The Marvel and DC Universes have given fans an endless number of superheroes to love, admire and root for in their comic adventures. But just as often, superheroes have found romance in one another, producing flings, love stories and even superhero marriages that have stood the test of time.
Some have become iconic love stories, while others are problematic or controversial enough to have readers wishing the romance never happened in the first place. But when it comes to feel-good superhero pairings, a select few have risen to the point of not just ‘fan-favorite’, but downright untouchable. From the Justice League to the X-Men, and every other corner of comics in between, HThese superhero couples have let their love become just as defining as their powers.
Black Bolt & Medusa
A couple that proves true love can surpass even words and communication, Black Bolt and Medusa were made for each other. With Black Bolt unable to speak due to his sonic energy powers, the Inhuman Monarch was isolated for the entirety of his childhood (with Medusa visiting him regularly, and their rock solid bond forming over the years).
Once Black Bolt was released from his isolation at the age of 18, and allowed to pursue his true destiny, the two fell in love, and never looked back. The pair earn their title as the passionately bonded king and queen of the Inhumans, even if witnesses can only see their love in body language and crimson hair.
Black Panther & Storm
The movie adaptations of the Marvel heroes have never come close to crossing paths, but in the long history of Marvel Comics, the on-again, off-again romance between Black Panther and Storm is the kind of drama readers can only dream of. . The true definition of a power couple, the love story between the leading Avenger and the X-Men veteran began when the pair were just teenagers. Naturally, their connection only grew when they met again as adults (and rarely-equal superheroes at the top of Marvel’s power ranks).
Those who know T’Challa do not need any convincing that Ororo is the only woman worthy of sitting by his side as Queen of Wakanda, but a love this strong is not built to last. With destinies, loyalties and personalities that conflict as often as they align, the romance between Black Panther and Storm may be downright doomed. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that they were a Marvel Universe power couple, through and through.
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Easily one of the most tumultuous (and painful) relationships in the Marvel Universe, Ant-Man and Wasp (Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne) began their story as crime-fighting partners, the brilliant Pym giving Janet superpowers in a quest to avenge her father . Teamwork grew into love, and the couple were married. From there it only got worse. And this is not referring to their roles in the beginning of the original Avengers.
In one of the most controversial moments in Marvel history, and certainly one of the worst things Ant-Man has ever done, Hank physically beats Janet, sending their marriage down a completely different path in comics history. Hank Pym’s abusive behavior is eventually revisited, acknowledged and expanded upon as part of his weakness of character. Needless to say, Janet grew far beyond that encounter, finding superhero success (and more romance) alongside Marvel’s top heroes.
Green Arrow & Black Canary
Proving that a hot-and-cold, on-again, off-again romance can still be seen as one of history’s strongest, the iconic pairing of Green Arrow and Black Canary is a phenomenon all its own. There is no one better for everyone to fight at, and no one more guaranteed to send them into explosive rage, either. But DC fans know that the bond between Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance is woven into the fabric of the universe itself.
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The chemistry between Black Canary and Green Arrow is never lacking, promising pulse-quickening passion every time they cross paths (also resulting in the birth of their son, Connor). With the chemistry so undeniable, fans have never even entertained a happy ending with anyone else, sparks will fly between Ollie and Dinah until the DC Universe turns cold.
Daredevil & Elektra
The world may never know why heroes are drawn to villains in matters of the heart, but if there’s a deadliest example to point to in comic books, Daredevil and Elektra are hard to top. Trained as an assassin and raised to kill, Elektra and Daredevil’s relationship has always been fraught with grief and sadness, ultimately culminating in the death of Elektra (on more than one occasion).
Even though they seemed to constantly go their separate ways, the pairing of Matt Murdock and Elektra Natchios always remains unbreakable. Their morals have caused friction in the past, but with Elektra becoming Daredevil in Matt’s absence, the future may finally give the Marvel lovers a happily ever after.
Batgirl & Nightwing
Nightwing is no stranger to romance, and there was a time when his relationship with Starfire was thought to be endgame. That is, until another love interest proves to be his true soulmate: Batgirl. Barbara Gordon stood by Dick Grayson’s side through Dick and Dean, from their early days as Batgirl and Robin to their current adventures as Oracle and Nightwing.
It took a while, but the two of them are the happiest they’ve ever been now that they’re in a relationship (as much as ongoing superheroes can be). Even the worst enemies Blüdhaven has to offer can break the bond shared by Nightwing and Batgirl.
Luke Cage & Jessica Jones
Perhaps the happiest superhero couple in the Marvel Universe, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage built a friendship before developing their relationship (which famously began with an energetic one-night stand). Unlike most superhero romances, the love story between Jessica and Luke produced a daughter, Danielle Cage.
Although the beginning of their committed relationship proved unconventional, this did not stop the two from going all in and becoming one of Marvel’s most well-established husband and wife. So established, in fact, that Danny became a main hero in multiple versions of Marvel’s future (proof that the two turned their love into excellent parents, as well).
