Love And Heartbreak In Comics
Romance often plays as big a role in comics as any superpower. Some relationships fall flat or end in heartbreak, while others inspire us to believe in love. We’ll begin with the worst romances—showing us how love can go horribly wrong—and then end with the couples who remind us that true love can conquer even the toughest battles.
1. Harley Quinn & The Joker
Here comes DC's most disturbing relationship. Psychiatrist Dr. Harleen Quinzel fell for her patient at Arkham, turning into his devoted accomplice. However, the Joker and Harley's relationship is infamous for its cycle of violence, manipulation, and emotional abuse. He occasionally shows affection, but is incapable of healthy love.
Joker chooses Batman over Harley Quinn Scene HD - Harley Quinn 01x01 by The Comical Universe
2. Batman & Talia al Ghul
Their son, Damian, became an iconic Robin, but his conception story is problematic at best. Talia's family legacy as the daughter of Ra's al Ghul ensures constant divided loyalties. What makes this relationship destructive is how they repeatedly use each other as pawns in larger schemes.
Talia al Ghul All Scenes SON OF BATMAN by FILMOups
3. Scarlet Witch & Vision
How tragic is it when an android shows more emotional intelligence than his superpowered spouse? Wanda Maximoff's reality-warping abilities created false children and alternate timelines to preserve their doomed relationship. The Vision's synthetic pragmatism clashed catastrophically with Wanda's magical chaos, resulting in multiple universe-threatening breakdowns.
i loved and i lost you | wanda & vision by simplymaterial
4. Jean Grey & Cyclops
Things started sweet for Marvel’s iconic pair, but psychic betrayal wrecked it all. The Phoenix Force added cosmic baggage they couldn’t outrun. Scott Summers mentally wandered to Emma Frost while married to Jean, dragging their romance through timeline twists and emotional wreckage that fans still debate.
Cyclops and Jean Grey VS Mr Sinister - X Men 97 Episode 3 by Marvel Ackerman
5. Green Arrow & Black Canary
Oliver Queen's perpetual infidelity destroyed any chance for lasting happiness with Dinah Lance. Their relationship oscillates violently between passionate reunions and bitter separations. Sadly, their superhero careers create perfect excuses to avoid addressing fundamental trust issues.
Green Arrow Proposes Black Canary by CartoonSartoon
6. Hank Pym & Janet Van Dyne
The infamous panel where Hank strikes Janet remains one of Marvel's darkest relationship moments. Pym's scientific brilliance came with devastating insecurity and mental health struggles. Their founder status with the Avengers kept them connected despite clear signs they should have permanently separated decades ago.
ANT-MAN AND THE WASP (2018) Original Wasp Sacrifices Herself [HD] IMAX Clip by JoBlo Superheroes
7. Peter Parker & Gwen Stacy
The night Gwen died, Peter Parker’s world collapsed. The Green Goblin’s attack was ruthless, but the worst part was Peter’s failed rescue. Their young love ended not in a breakup, but in tragedy, showing superheroes couldn’t always protect the people they cared for most.
The Tragic Story of Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone 💔) ⚡ 4K by Boxoffice+
8. Rogue & Gambit
Rogue couldn’t touch Gambit without hurting him, yet their love endured. Every stolen moment felt high-stakes, and readers held on to hope. Still, the constant rewinds left fans wondering why Marvel kept dodging the chance to let their love truly grow.
Gambit and Rogue Moments (1992-2024) by Awesome Random Vidz (TORCHD)
9. Bruce Banner & Betty Ross
Even when Bruce tried to walk away, Betty never gave up. General Ross, hellbent on capturing the Hulk, made love feel like war. Each time they reconnected, it ended in chaos, proving some hearts can’t beat peacefully when anger lives beneath the skin.
