Few characters in the Marvel Universe embody both the pinnacle of power and the depths of psychological complexity like The Sentry. First introduced in The Sentry #1 (2000) by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee, Robert Reynolds is Marvel’s answer to the Superman archetype—with a tragic twist. Gifted with “the power of a million exploding suns,” The Sentry exists as both the world’s greatest hero and its greatest threat, haunted by his dark alter ego, The Void. Throughout his tumultuous history, Sentry has had numerous unforgettable moments. Here are five of the greatest:
1. The Sentry vs. The Void – The Sentry (2000)
The original Sentry miniseries reintroduced Robert Reynolds into a Marvel Universe that seemingly forgot him. This debut story arc is a psychological tour de force, as Sentry slowly uncovers his buried identity and the terrifying truth that his arch-nemesis, The Void, is in fact a manifestation of his own psyche.
In a climactic moment, Sentry chooses to erase all memory of himself from the world—again—to prevent The Void’s return. It’s not a battle of fists but of self-sacrifice and mental resilience. The decision to give up his legacy, friends, and even his own identity to save the world is one of Marvel’s most poignant, underrated moments of heroism.
2. Joining the Avengers – New Avengers #10 (2005)
When Brian Michael Bendis brought The Sentry into the mainline Marvel Universe, he did so with a bang. Sentry’s introduction into the New Avengers was dramatic, mysterious, and filled with tension. After years of obscurity, Robert Reynolds was brought out of mental exile, with help from Reed Richards and Emma Frost, to face a new era.
The Sentry’s full power is revealed when he tears through an army of supervillains singlehandedly—most notably ripping Carnage in half in space. His raw might immediately places him among Marvel’s heavyweights, but it’s his emotional fragility and struggle for identity that adds compelling depth. His uneasy alliance with the Avengers redefined what it meant to be both a hero and a ticking time bomb.
3. The Siege of Asgard – Siege (2010)
One of the most chilling and powerful arcs in Sentry’s career comes during the Siege event. Manipulated by Norman Osborn and increasingly losing control, Robert finally succumbs to the darkness of The Void. As Asgard faces destruction, Sentry, now in full Void form, becomes the ultimate existential threat—tearing through gods and heroes with terrifying ease.
In one of the most brutal moments in Marvel history, he kills Ares, the God of War, by literally tearing him in half. This moment isn’t just shocking for its violence, but for what it signals: The Sentry is no longer just unstable—he’s an apocalyptic force unleashed.
It takes the combined effort of Earth’s greatest heroes and Thor’s divine wrath to finally stop him. The final moment—where Sentry begs for death—adds a layer of tragic humanity to the monster he had become.
4. The Return – Doctor Strange #1 (2018)
After his death in Siege, Sentry remained largely absent from the Marvel Universe. But in Doctor Strange (2018) by Donny Cates, Sentry makes an unexpected return. Strange, now wielding both mystical and practical medical abilities, brings Reynolds back from death, seeking to control or heal him.
But instead of gaining clarity, Sentry’s resurrection proves that his internal conflict is far from resolved. He becomes a living paradox: a cosmic being torn between hope and annihilation. This moment reminds readers that The Sentry is never just a powerhouse—he’s a ticking emotional time bomb whose mere existence raises questions about the ethics of power and identity.
5. Becoming a Dark Avenger – King in Black: Sentry #1 (2021)
The most haunting and final chapter—at least so far—of The Sentry’s saga comes during King in Black. As Knull, the god of the symbiotes, descends on Earth, the heroes rally to fight the darkness. Sentry returns in a blaze of light, confidently stating that he’s beaten darkness before and will do it again.
But in a shocking twist, Knull effortlessly splits The Sentry in half—killing him in the opening salvo. The moment is powerful for what it represents: the ultimate being of light extinguished instantly by an even greater darkness.
While tragic, it’s a fitting end for a character defined by duality. Robert Reynolds was never truly free of The Void—but his willingness to stand and fight, knowing he might fall, shows the courage at the core of his character.
The Sentry is one of Marvel’s most unique and layered heroes. He’s a story about addiction, mental illness, sacrifice, and unchecked power. His greatest moments aren’t just battles won—they’re decisions made in the heart of despair. Whether saving the world by erasing himself from it, or falling prey to the monster within, The Sentry remains unforgettable because he challenges what it means to be a hero.
For readers who want a deep, character-driven narrative wrapped in cosmic-scale battles, The Sentry’s saga is essential Marvel storytelling. As the Marvel Universe continues to expand, don’t be surprised if Robert Reynolds—or The Void—returns to cast his light and shadow once more.