Batman & Catwoman
A DC romance that always seems to survive, Batman and Catwoman is a superhero couple that knows how to do ‘date nights’. With a shared passion for rooftops, and slightly different moral lines drawn around criminal behavior, it’s easy to see and understand the attraction between Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle at a glance.
Starting as relative enemies, Selina, a thief turned hero, and Bru Wayne, billionaire vigilante, became a duo to be feared in Gotham City, and true partners in every sense of the word. Even if their marriage doesn’t go completely as planned, the duo share a habit of sacrifice. Bruce sacrifices his life for Gotham City, and Selina sacrifices her happiness with Bruce…so he can be the Batman the world needs.
Mr. Fantastic & The Invisible Woman
Considered one of the longest-lasting marriages in the Marvel Universe, Sue Storm and Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic and The Invisible Woman) went through countless separations, disagreements and supervillains that were able to split them up permanently.
While the raising of two children has made them no longer cooperate or agree, the evidence makes it clear that the leaders of the Fantastic Four are guaranteed to stay together… even if it might be better for them to separate for good.
Vision & Scarlet Witch
A tragic love story for some, but an epic one for the ages by others, the union of Vision and Scarlet Witch has all the hallmarks of an immortal love story. And this was true even before the couple conjured children by harnessing the power of Mephisto and warping reality to give them domestic bliss. One ruled and defined by mysticism and magic, the other bound by science fiction and artificial life, the two are the definition of ‘opposites attract’.
Faithful to the comic books that first united them, the MCU adaptation of the heroes’ love story means that they will always be remembered for their love story, first and foremost. Whatever the future may hold for Wanda and Vision on film, their decades-long comic history cements their place among Marvel’s star-crossed lovers.
Mister Miracle and Big Barda
Mr. Miracle was dealt a bad hand when his father gave him up to Darkseid to end the war between New Genesis and Apokolips. Fortunately, a silver lining came in the form of Big Barda, one of Granny Godness’ female furies. Scott and Barda fall in love against Granny’s will, and together they escape Apokolips to start a new life on Earth.
Trouble finds them at every turn despite their attempts at normalcy, but with the birth of their first child on the horizon, Mister Miracle and Big Barda can finally enjoy their freedom from Darkseid’s torturous world…for now.
Cyclops and Jean Grey
Cyclops and Jean Gray share a complicated history in X-Men lore. Their tumultuous love affair began when they were students of Charles Xavier, and over the years they have gone through a lot of ups and downs. After Jean’s presumed death during the Phoenix saga, Scott married Madeline Prior, although the relationship went up in flames after Jean returned.
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They’ve entertained other romances here and there — Jean has long been the subject of Wolverine’s affections, while Scott once shared a passionate relationship with Emma Frost — but the two X-Men always find their way back to each other in the end.
Superman and Lois Lane
The superhero couple that started it all, Superman and Lois Lane are unquestionably the most iconic romance in comics. Ever since Superman first swept her off her feet – literally – they have become an inseparable pair. As prone as Lois is to throw herself off buildings in pursuit of a story, Superman is always there to catch her.
Lois and Clark’s relationship blossomed over time, and they have now celebrated over a decade of marriage. With Lois now becoming Superwoman after the events of Absolute powerThese two deserve recognition as the DC Universe’s ultimate power couple!
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy
When you think of superhero couples, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy might not be the first that comes to mind. Despite their villainous pasts, their love for each other inspires the Gotham Rogues to better themselves. After Harley’s abusive relationship with the Joker, her healthier dynamic with Ivy is the romance she deserves..
Evey keeps Harley grounded amid her crazy antics, while Harley shows Evey that humans aren’t all bad when her vengeful crusade betrays her. Although Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy don’t have a squeaky-clean criminal record, their adoration for each other makes their relationship one of DC’s sweetest.
Gambit & Rogue
It takes something special for a comic book relationship to promise “The Wedding of the Century,” But the deadline came true when the X-nuptials between Kitty Pryde and Colossus were canceled… leaving their teammates Gambit and Rogue to step up to the altar and prove their romance has never failed, and never will. Beyond a ‘fan-favorite’ pairing, the volatility and free-willing personalities of Remy LaBeau and Anna Marie is the kind of lightning in a bottle that can’t be fabricated.
To know why Gambit and Rogue are bonded in ways that few other heroes can compete with, one need only look at Rogue’s wedding vows, improvised on the spot:
“We’ve been through so much, you and I. We’ve faced challenges a lot of other couples never face. But we always find ways back to each other. So that’s what I promise you… that no matter what, I will Always find my way back to you.”
And so simply, The most perfectly matched X-Men heroes prove what makes the difference in a comic book romance. That no matter what curveballs and craziness stories or publishers may throw their way, true love just means finding your way back through the end of the issue.