Great moments in panels

What are some of the greatest moments in comic books? When I was growing up I received a Spider-Man annual one Christmas. In it was the story featuring the death of Gwen Stacey. Even at that age, which must have been about eight or nine, I realised that this was not your run of the mill storyline. It was only a number of years later that I got hold of the trade paperback of the whole story and realised that Marvel really pushed the boat out. I wasn't aware, because the first few issues weren't in the annual, that Harry Osbourne was hooked on drugs. This revelation makes the story even more powerful and intense. I guess including that in a book that sold at Yule time, for kids, wouldn't have been a sensible marketing plan. But then, how many parents' would have actually read it anyway? It is still a story that resonates today and is legendary in Marvel lore.

The next great moment is surely the first appearance of Death in The Sound of her Wings in The Sandman. Pretty much everything in The Sandman is awesome for that matter. Neil Gaiman created something unique and literary and downright brilliant. Many people cite Watchmen as being at the pinnacle of comic books. I would disagree. Sandman is, for me, at the summit. It has so many layers and is so intricate it doesn't matter how many times you return to the many pages, there is always something you have missed waiting. A work of genius.

Speaking of Alan Moore, The Killing Joke is a slim, but effective Batman one shot. The Dark Knight Returns is a great tale. Frank Miller created another iconic moment which was the murder of Elektra by Bullseye; an image virtually replicated identically in the Daredevil film. The director's cut of which is actually a good film and far better than the theatrical cut.

Finally The Crow is a powerful, romantic and tear jerking comic. It has stark visuals, a heartbreaking narrative is violent as hell, but is a very human and personal tale. I always seem to take something new away from it when it is re-read.

And just to finish off, why have I spelt Sandman, Sandamn every time tonight? Obviously, I have corrected this post!!