Cave Scene | THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008) Sci-Fi, Movie CLIP HD by JoBlo Movie Clips
10. Daredevil & Elektra
Death should normally end relationships, but in comics, it's just a complication. Assassin Elektra Natchios and blind lawyer Matt Murdock are a good example of the ultimate collision of opposing moral codes. Her resurrections serve only to reopen emotional wounds. Their brief encounters are bittersweet exercises in inevitable heartbreak.
matt & elektra | in need by fadedtoblue
For every toxic pairing in comics, there's a relationship that reminds us why we fall in love with love stories in the first place. So, now let's look at couples who make our hearts soar faster than Superman.
1. Superman & Lois Lane
Seventy-plus years of storytelling couldn't diminish this iconic romance. Clark Kent's alter ego initially formed the central conflict of the relationship. Their enduring appeal lies in how they balance extraordinary circumstances with relatable human connections.
2. Spider-Man & Mary Jane Watson
Few relationships in comics have faced as many tests as Peter and MJ’s. From supernatural events to shifting timelines, their connection has been rewritten, erased, and restored—yet never forgotten. Her understanding of Peter’s double life gave their relationship weight and rare longevity.
3. Reed Richards & Sue Storm
Since 1961, they've balanced universe-saving adventures with raising superhero children. Comic creators portray these two characters as conquering extraordinary challenges through mutual respect and complementary strengths, rather than perfect compatibility. They first met when Reed was boarding at the home of Sue's aunt.
Reed & Sue | Dusk Till Dawn by Stripesy Stars Studios
4. Nightwing & Batgirl
From teenagers working alongside Batman to adult heroes with their own identities, Grayson and Barbara Gordon grew together. Multiple Batgirls have existed, but Grayson's connection with Barbara Gordon stands paramount. Neither character's worth is dependent on their romantic status with the other.
Batgirl & Nightwing Out On A Mission! | Batwheels | @dckids by DC Kids
5. Aquaman & Mera
Ruling Atlantis together requires partnership beyond ordinary marriages. Mera's hydrokinetic powers match Arthur's royal birthright. Their bond withstands surface world politics, underwater rebellions, and family tragedies. Despite originating from different underwater kingdoms, they've developed a union that transcends mere political alliance.
Mera kissing Aquaman | Aquaman [4k, IMAX] by Flashback FM
6. Black Panther & Storm
T'Challa, Wakanda's king, and Ororo Munroe, Kenya's weather goddess, represented comics' most regal power couple. They first met as teenagers. Strong feelings marked their early romance, but their lives soon diverged. Despite their eventual divorce, their relationship displayed mature love between equals.
Storm and Black Panther Comic Books by John's Comics with Kids
7. Kitty Pryde & Colossus
She phased through walls; he turned into living steel. Their age was a controversy to begin with, but patience allowed Kitty to grow up. Years later, they found each other as equals. The tenderness between Kitty Pryde & Colossus offers a beautiful contrast to typical superhero relationships.
X Men: Evolution - Colossus x Kitty Pryde Moments by Arcas: The Man Of Style
8. Luke Cage & Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones and Luke Cage first crossed paths while working a case against the Maggia crime syndicate. After the mission, Jessica revealed her identity to protect mobsters' children, impressing Luke with her compassion. Their relationship evolved from allies to friends with benefits, marked by mutual attraction and trust.
Jessica Jones and Luke Cage - Heavy Heart by Ritare
9. Wiccan & Hulkling
These young Avengers represent modern superhero romance at its finest. Despite their cosmic heritage as Scarlet Witch's reincarnated son and Kree-Skrull royalty, respectively, their relationship remains refreshingly normal. Their 2020 wedding celebrated the growing inclusivity of mainstream comics.
Legacies | Champion Reveal Trailer | Marvel Contest of Champions by Marvel Contest of Champions
10. Alana & Marko
Let’s talk about the central couple in Saga. Their romance is a literal and symbolic union across enemy lines: Alana is from Landfall, while Marko hails from its moon, Wreath, whose people wield magic. It was their shared love for the anti-war novel A Night Time Smoke that sparked a connection.
Saga ALANA & MARKO action figures review by John Carlos McMaster
