Comic-Cave Directory

Friday, February 14, 2014

Favorite Comic Couples!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Deanpool doesn't have any big plans for V-day so heres a post on some of his favorite comic couples! With a little bonus at the end...

Out of the many relationships that have come up in Comic history, some long or some short, some that will always be remembered, some that none knew about, Deanpool presents a list of some of his favorite and more notable ones. The categories are just a fun way to arrange them. Any of them can be argued to be in a different one or multiple ones, so don't worry about it and just enjoy a look back at some of comic history's favorite couples. Deanpool may drift in and out of calling them by their real names or their superhero names, so just keep that in mind.

Classic Couples- These are the couples that are well-known in the comic universe and some of the more favored ones by readers and fans alike.

Peter Parker and Mary Jane
This couple is arguable the most popular from the Marvel universe. Movies, comics, TV shows, we always remember Peter Parker and the classic definition of the girl-next-door, Mary Jane Watson. And she deserves all the props for supporting Spidey 100% through all his adventures. Oh and how can we ever forget how she calls him, "Tiger"?

Clark Kent and Lois Lane
We follow up Marvel's most famous couple with DC's most popular couple: Clark Kent and Lois Lane. With someone as iconic as Superman, you can bet his girlfriend gets the same amount of fame. She even got her own comic series, Superman's Girlfriend Lois Lane. Yeah, that definitely helps her rep as Superman's girlfriend.

Barry Allen and Iris West
Now here's Deanpool's favorite couple. The Flash and Iris West. Always getting on Barry for being late. This relationship has definitely survived its fair share of obstacles, but they do get married at one point. Though they're not together in the New 52's version of The Flash, it is evident that Iris has feelings for Barry. Barry just hasn't reciprocated the feelings yet due to his relationship with co-worker Patty Spivot. New 52 is full of surprises and changes, but there's still this feeling that Barry and Iris will once again find themselves together in a relationship. 


Classic Power Couples-This one sort of combines two categories but deserves its own. Long, withstanding relationships between two powerhouse characters. Classic Couples above are your typical Hero with his damsel. The ones below, are some of the more well-known hero and heroine couples.

Green Arrow and Black Canary
A prime example that opposites attract. We see Black Canary's determination and restraint rub off on Arrow's raw and tempermental nature. But they're also one of the more longer lasting relationships in comic history, worthy of being placed in this "Classic Couples" category. You're almost guaranteed to make it on this list/post if you've been married. The two spirited and lively characters brought the best out of each other as a person and as a hero.

Reed Richards and Sue Storm
These two have always been an interesting couple, they're also Marvel's first couple in comics. Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman. Reed is the typical absent-minded jerk too caught up with his scientific work. Sue seems to always become infatuated with everyone who dislikes Reed Richards. Think that awful Fantastic Four movie with Jessica Alba. But even then, we see the two attracted to each other. A Marvel love story that depicts the their reliance on each other. Sue's emotional, Reed's logical. And with the type of cosmic threats the Fantastic Four have seen, this love has survived some of the world's worst crises.

Cyclops and Jean Grey
This is a candidate for Deanpool's least favorite couple. But they can't be ignored. Out of the three major romances in Scott Summers' life, this one is arguably the most well-known one. They were together in the X-Men films. For 15 years in comics, this relationship played a key role in many of the stories. Plus, the love triangle that came up when Wolverine came into the series. Basically Cyclops love-life played a big role in X-Men history, and this was the one that started all the drama.  


Hawkman and Hawkgirl
You can't really go wrong with this couple. How nice to fall in love with your crime-fighting partner. Whether you think of them as the two alien warriors from the planet Thanagar or the archeologist couple, Carter and Shiera Hall, this pair share a relationship as legendary as their individual selves. With how long Hawkman has been around in DC comics, this couple is arguably the first "power couple" in comics.

Because of Movies- These are the couples that could easily be found in Classic Couples, but in all honesty, only gained as much popularity as it did due to their popular films. Some don't even come about in the comic universe, but that doesn't stop Hollywood. Nothing wrong with that, but in the generation where people are "'shipping" every unlikely couple they see, this group deserves its own category.

