastings, and introduces a unique form of fourth wall breaking. Born on Earth-TRN656, Gwenpool was privileged to grow up reading the same comics we all know, and when an opportunity arose to travel to Earth-616, she seized the chance to embody a hero and enjoy the adventure simultaneously. However, her path to heroism is anything but straightforward; at one point, she unwittingly transforms into a villain or anti-hero for a stretch of time.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my disappointment that the extraordinary journey of Gwenpool didn’t last longer. Despite having a remarkable run spanning across 25 issues, it sadly came to an abrupt end before its true potential could be fully realized. Gwenpool, with her unique insight into the comics world, was well aware that the storyline was nearing its conclusion. This realization struck a chord, as she grasped the potential implications for her future in the industry.

The Movement (2013-2014)

Gail Simone and Freddie Williams II developed the series titled “The Movement“, which unfolded in the New 52 era of DC Comics. This brief run focuses on a band of adolescents who came to be known as The Movement, or Channel M. In classic teenage superhero style, they endeavored to combat corruption and hazards within their city. However, their journey was not without its complications. What set the narrative apart was its incorporation of political commentary, as these young heroes often found themselves at odds with law enforcement.

In 2014, DC Comics decided to discontinue The Movement, wrapping up with issue #12. This turn of events was a mix of disappointment and anticipation, given that the sales had been moderate at best. However, it’s undeniable that Gail Simone’s insights were potent and impactful.

Spider-Woman (2009-2010)

Jessica Drew, more commonly known as Spider-Woman, has a knack for experiencing misfortune in her comics, even when renowned writer Brian Michael Bendis is involved. This trend continued in 2009, when she received another solo series following the Secret Invasion event. At a low ebb in her life, Jessica found herself taking on a job hunting Skrulls. Unsurprisingly, things didn’t go as planned right from the start, with a Skrull discovering her secret mission immediately. The ensuing events were typical of the dramatic chaos that Spider-Woman is well-known for.

2009-2010’s run of Spider-Woman didn’t receive an official cancellation. Instead, it concluded after nine issues without further publication. The way it resolved the Skrull plot suggests that this was the intended plan. However, it seems unfair to introduce characters like Spider-Woman for a Marvel event and then leave them on the sidelines once their story arc is finished.

2025-04-28 03:14