One of the most intriguing Marvel female heroines has passed away recently, part of a really mixed bag of a crossover entitled Secret Invasion. The plot device pointing to her death was a surprise, but its visual execution in just a few confusing panels lacked respect for such a venerable character.

As typical “female” in super-hero books of the early sixties, Janet was a bit of an empty head at first, more often concerned about her hair and makeup than any deadly threat. But as the years went by, it was disclosed that she was in fact acting up to get the attention of her paramour, namely confused Dr. Hank Pym. The Wasp became one of the most effective Avengers leader in the team’s colorful history, going through many crisis with a very humanistic leadership style.

Of course, this is comic books and she’ll probably be resurrected in some form in a couple of years. Still, let’s salute the fact that she will remain a character whose evolution through the years remain an intriguing read (which could be a bit difficult in track the chronology down).