Batman and Catwoman
Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle are probably the first couple that comes to mind when considering Batman's love interests. But Batman readers understand that these two can never be together, if they continue to live their respective vigilante second lives. Batman always tries to reform Catwoman, Catwoman always tries to get Batman to be more on her side. So what does Nolan do in The Dark Knight Rises? Get them both to give up their masked heroics and settle down with each other. At least we can imagine a happily ever after for Bruce and Selina (does "BruSelina" sound good?) in the movie universe.

Hal Jordan and Carol Ferris
First off, Green Lantern was a terrible movie. Secondly, they explored the complicated relationship that Hal Jordan has always had with Carol Ferris aka Star Sapphire. In comics, the two are about as destined to be together as Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. It would work out if Hal would ever settle down. It's an on-off relationship that gained a lot more spotlight thanks to the brave souls that watched the movie. If it were good and earned itself a sequel or two, we'd likely see/hear more about this complicated relationship. And because of Hollywood, it'd likely end up similar to Bruce and Selina above, giving up their power rings to settle down with each other. A nice bow on top would be to replace the rings with wedding rings. But save it for the fan fiction because that will never happen in movies or comics. Oh it also doesn't help that Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are actually dating too.

Hawkeye and Black Widow
This 'ship became popular almost as fast as the actual movie. And there wasn't even any physical on-screen evidence that the two were ever a couple or that they were in the movies. If Marvel is smart, they'll continue to make the allusions to past missions between the two to keep fans blissfully wondering what if. In comic terms, Hawkeye does fall for Natasha and blindly follows her in her escapades. But for the most part it never really turns into a full-on relationship. In fact, it's her sudden disappearance that leads to Clint becoming a "straight-shooter." Oh well. Won't stop Avengers fans from 'shipping it.

Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy
Peter Parker's first love interest. Now this one is spot on with comic history. It's doubtful that Peter ever even considers Mary Jane if Gwen doesn't die at the hands of Green Goblin, spoiler for the upcoming ASM2 movie. But now comic readers and moviegoers alike are aware of the girl that stole Peter's heart first. Plus Emma Stone > Kirsten Dunst.

Daredevil and Elektra
Another one Hollywood adapted accordingly. With some pretty decent casting too. Too bad it didn't translate into a movie worth watching. We might've even liked it better if Elektra avoided the spin-off. Nevertheless, all those who watched saw the making of a very complicated relationship between Daredevil and Elektra. While Daredevil is a very popular hero in the Marvel universe, Elektra herself can be considered B-list. Don't confuse her status in the Marvel universe with her assassin skills, those are top class. Together, it's quite a lethal combo... while it lasted.

Tony Stark and Pepper Pots
Team "Pepperony" gaining lots of attention from the Iron Man trilogy. From secretary of Stark Industries, to CEO, to Tony's lover. It was nice and simple progression as Tony went through revelations of his own life and saw Pepper as that constant in his life that he wanted to settle down with. Their comic history is far more complicated, including the fact that she dated Happy for sometime. If anything, the farthest two went were flirtatious friends/co-workers. But hey, the movies did a good job of bringing the most out of both characters in the movies so it's all fair if it's done right.

Thor and Jane Foster
Movies are so clever sometimes. Remember when Jane says her ex's name was Dr. Donald Blake? And she gave her ex's clothes to Thor to wear because they were the only thing that fit? Well get this, in the comics, Dr. Donald Blake was actually Thor's human host. So no duh the clothes would fit them both! It was your typical love triangle between Jane and her interests in both Blake and her hero Thor. Until he revealed they were one in the same. Through comics, as with many other couples on this list, it's not always as happy of a relationship as made out to be in movies, but it's hard to not love Natalie Portman.  And let's be real, who knew the name Jane Foster before the Thor movie. Or who even cared? Anyways, we'll root for this relationship to turn out well for the two in the movies. So long as there are no surprises... still don't know if they'll explore the whole Sif-Thor-Jane triangle.


Thanks to TV- Couples that have grown famous thanks to their relationship seen through television shows. Some held true in comics, some created interesting pairs that we grew to love thanks to some of these shows.

