Comic book deaths just aren’t the same as they used to be. Why? While heroes, villains and supporting characters do kick the bucket in today’s tales, they don’t stay six feet under permanently and are expected to reappear in due time, through a time-travel event, an “all a dream” cop-out, a cloning experiment, or even the creation of an entirely new universe.
A decade ago, only Superman’s parents, Batman’s parents, Uncle Ben and Bucky Barnes were classified as “sacred” deceased characters. However, with Bucky back as the Winter Soldier and the other three constantly getting flashback scenes or turning up alive and kicking in some netherverse, they are only one crossover event away from a return/resurrection.