When subjects like rape, domestic violence, and bigotry make their way into the pages of American superhero comics, they don’t just grab readers’ attention—they make headlines. Today, we revisit some of the most controversial moments in superhero comics history.

From the sexual assault of Barbara Gordon at the hands of the Joker, to Yellow Jacket physically abusing the Wasp, to the Punisher’s brief and baffling transformation into a Black man, these moments forced fans and publishers alike to confront where the line should be drawn.

We also discuss a crisis of consciousness with Captain America putting down his shield and becoming Nomad, only to later be fired by the government and replaced with John Walker 

We wrap things up by asking: Were these moments bold statements or just stunts for attention? How has the definition of “controversial” shifted over the years?