Robin/Nightwing and Starfire
Everyone who's seen the Teen Titans show noticed Robin's obvious crush on Starfire. A relationship that bloomed from a legendary kiss that Starfire gave Dick Grayson as her way of learning the English language. This Robin was struck with love ever since. We finally see them confirm their feelings for one another in that Trouble in Tokyo Teen Titans movie, and the "finale" for the series. But their love went on beyond their years with the Titans even through Dick's identity issues and his path to become Nightwing. A relationship that got the best out of both parties: Starfire learned to act less impulsively while Dick learned to open up more emotionally.



Artemis and Wally West
The couple that spent the whole first season being the bickering to a point of flirting pair. Wally is the third in a legacy of heroes bearing the Flash name, while Artemis comes from a family of criminals. After all their little fights, plus an episode where Kid Flash believed Artemis had died and realized his true feelings for her, they finally shared a kiss at New Years/end of the first season. Despite leaving the team in the second season, we still saw plenty of moments like the one below of this super couple happily together. For those who have seen the ending of Young Justice, it makes us like this couple just a little bit more.

John Stewart and Hawkgirl
Fans of Justice League and Justice League Unlimited saw this relationship develop throughout the series. The biggest confirmation was an episode where we get a glimpse into the future via some time travel episode. It is revealed that John Stewart has a son named Warhawk, son of John and Shayera aka Hawkgirl. Deanpool instantly jumps on this 'ship if it means producing an awesome future hero in Warhawk. But pretty sure it was a case of let's build a relationship between a pair that was apart of the original Justice League series. This one became an odd, but fitting, choice.

Spider-Man and Black Cat
All Spider-Man fans expect Mary Jane to be the lover across from Peter Parker. But Felicia Hardy aka Black Cat was one we were just fine with replacing her if it had to be anyone. Receiving her "powers" from the Captain America super-soldier serum, Black Cat was to Spider-Man what Catwoman was to Batman at times. They were literally both cat burglars in big cities. Flirtation and mystery formed this relationship. Peter Parker and Felicia Hardy had a somewhat playful relationship, but Black Cat was attracted to the mystery of who Spider-Man was. She was in love with the hero, not necessarily whoever was under the mask. Nonetheless, this is a good category to remind readers of this relationship.

Superboy and Miss Martian
Expect a show about teenage superheroes to explore relationships between them. A super clone and a Martian. Looking Martian Manhunter, he was often looked at as one of the few heroes who rivals Superman in super powers and strength. Pair these "teenage versions/sidekicks" of themselves as a couple and they represent a powerful couple. In the show, both were portrayed as struggling to adapt to the team's teenage cultures and everyday life. Superboy represented the absent-minded jerk who didn't know how to act upon his feelings. Miss Martian based her life off of an child TV sitcom star, believing in love and relationships. Though originally keeping their relationship a secret, there was no hiding the feelings the two had for each other. Despite the break up, and her dating Lagoon Boy later on, the two's relationship with each other was a central storyline to much of Young Justice.

Kings and Queens- There are power couples, and then there are powerfully ROYAL couples. It's one thing being a public couple. But being a couple that represents a kingdom? Not easily done. And deserving of their own category.

Black Panther and Storm
Bring together the two major Marvel franchises: Avengers and X-Men, make a dynamic couple in Storm and Black Panther. Black Panther, ruler of Wakanda, one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world. Storm, once worshipped as a tribal weather Goddess. Not necessarily the Queen, but you can't help but think of these two as a powerful King and Queen pair.

Aquaman and Mera
The king and queen of Atlantis, on the DC side. Can't really say much about these two. Both powerful, strong leaders. Mera once had the Red Lantern ring during Blackest Night and looked like a raging wife you wouldn't want to piss off. Aquaman has been rebooted into a hero everyone is beginning to like despite the poor reputation of being capable of nothing more than talking to fish. They are a power couple that own the oceans. Fun fact though, the New 52 version of this king and queen aren't technically a married a couple. Just king and queen. But forget that, we'll celebrate them today as a great couple.

