History RefusalOfTheCall / ComicBooks

* ''ComicBook/GreenLantern'': Before Kyle Rayner was chosen as the new Green Lantern after the Corps destruction by Parallax, Ganthet actually came to Guy Gardner first with the new power ring. Gardner had been passed over before as Earth's Green Lantern and he now had a chance to be the Green Lantern. But he refused, still angry at the Corps for originally rejecting him.
* ''ComicBook/IronMan'': After discovering that [[spoiler:he has a brother (a biological one at that), younger brother]] Tony Stark offered an armor to [[spoiler:Arno Stark]], but was turned down. [[spoiler:He]] later shows up with brand-spanking new, tank-like Mk. MMXX (that's [[MeaningfulName 2020]]), saying that [[spoiler:he]] wanted an armor; [[spoiler:he]] just didn't want Tony to make it.

* In the ''ComicBook/ActsOfVengeance'' event, not every villain goes along with Loki's plan - [[Characters/MarvelComicsApocalypse Apocalypse]] and [[Characters/SubMarinerNamorAndSupportingCharacters Namor]] because they don't see themselves as villains, [[Characters/CaptainAmericaSnakeThemedEnemies Cobra]] because he sees himself more as a mercenary, and [[Characters/FantasticFourCentralRoguesGallery the Mad Thinker]] because he doesn't think it will work.
* Maddie Sullivan of ''ComicBook/AstroCity'' is a telekinetic who prefers to work in in the entertainment industry, using her powers to manipulate models and aid in stunt work. She networks with other super-powered normals, and they don't take kindly when would-be villains try to recruit them into their schemes.
* ''ComicBook/TheAuthority''. In the ''Jenny Sparks: The Secret History of The Authority'' mini-series, Jeroen Thornedike's [[RefusalOfTheCall refusal to be the next Doctor]] is why all the past Doctors think he's perfect for the job. It eventually culminates in [[spoiler:Jenny Sparks having to shoot herself in the temple and be revived]] just for him to answer the {{Call|ToAdventure}}.
* Inverted in ''ComicBook/AvengersVsXMen''. Hope accidentally MissedTheCall when she panics at the initial bonding of the Phoenix Force, leading to Iron Man [[NiceJobBreakingItHero accidentally breaking the Phoenix Force]] and empowering five X-Men with it. Near the end of the story, Hope confronts one of the last remaining X-Men with it, Cyclops, and tells him she's ready. Instead, Cyclops turns her down, telling her that she had her chance and she blew it. It was ''his'' turn now.

* In ''ComicBook/DarkCrisis'', with the Justice League presumed dead, the Jon Kent Superman decides to create a new team knowing the Earth needs protectors. However, most refuse his offer, mostly either because they're busy protecting their homes or refuse to suffer the same fate as the others, leading to Jon effectively building a RagtagBandOfMisfits.
* Danny Ketch, the second ComicBook/GhostRider, develops this relationship with the Spirit of Vengeance. He doesn't ''like'' being the Ghost Rider and will generally only do it when the alternative is far worse.

* [[http://comic.nodwick.com/?comic=2004-01-22 This]] ''ComicStrip/{{Nodwick}}'' strip really says it all. Yeagar is prone to this sort of behaviour if there's no profit (or attractive ladies) involved.

* A humorous example in an old issue of ''ComicBook/{{Thunderstrike}}'': ComicBook/{{Loki}} is up to his usual tricks, and the situation escalates to the point where Thunderstrike, ComicBook/WarMachine, ComicBook/SheHulk, and ComicBook/AntMan (Scott Lang) end up banding together to stop him. The issue was a WholePlotReference to the first issue of ''ComicBook/TheAvengers'', with each of the heroes standing in for one of the original members (War Machine for ComicBook/IronMan, She-Hulk for [[ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk The Hulk]], Thunderstrike for [[ComicBook/TheMightyThor Thor]], and Scott Lang for the original Ant-Man), and even ended with Ant-Man suggesting that they could stay together and form a new team of heroes. However, they humorously said no and went their separate ways.

* ''ComicBook/Venom2021:'' In issue #18, Eddie is brought before the Enlightenment, [[spoiler:his final incarnation at the end of time]], who tells him it is his destiny to be the King in Black. Eddie feels he's not up to the task, and tells Enlightenment that it should go to someone else. They just reply with "[[OmnicidalManiac Knull said the same thing]]". Eddie doesn't have a choice, [[spoiler:having already started down the path that leads to becoming Enlightenment, nothing he does will prevent it.]]
* After the ''ComicBook/WarOfKings'' event killed off Queen Lilandra, Gladiator refused to take the throne until the threat of civil war forced him to do so. Given that the Shi'ar empire was in ruins, and had just come out of a brutal war with the Kree, you can't really blame him.
* ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}''. A major character arc for Silk Spectre and Nite Owl. Laurie Jupiter (Spectre) always felt pushed into being a crime-fighting heroine by her mother and is glad for an excuse to give up the role when the [[SuperRegistrationAct Keene Act]] is passed. Dan Dreiburg (Nite Owl) is less happy, but accepts that the days of masked vigilantes are over. Over the course of events however they remember just how ''good'' it was to fight bad guys and rescue people, and by the end have joined up to become a BattleCouple.

