Comics 411: Favorite Comic Book Couples

Welcome back! I’m Steve Gustafson and if you enjoy discussing anything comic book related, you’ve come to the right place. Each week we cover something in the industry and I always enjoy your input in the comment section below.

Previously on…

 
 
Last time we asked “Who WIll Be the Next Marvel’s Phoenix?” Here’s what some of you had to say:

The Man Who Met Andy Griffith: “Phil Grayfield- AKA – NFL Superpro.

It says this is an April solicit so that’ll dovetail nicely with the NFL draft. Meanwhile, this question is being asked during Super Bowl week.

Coincidence? Most likely!”

Benjamin Kellog: “I feel a member of the Champions ought to get the nod. Miles “Spider-Man” Morales, Kamala “Ms. Marvel” Kahn, and the rest might already have their hands full with escaping from CRADLE and whatnot, but I’d be interested in one of them being suddenly granted ultimate cosmic power and not knowing how to handle that at first. My ideal candidate would be Kamala; her family dynamic is some of the most engaging relationships I’ve seen in modern Marvel comics, and her presence across so many facets of the Marvel Universe in recent years would instantly make her recognizable in the role. (To say nothing of the dichotomy between her family’s Muslim beliefs, her own bouts of hero worship, and the tremendous power and responsibility the Phoenix Force represents, but I doubt most writers would want to touch all of that with a ten-foot pole.) A comedic Phoenix might also be a good idea; all that power in the hands of Lunella “Moon GIrl” Lafayette or Doreen “Squirrel Girl” Green would be a situation we’ve never really seen any Phoenix occupy for longer than a panel or two. Could be worth a try.”

Benjamin J: “So Jason Aaron is writing, Thor is the focus of the issue in which it’s revealed, and the person who it’s revealed to be has a connection to Thor.

The obvious choice would be Jane Foster, wouldn’t it?”

Crystal Shepard: “I vote for Franklin Richards.”

Ken Wood: “If I’m remembering correctly, didn’t the Phoenix almost destroy Emma Frost when she had it all to herself? I think the only reason the X-Men were able to contain it was because they spread it amongst several of them. Right? Even Jean went crazy with it and she’s an Omega mutant who was basically born for to hold the Phoenix.
So… who else in the Marvel Universe could hold onto the Phoenix for a lengthy sentence?”

So many great comments! Big thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts!

This week we discuss our…

Favorite Comic Book Couples

With Valentine’s Day just passing I figured we could share our favorite superhero couples this week. While we love the action, drama, humor, and suspense comic books give us, the quiet moments are just as important and just as fun. This is never more obvious than when two characters come together as a couple and enter into a whole new world. One that is sometimes just as dangerous as the supervillains they battle.

Who stand out as favorites? The easy ones that come to mind are Superman and Lois Lane, Batman and Catwoman, Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson, and Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman.

They stand out not just for the longevity of their relationship but the stories that had them overcome impossible odds, have their connections tested, and become even stronger together.

They’ve also overcome some really lousy storytelling…but that’s another column for another day.

I’m sure some of you expect me to throw Harley Quinn and Joker on here but that’s not quite the type of relationship I want to celebrate. Instead I’ll offer Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.

A couple like Hawkman and Hawkgirl is a given and even with a slightly confusing continuity, they remain in fans minds. The same can be said for The Flash and Iris West.

Some couples are destined to be apart, like Gambit and Rogue or Daredevil and Elektra. And while Cyclops and Jean Grey are classic, you’ll find some fans prefer Cyclops with Emma Frost. Or Jean and Wolverine. Or a different mix altogether given current continuity. In the same family, Havok and Polaris were at their best when Peter David was writing them in X-Factor.

Aquaman and Mera may not have the strong classic stories but that’s not always a prerequisite, as newer couples like Black Panther and Storm are still remembered fondly. Even if they aren’t together.

Some couples enjoy crossover love, like Luke Cage and Jessica Jones and Black Bolt and Medusa, even after that failed Inhumans series a couple years back. While Apollo and Midnighter might not get the same attention as others, I believe you’ll find their relationship just as strong (if not stronger) than anyone else on this list.

Personally, I’ve always liked the Black Canary and Green Arrow dynamic. They’ve born a number of great adventures and their relationship has grown from it. Similar, Hawkeye and Mockingbird had the same vibe. 
With the success of WandaVision, Scarlet Witch and Vision will be getting some attention from both old and new fans. And I can’t forget Ralph and Sue Dibny, right? 

While the series is done, Mark Grayson (Invincible) and Samantha Eve Wilkins (Atom Eve) should get a nod. And I’ll close with Kitty Pryde and…take your pick of Peters. I’ll let you think about that one. 

What about you? Who did I miss? Who is your favorite comic book couple?

That’s all the time I have. See you next week!