Black Bolt and Medusa
King and Queen of the Inhumans and rules of Attilan, and both gaining a lot of hype right now after Infinity. Could you imagine being with someone who can't speak or else risk decimating an entire city with a mere whisper from his mouth? Well Medusa lives that. Being the literal spokesperson for her king, while having enough power and authority herself to uphold their influence.

Comic Favorites/Power Couples- These are your Power Couples.  Not as "Classic" to be in the category above, but it's arguable for many of these pairs. But these are your hero-heroine combos that we feel should dominate the comic universe. Heroes who are perfectly capable on being on their own paired together to create an invincible duo. The ones that immediately make us think: holy crap what if they have super-babies. Though we've also learned a lot from these types of couples. Like how teaming up as a couple doesn't necessarily mean solving each other's problems twice as fast, but actually creating more problems for each other, sometimes with each other.

Superman and Wonder Woman
 Okay Deanpool seriously had the most trouble finding a place for this one. This relationship is barely two years old. One of the biggest changes from the New 52 reboot: Man of Steel and the Amazonian princess, redefining the term "power couple." Wonder Woman was always portrayed as a heroine who rivaled Superman in terms of power and strength. It was even explored in the Justice League series that Batman considered Superman as the only solution against Wonder Woman if one was ever needed. DC's strongest male and female characters as a couple definitely makes a statement. Now they even have their own comic series as a crime-fighting couple. Should we expect the movie universe to do the same in the upcoming Man of Steel sequel. Regardless, this is definitely a couple that deservedly should get a lot of attention. Despite how odd it is to see Clark Kent with anyone other than Lois Lane.

Ant-Man and Wasp
Founding members of the Avengers, Henry Pym and Janet van Dyne were an interesting couple to say the least. Henry, the brainy scientist and his girlfriend and also assistant Janet were probably the best size-shifting couple. And they get props for both having insect names that seem quite lame but become much more interesting due to their character.

Vision and Scarlet Witch
A mutant and an android. Two Avengers. One of the most powerful couples in this list. But we enjoyed how Scarlet Witch looked past the exterior of Vision to see the man behind the robotic shell. Sadly, this relationship took a turn for the worse when Scarlet Witch had her mental breakdown, which led to the death of many Avengers including Vision. Not sure if we'll ever see these two together again, or at least both even recover from this tragic incident. But hey! They might both be in the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron movie! Though I doubt they'll explore any of their relationship, we may see them working together again.

Harley Quinn and Joker
This will probably be the only villain couple featured on this list. But they cannot be ignored. Harley Quinn has quickly made herself one of the most popular Batman villains and hooking up with Batman's most popular foe helped a bit. Not exactly a relationship we all hope for, Harley was in quite an abusive relationship with Mr. J. But her loyalty and passion for helping her lover made this couple a very memorable one. 

Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown
If anything, this couple should be remembered as one of the only couples to share the same heroic identity: They were both Robin! Not at the same time. But Tim Drake and Steph Brown are the third and fourth bearers of the Robin outfit, respectively. In the picture below, they have already moved on to become Red Robin and Batgirl. What's with Robin's hooking up with Batgirl's?

Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon
The first Robin with the first Batgirl. These two have some of the most decorated history as members of the Bat family so it's easy to see how they have such a fandom for this relationship. But being around for so long, and starting in comics so young, writers want to see these characters grow up and mature and go through life-changing situations. Sometimes it led to these two exploring their feelings for each other, sometimes it led to their break ups. And think about the philosophies they bring together, the daughter of legendary police commissioner James Gordon with the ward of Bruce Wayne/Batman. As much of a fan Deanpool is of Robin-Starfire, he'd like these two Bat members to one day settle down together if we can ever see that in some form of media.

Luke Cage and Jessica Jones
Fans of the Avengers series will appreciate this one. Luke Cage and Jessica Jones, the invincible couple. Invincible in terms of physical resistance and invulnerability that is. A couple that went on to get married and have a daughter together. Jessica aka Jewel turned Cage into a great Avenger and hero, and Cage helped bring Jessica's life together.

