Original Sin

The murder of a Watcher exposes truths no one was meant to see.

Original Sin is a 2014 Marvel Comics storyline centered on the murder of Uatu the Watcher, whose death on the Moon sends shockwaves through Earth's hero community. Nick Fury and the Avengers investigate the crime, only to be traumatized by visions revealed in Uatu’s stolen eyes. The story unfolds as a multi-team investigation led by figures like Black Panther, Punisher, Doctor Strange, and Winter Soldier, each chasing clues that point toward an “original sin” hidden in Earth's past. As the mystery deepens, secrets long buried begin to surface, challenging the very foundations of heroism and trust among Marvel’s greatest defenders.

Quick Facts

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writers: Jason Aaron
Artists: Mike Deodato

Lore & Background

Uatu the Watcher, who had observed Earth for eons without interference, is found dead on his Moon base with his eyes missing. His son, Sam Alexander (Nova), had recently learned that Uatu’s father once gave nuclear technology to the Prosilicans, an act of charity Uatu hoped would one day be proven right across parallel universes. The killer used a special bullet—gamma-irradiated and capable of harming a Watcher—to commit the crime. Investigations reveal that many of the “monsters” found dead were actually threats neutralized by Nick Fury in secret over decades, operating under orders from Howard Stark following the 1958 Tribellian invasion. These actions, hidden even from S.H.I.E.L.D., paint Fury as both protector and executioner.

Reader's Guide

The event kicks off with Uatu’s murder on the Moon and the discovery that his eyes were stolen. Investigators follow clues left by a shadowy source later revealed to be an elderly Nick Fury using LMDs. They trace gamma-irradiated bullets across dimensions, uncovering dead monsters and eventually realizing Fury was behind it all. Key turning points include Winter Soldier decapitating what they believe is Fury (only for it to be an LMD), the revelation that Fury killed Uatu to learn the identities of criminals before they acted, and Orb’s collapse after absorbing stolen Watcher powers. In the climax, Fury confronts Doctor Midas, forces him to absorb a Watcher eye, and kills him in an explosion. Though presumed dead, Fury survives as The Unseen, while Winter Soldier takes up the mantle of “Man on the Wall.”

Did You Know?

Sam Alexander, while training with Uatu, learns that his missing father, Jesse Alexander, is alive.
Winter Soldier kills what appears to be Nick Fury, only to reveal it was a Life Model Decoy (LMD).