Love is in the air….even for superheroes! So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be apropos to pay tribute to some of the classic couples in comics that have managed to stand the test of time. Or, at least have been able to maintain a considerably lengthy relationship by comic book standards. Let’s take a look at five of those classic couples in comics, shall we? The first of the classic couples in comics is a fan favorite.
Superman & Lois Lane
Since her first appearance in Action Comics #1 back in 1938, Clark Kent—Superman’s alter ego—was smitten with the beautiful Lois Lane; naturally, the two did spend a considerable amount of time together while working at The Daily Planet. Too bad his feelings weren’t requited, at least not at first.
A symbol of societal views of women over the years, hardworking professional Lois Lane has rarely been depicted as a damsel in distress, and as a result, it could only take a superior being to catch her eye. That she found in Superman. The only problem was, failing for Superman meant also having a relationship with Clark Kent, whom she initially thought to be just a meek, but capable competitor on the job. Luckily for us, Lois was able to see past the clumsy alter ego of Superman and forge one of the most iconic and long lasting relationships in comic book history.
Green Arrow & Black Canary
Though the Black Canary was initially married to Larry Lance in the Golden Age comics, it wasn’t until the Silver Age comics that her daughter—who just so happened to carry her namesake—took over the reins and joined the Justice League, which lead to her introduction to the Green Arrow. Despite initial tension as coworkers, the two eventually forged a romantic relationship. The classic couple in comics even attempted to live the life of civilians and build a family in Seattle. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long.
Immediately upon relocation, Green Arrow and Black Canary’s relationship began to implode. Green Arrow cheated, Black Canary left him and Green Arrow died and got resurrected all before they reconciled and got married. Whew, talk about soul mates!
Reed & Sue Richards
One of the most entertaining aspects of The Fantastic Four, is the family aspect of the team, which is most personified by the relationship between Reed and Sue Richards. The married couple has been together since the Silver Age comics, making their relationship one of the most enduring and stable of all the classic couples on this list. They’re almost boring.
First introduced by when she was just 17 and Reed was a college student, Sue and Reed hit it off immediately, first becoming friends. It wasn’t until she left for college that they began a romantic relationship that lasts to this day. Aside from a few bumps in the road—namely Namor—the classic couple in comics remains solid with their two kids.
The Flash & Iris West
For more years than not, Iris West was the doting wife of “the fastest man alive.” After they both died and were resurrected, in typical DC Universe retcon fashion, they got back together. That is, until a later retcon rebooted their relationship as platonic friends with romantic inclinations; essentially negating the storyline of the first retcon. Don’t you just love DC Universe retcons?
In Iris West’s first appearance in DC Showcase #4, she is introduced as the girlfriend of Barry Allen, the Flash’s alter ego. They lead a very normal life—as normal as comic book characters can—up until she learns that Barry is The Flash. Years later, she is then killed by the Reverse-Flash—prompting the first retcon of this storyline—where she is brought back from the dead due to time travel. Though Iris and The Flash spend much of the retcon apart, they do manage to steal away a few months together before The Flash dies in the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline.
Hawkman & Hawkgirl/Hawkwoman
Of all the classic couples in comics I’ve discussed, none of their stories quite compares to the epic love story of Hawkman and Hawkwoman. Over the years, this married couple has managed to endure time travel and many reincarnations, none of which were strong enough to permanently keep them apart. This makes them one of the most romantic love stories in superhero comics.
Since the Golden Age comics when Hawkman and Hawkwoman were first murdered in ancient Egypt, the magical knife used to kill them created their eternal bond. This allowed them to be reborn numerous times, find each other and fall in love all over again. At one point, Hawkwoman even bonded with two different versions of Hawkman to make a Hawk god. Their love story plays out like a Nicholas Sparks movie, i.e. The Notebook, and remains one of the more solid couplings in the comics. Even the new 52 retcon won’t keep them apart, I suspect! Then again, there is always the inevitable retcon!
Have a nerdy Valentine’s Day!