Colossus and Kitty Pride
One of the best examples of a relationship that has overcome great obstacles. A relationship full of heartbreak and hesitation. Plus the age difference. Though they're both currently seeing other people within their respective comic series, it's hard to forget about team "Pitty."

Gambit and Rogue
Two of the most beloved characters in X-Men history: Rogue and Gambit. The untouchable girl, literally, unless you want to risk losing your powers, memories, or even your life. And the guy who never follows the rules with the rough background, the bad boy. A relationship that readers always want to see happen despite the complications. Not so much "will they be together" but more "can they be together."

Hawkeye/Ronin and Mockingbird
Take this fans of Hawkeye/Black Widow. Clint Barton actually does settle down and marry someone, Mockingbird aka Bobbi Morse. Took all of four issues for them to get married. Then after the usual obstacles heroic couples must undergo, they are now only seen as a couple occasionally. But with all the reboots and relaunches, who knows the next time we'll see this pair together in comics.

The Not So Classic- This section is for those couples that have arisen in the comic books that aren't as popular as the ones above. The ones that, when brought up, raise a lot of eyebrows to those who had no idea. A reminder of how comic characters being around for so long results in writers exploring multiple love interests in an attempt to bring something new to the table for both characters. Some leave you saying "how did that work," while others may leave you wishing that their relationship was explored further.

Batman and Wonder Woman
Before we get into this one and the next two, Bruce Wayne/Batman is a complicated fellow. He's also quite the playboy. As many girls as the alter ego Bruce Wayne may have hooked up with, Batman himself had quite a handful of super relationships. This one could've gone in Power Couples, but in Deanpool's mind, the memory of this couple has taken a backseat to Superman/Wonder Woman and/or Batman/Catwoman. This one could've easily been placed in the Thanks to TV category but it was more amusing to see Batman with a list of the rest of his love interests.

Batman and Zatanna
Here's one that keeps us wondering what if. The Dark Knight with one of DC's strongest magic users. Bruce sure knows how to pick em. And they were childhood friends? It's definitely a relationship that's often teased to readers. Catwoman always plays the cat and mouse game with Bruce. Zee, as Bruce likes to call her, could be that partner that helps bring out the light of the Dark Knight. If anyone can make that magic happen, Deanpool would put money on Zatanna.

Batman and Talia al Ghul
This one had to be mentioned. Bruce Wayne only has one son, and the boy came from Talia al Ghul. Always getting mixed up with the wrong girls Bruce. But it spawned a fan-favorite in Damian Wayne aka the most recent Robin. Don't think a lot of people would 'ship this one, but Bruce can definitely handle himself around the assassin.

Steve Rogers and Sharon Carter
Remember the girl Cap hooked up with in the Captain America movie? Remember how all of that was taking place in the 1940s. Well she had a niece named Sharon Carter who went on to work for S.H.I.E.L.D. Yup, Steve Rogers moved on to date the younger model. It's arguable if Sharon brought out the best of Steve Rogers, but it's worth remembering she also shot him dead.

Captain America and Black Widow
Captain America must have a thing for government agents. But it's not what you think, this is actually Bucky Barnes aka Winter Soldier who also had a run as Captain America. Yup and he and Natasha had a thing. Wonder if this will play any hints in the upcoming Winter Soldier movie. No doubt the two probably had to go on countless S.H.I.E.L.D. missions and who knows what went on between them. They have each other's backs in battle and then get to go home and unwind together. It's like Mr. and Mrs. Smith Marvel style.

Cyclops and Emma Frost
Okay, this is the third big romance in Scott's life. And she's more like the mistress as she was the one he turned to during his marriage with Jean Grey. It's a relationship that seems out of character for both of them. Scott has always been associated with the "good girl" Jean Grey. Emma Frost is known for manipulating and using men, but now finds herself genuinely caring for Scott.



Well there are just some of the MANY couples/relationships that have popped up in the Marvel and DC universes. You can google search it and see more or less the same ones pop up. Any of your favorite couples not on this list?

Now to end this post, Deanpool wanted to leave off with some of his favorite comic-related Valentine's cards. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY EVERYBODY!






This one is Deanpool's #1 favorite. And yes, he uses it every chance he gets.







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