Comic books offer the reader a glimpse into fictional worlds filled with superheroes and villains and allow them to escape from their day-to-day lives. Comics also act as a mirror to the real world and can provide some of the most gripping stories of excitement, intrigue, and even love.
Romance has always been a part of comics, and some of the most famous heroes have seen their love life splashed across the page. Whether it be iconic relationships from Marvel and DC Comics or obscure flings, users on Reddit took to the site to mention their favorite romances.
While a lot of comic book relationships take place between superheroes, occasionally an ordinary person becomes involved. A deleted user mentioned one of their favorite DC couples when writing "I can't believe I'm reading this and no one has mentioned Wally West and Linda Park. They're my favorite couple in comics".
Though Wally West was not the first incarnation of The Flash, he was one of the most powerful versions of the speedster. His relationship with news reporter Linda Park started on shaky ground as she initially thought little of his cocky attitude. However, when one of West's old flings Magenta came back into the picture, it was Linda that he wanted to be with and he proved his love for her.
Some comic relationships are on-again and off-again with as much frequency as the seasons, however, some have truly stood the test of time and are integral to the character's biography. User bigchillrob professed their love for one comic couple when writing "If I ever get hitched, Big Barda and Mister Miracle will be my cake toppers".
Being a pair of New Gods, the super-powered duo of Barda and Miracle have been practically inseparable since they first met. Though they often mimic more traditional relationship events, like homeownership, they still are frequently on hand to save the day. Showing their value as a duo, Big Barda was also on hand when Mister Miracle joined the Justice League.
Though Marvel and DC have their fair share of iconic romances, the indies have also produced a few classics as well. User johndoe4sho succinctly mentioned their favorite when writing "Invincible and Atom Eve".
Aside from being one of Image Comic's best series, Invincible also pushed the boundaries of what a superhero comic could be. Focusing on teenage heroes, the book blended their complicated romantic lives with their duties as crimefighters. Eve and Mark's relationship bloomed after she departed from Teen Team and the dissolution of her previous relationship. Though a lot of her story is defined by her relationships, Eve proved to be a worthy crime-fighting partner for Invincible as well.
As relationships age and progress, comic writers are allowed to take them in new directions and involve them in larger stories for maximum effect. User rd1027 mentioned an iconic comic book romance when writing "Jean Grey and Scott Summers" as their favorite.
The pair of X-Men legends were linked from the outset of the book and readers have followed their relationship through many ups and downs. The mutant duo was separated during the Dark Phoenix saga and the loss of Jean tore Cyclops apart. Showing the power of their love, the death of Grey changed Cyclops' trajectory as a character until she finally returned.
While a lot of comic book relationships are far removed from reality, some storylines find comic characters dealing with real-life issues in their relationships. User SparkyPantsMcGee made their thoughts clear when writing "Ollie and Black Canary were my favorite power couple".
Billionaire turned Robin Hood, Green Arrow and Black Canary initially seemed like one of the strangest friendships from the comics. However, their relationship grew as they bonded over personal struggles and became closer as people. Though things have changed with each new revival, the couple has found each other again and again. They have even gone so far as to be married and co-star in their series together.
Even when some comic book couples split up, readers know that their pairing is just too strong to ever go away forever. User zip_top bluntly stated their favorite comic book couple when they wrote: "Seriously, Reed Richards and Sue Storm".
Making up one-half of The Fantastic Four, Sue and Reed's relationship is one of the cornerstones of the classic comic series. Even though they debuted in the silver age, the couple is still going strong despite many complications. Though their love isn't perfect, they always seem to find each other even when things come between them that seem too big to overcome.
Though many comic book romances are straightforward, some are just so unusual that they are unforgettable. A deleted user mentioned one such love affair when writing "Most definitely Swamp Thing and Abby Holland. I mean how cool is it that consummating that relationship involves eating psychedelic potatoes that grow on his back?"
All facetiousness aside, the complicated relationship between Alec Holland (Swamp Thing) and his former wife Abby is the bread and butter of the comics. While Swamp Thing struggles with the last vestiges of his humanity, he is kept going by the presence of Abby. For her part, Abby shows her commitment to Alec by being able to overcome his transformed appearance and deteriorating sanity.
Sometimes it is hardships that bring couples together, and a similar background is enough to help overcome once being enemies. User centipededamascus mentioned an unconventional couple when writing about their favorite, saying "I was a big fan of Bucky and the Black Widow".
Though starting as enemies, the duo of Bucky Barnes and Black Widow quickly found common ground enough to stop their feud. Both coming from hard upbringings in Russia, their previous contact showed an inkling of humanity within Bucky's harsh exterior. Though they both faced unspeakable horrors, Widow showed Bucky compassion which helped soften his hardened heart.
Comic characters can stick around for so long that they go through several iconic relationships throughout their run in the comics. A deleted user made their favorite abundantly clear, writing "Pete and Mj for me, all day erryday".
Though Peter Parker's relationship with Gwen Stacy was equally iconic, many readers gravitated towards his lengthy partnership with Mary Jane. Helped along by her presence in the first Spider-Man films, Mary Jane and Peter's relationship isn't steeped in as much tragedy as his time with Gwen Stacy was. MJ's playful attitude towards the dorky Peter Parker is an enjoyable contrast to the dangerous missions the web-slinger goes on in each issue.
Occasionally, a hero's relationship becomes one of the most iconic parts of their story, and they are inseparable from it. User Capn_C mentioned an iconic couple when writing about their favorites, saying "Lois and Clark for life".
Superman and Lois Lane are a nearly inseparable part of popular culture and their relationship is often the focus of most pieces of Superman media. Going back as far as Action Comics #1, Lois Lane has been attached to Clark Kent and his Superman alter ego. The hard-hitting reporter and her relationship with Clark have become the template of comic book romances, and many books have followed a similar formula to their relationship.