* Sunfire was originally part of the famed All-New, All-Different ComicBook/XMen, but quit the team after just one issue. A major part of the later ''ComicBook/UncannyAvengers'' series involves ComicBook/{{Wolverine}} getting Sunfire to join ComicBook/TheAvengers in order to finally live up to his potential.
* To the Skrulls, Hulkling of the ''ComicBook/YoungAvengers'' is the prophesied savior destined to unite the fragmented Skrull Empire and end their war with the Kree. However, he repeatedly refuses to take up this destiny, as he was raised on Earth. He finally gives in in 2020's [[ComicBook/{{Empyre}} Empyre event]], being swayed by the need to save the universe from a bigger-picture threat, the Cotati.
* While [[ComicBook/WonderGirl Cassie Sandsmark]] originally greatly wanted to be a superhero when Zeus [[spoiler:tried to make her the guardian of the realm]] prior to ''ComicBook/YoungJustice2019'' she turned him down due to being sick of others trying to control her and tell her what she should be. Her wishes on the matter end up inconsequential as [[TheCallKnowsWhereYouLive the call knows where she lives]].

** ''ComicBook/TheAmazingSpiderManJMichaelStraczynski'' revealed that many of the challenges Spidey has faced are caused because [[spoiler: Ezekiel, the previous ChosenOne and Spider-Man's mentor figure, refused the call out of fear and selfishness. ''He'' was the one who was meant to fight evil and save New York, but because he refused to use his powers for the greater good it fell to Spider-Man. By the time of the comic he's pretty remorseful and decides to aid Spider-Man as best he can.]]

* ''Franchise/GreenLantern'': Before Kyle Rayner was chosen as the new Green Lantern after the Corps destruction by Parallax, Ganthet actually came to Guy Gardner first with the new power ring. Gardner had been passed over before as Earth's Green Lantern and he now had a chance to be the Green Lantern. But he refused, still angry at the Corps for originally rejecting him.

* ''Franchise/SpiderMan'':

* During ''Franchise/{{Superman}}'' story ''ComicBook/KryptoniteNevermore'', Superman loses most of his power and wants to quit being Superman because he is sick and tired of being alone, being burdened with responsibilities and being judged and derided every time he makes one mistake. However a friend talks him out of it.

* ''ComicBook/VenomEwingAndRamV:'' In issue #18, Eddie is brought before the Enlightenment, [[spoiler:his final incarnation at the end of time]], who tells him it is his destiny to be the King in Black. Eddie feels he's not up to the task, and tells Enlightenment that it should go to someone else. They just reply with "[[OmnicidalManiac Knull said the same thing]]". Eddie doesn't have a choice, [[spoiler:having already started down the path that leads to becoming Enlightenment, nothing he does will prevent it.]]

* [[http://nodwick.humor.gamespy.com/gamespyarchive/index.php?date=2004-01-22 This]] ''ComicStrip/{{Nodwick}}'' strip really says it all. Yeagar is prone to this sort of behaviour if there's no profit (or attractive ladies) involved.

* ComicBook/UltimateMarvel
** ''ComicBook/UltimateSpiderMan'' has Peter Parker mimicking his mainstream counterpart and the results thereof. The second Spider-Man, Miles Morales, refused to do ''anything'' with his powers; when Peter died, Miles figured that if he'd embraced his powers earlier, he might have brought aid to New York's hero, since their powers were connected. He decides to make up for it [[ChangingOfTheGuard by filling the gap Peter left]].
** ''ComicBook/UltimateOrigins'': Nick Fury may have the super soldier serum in his veins, but he's not Captain America, and will never be. He thinks that Captain America is meant to be an icon, a symbol of the best American virtues, and he does not consider himself worthy of any of that.
** ''ComicBook/UltimateWolverine'': Jimmy's blood has the traces of the original Mothervine, and may help to remake the mutant race. Jimmy wants nothing to do with that.

* ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}''. A major character arc for Silk Spectre and Nite Owl. Laurie Jupiter (Spectre) always felt pushed into being a crime-fighting heroine by her mother and is glad for an excuse to give up the role when the [[SuperRegistrationAct Keene Act]] is passed. Dan Dreiburg (Nite Owl) is less happy, but accepts that the days of masked vigilantes are over. Over the course of events however they remember just how ''good'' it was to fight bad guys and rescue people, and by the end have joined up to become a BattleCouple.
* Sunfire was originally part of the famed All-New, All-Different ComicBook/XMen, but quit the team after just one issue. A major part of the later ''ComicBook/UncannyAvengers'' series involves ComicBook/{{Wolverine}} getting Sunfire to join ComicBook/TheAvengers in order to finally live up to his potential.
* During Franchise/{{Superman}} story ''ComicBook/KryptoniteNevermore'', Superman loses most of his power and wants to quit being Superman because he is sick and tired of being alone, being burdened with responsibilities and being judged and derided every time he makes one mistake. However a friend talks him out ot it.
-->'''I-Ching''': Your attitude is understandable! But I beg you to reconsider... one does not choose responsibility! It is often thrust upon one! To refuse it is to commit the worst act of cowardice! Look around you... See a world burdened with misery... with untold agonies — a world which has need of you — as you were!

* ''ComicBook/TheAuthority''. In the Jenny Sparks: The Secret History of The Authority mini-series, Jeroen Thornedike's [[RefusalOfTheCall refusal to be the next Doctor]] is why all the past Doctors think he's perfect for the job. It eventually culminates in [[spoiler:Jenny Sparks having to shoot herself in the temple and be revived]] just for him to answer the {{Call|ToAdventure}}.
* ''ComicBook/{{WITCH}}''
** In Issue 50, the Oracle shows the Guardians an AlternateUniverse where Will rejected the Heart of Kandrakar when Yan Lin offered it (something that really freaked out the girls). Inverted later on in that world as that Heart is ''very persistent''...
** Cornelia refused her powers at first, believing it a prank from Yan Lin and only accepting after accidentally using her powers (proving it wasn't a prank) and realizing that her best friend Elyon was in trouble. Later in the series [[IJustWantToBeNormal Cornelia is the only one happy when they get temporarily]] {{Depowered}} at the start of the New Power arc (and is downright pissed when the titular power-up shows up, even getting an OhCrap face when she sees the incoming power), staying in only out of her sense of responsibility, and in the final story arc she's the one who wants to quit instead than facing the tasks to stay Guardians and acquire another power up.
* A humorous example in an old issue of ''ComicBook/{{Thunderstrike}}'': ComicBook/{{Loki}} is up to his usual tricks, and the situation escalates to the point where Thunderstrike, ComicBook/WarMachine, ComicBook/SheHulk, and ComicBook/AntMan (Scott Lang) end up banding together to stop him. The issue was a WholePlotReference to the first issue of ''ComicBook/TheAvengers'', with each of the heroes standing in for one of the original members (War Machine for ComicBook/IronMan, She-Hulk for [[ComicBook/TheIncredibleHulk The Hulk]], Thunderstrike for [[ComicBook/TheMightyThor Thor]], and Scott Lang for the original Ant-Man), and even ended with Ant-Man suggesting that they could stay together and form a new team of heroes. However, they humorously said no and went their separate ways.

* Inverted in ''ComicBook/AvengersVsXMen''. Hope accidentally MissedTheCall when she panics at the initial bonding of the Phoenix Force, leading to Iron Man [[NiceJobBreakingItHero accidentally breaking the Phoenix Force]] and empowering five X-Men with it. Near the end of the story, Hope confronts one of the last remaining X-Men with it, Cyclops, and tells him she's ready. Instead, Cyclops turns her down, telling her that she had her chance and she blew it. It was ''his'' turn now.
* After discovering that [[spoiler:he has a brother (a biological one at that), younger brother]] [[ComicBook/IronMan Tony Stark]] offered an armor to [[spoiler:Arno Stark]], but was turned down. [[spoiler:He]] later shows up with brand-spanking new, tank-like Mk. MMXX (that's [[MeaningfulName 2020]]), saying that [[spoiler:he]] wanted an armor; [[spoiler:he]] just didn't want Tony to make it.

* Maddie Sullivan of ''ComicBook/AstroCity'' is a telekinetic who prefers to work in in the entertainment industry, using her powers to manipulate models and aid in stunt work. She networks with other super-powered normals, and they don't take kindly when would-be villains try to recruit them into their schemes.

* ''ComicBook/OneHundredBullets'': While initially tempted, Lars Nagel chooses to pass up the leadership opportunity presented to him in favor of his twin sister, even after Vasco and Vermeer urge him to step up. Unfortunately, she doesn't know that and [[spoiler: PoorCommunicationKills]].
* Danny Ketch, the second ComicBook/GhostRider, develops this relationship with the Spirit of Vengeance. He doesn't ''like'' being the Ghost Rider and will generally only do it when the alternative is far worse.
* In ''ComicBook/DarkCrisis'', with the Justice League presumed dead, the Jon Kent Superman decides to create a new team knowing the Earth needs protectors. However, most refuse his offer, mostly either because they're busy protecting their homes or refuse to suffer the same fate as the others, leading to Jon effectively building a RagtagBandOfMisfits.