A Look at Love and Relationships in the Marvel Universe

Written by Shae Rufe

Throughout the history of comics, there’s always been a war. Today the war rages on, mostly between DC and Marvel fans, but really, we’re all geeky nerds, so it’s all in good jest. Last time we explored the romantic side of DC, and today Marvel gets its spotlight time! 

You know what I love best about superheroes? How they all just date one another. Like, that’s totally cool to just date other superheroes and then move on to the next. I’m sorry, but if my ex-girlfriend was someone like the Black Widow, I’d be terrified to date anyone else ever, or you know, work with said ex still! Yet our superheroes keep it cool, mostly because they’re fictional and subject to author digressions. Speaking of Black Widow, how awesome is Natasha? Depending on the universe, she’s dated quite the list of people. I’m not sure how I feel about her and Cap, but I did adore her and Hawkeye. Let’s face it though, Natasha and Bucky were probably a good pair...they’re actually one of my all-time favorite comic couples, just because. I’m a little wary on the whole Natasha dating the Hulk thing, but, you know, it’s different?
 
Speaking of different, I have to complain. I’m probably one of those rare people out there that hates Spider-Man but absolutely loves Spider-Gwen. Now, hear me out. I actually really like Gwen Stacey as a character. For some reason, Peter Parker is totally tolerable to me when she’s in the picture. Which, yes, alright. I am not a fan of MJ. There, I said it. I don’t like her character at all, but it’s alright. Gwen is just awesome, and the Spider-Gwen comics are really just…a win in my book. However, while I may not be the biggest Spider-Man fan, I have to admit that Peter has gotten some pretty awesome chicks. Mostly, the Black Cat. Felicia may not be for everyone, but this is one of those comic couples that intrigued me enough to go 'huh, maybe this isn’t terrible.' It’s kind of like Batman and Cat Woman….with less gritty violence and betrayal?
 
Speaking of betrayal! Guys! I...literally just lost what I was about to type here. I promise it was going to be clever and funny, but now you’re stuck with me rambling for a moment while I try to figure out where I was going to transition this into. Oh! X-Men: Days of Future Past, the film adaptation took a lot of liberties with the storyline. While it was different and new, the story fell a little shorter than the comic or even the cartoon adaptation. But, since we’re on the subject, can we just talk about Wolverine and Storm? Why was that not a thing? Maybe it is, I didn’t keep up with the X-Men comics, because, look…there’s only so much time in the day! Either way, these two just need to be together. While it’s cute to watch Logan fawn over a very taken Jean, seeing him actually happy with Ororo is kind of better. Granted, I’m biased, but I enjoyed that story line. We also need to talk about Rogue and her tragic love life. Look, Rogue is a fun character, but the girl has the saddest, most isolating, set of powers ever. While she and Gambit will forever flirt and dance around one another, deep down, we all know that they’re also a perfect couple. Not to say Jean and Scott aren’t…I mean, they’re alright.
 
Marvel’s couples get probably more confusing and diverse for me than DC, for sure, but both universes are so expansive it’s hard to keep track. Especially with characters like Hawkeye, who I am pretty sure literally dated every female Avenger, ever. From Black Widow, to Scarlet Witch, to Spider-Woman, and even a failed marriage to Mockingbird, Clint’s extensive list of exes is more impressive than any other comic character. Except Magneto, who literally had how many kids with how many other mutants?! And he’s worked with them all too. I suppose this all stands as a lesson. If you become a superhero, careful who you date? Or more importantly, just date everyone, because why not? Comics have such in-depth characters and relationships that it’s no wonder we fall for them. Yes, they’re awesome and action filled, but comics can also make you feel things you didn’t know possible. And secretly, they sneak love stories into our plot lines without us even knowing it….and so, so, much more.

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