Al Harahap
Feb 15, 2004, 03:21 pm
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/comix10_logo.gif" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">The Top 10 Comic Book Couples
Writers: Douglas Cuckler, Patrick James, Jim Lemoine, Jordan T. Maxwell, and Zachary Palisoc.
Editor: Al Harahap.
One half of me is yours, the other half yours
Mine own, I would say
But if mine, then yours
And so all yours!
Yes, it's that time of year again. No, not the lovefest of the U.S. 2004 Presidential Elections. It is Valentine's -- when the pressure is felt to either share some quality time with a better half or drown sorrows in a friendly bottle. But enough about me. Love it or hate it, Valentine's gives us an excuse to do something irregular and special with our loved ones. People the world over come together to give Hallmark and chocolate/candy companies a boost in sales. Not to mention bask in one of the few celebrations far away from politics or war. Ahh, love. What is it about love that makes us fear? What is it about love that makes us surrender? Such is its power, that love has made itself one of the biggest -- if not, the biggest -- proponent of literature. From the earliest union of Adam & Eve, to Shakespeare's ultimate lovers in Romeo & Juliet, to the tabloid gossip of Trista & Ryan... we just love to read about love! In comic books, action and intrigue may reign supreme, but it's rarely ever that they are not countered with a love story. From the archetype of Superman and Lois Lane, to the trials of Remy & Rogue, to the modern Apollo & Midnighter... comic book couples infiltrate into our hearts. The neverending journey to attain and maintain keep us glued to their lives. The course of true love never did run smooth.
So what do you get when you put two fluttering thespians, two pairs of queer eyes, and a married man all in one room? These ComiX-Fan staff have come together to vye for their passion of love in comics. We submit to you... The Top 10 Comic Book Couples:
<center><hr width=75%></center>
Unflustered by his rookie reviewer status, Patrick James dares to blindly tread first into the fray:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/custom_avatars/avatar8440_2.gif" align=left border=0 alt="Patrick James">All right, here goes my list.
Please, be gentle. This is my first time, after all. ;)
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/novanamorita.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#10: NOVA & NAMORITA
While I may be harkening back to my childhood a bit more than is recommended on this one, they were so good together in the early days of New Warriors. This couple dealt with raging teenage hormones while fighting crime and morally leading a team of relative rookies. While I admit I’m unfamiliar with the recent status of these two, their initial romance was just so fascinating. She was so fiercely independent and he was so…Nova! I just really loved, and still love, these two together. I need to go read my old New Warriors comics now…
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/archangelpsylocke.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#9: ARCHANGEL & PSYLOCKE
You didn’t really think the poster formerly known as "Arkangel4Psy" was going to leave out his personal favorite pairing, did ya? [Editor's note: No, but some of us were really hoping you would have. ;) ] That said, this couple warrants placement because they were so enjoyable to read. They built on each other’s flaws and insecurities from the start to become a very interesting pair. Reaching their height during the Crimson Dawn mini-series, this couple was truly in love. The pairing seemed genuine and truly affectionate, without ever making either seem like they had compromised too much individuality in becoming a pair. It’s a shame the two split ways to eventually become halves in two terrible pairs, but we can always remember the brighter days of them together.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/reedsue.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#8: MR. FANTASTIC & INVISIBLE WOMAN
Marvel’s first family would not have so much love without the genius leader and his invisible wife. With a fanbase surging, this family, complete with children, uncles and arch-nemesis, has proven that they’ve stood the test of time. What makes Reed and Sue alone warrant placement though is the realism with which they’ve always handled being both superheroes AND parents. Perhaps they are to be admired for this familial aspect especially in a medium that doesn’t really embrace having mom and dad as the heroes. Besides, they just work.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/hawkeyemoonstone.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#7: HAWKEYE & MOONSTONE
The thing that makes this couple stand out in my mind is that they manage to so successfully bring out both the best and worst in each other. Begun as an attempt at control by Moonstone, the two quickly became a very involved pair, though never feeling unnaturally rushed into coupledom. Though their breakup at the end of Thunderbolts #75 left this fan wanting more, it left things nicely open for an interesting reunion come time for Avengers vs. Thunderbolts in March. This witty pair deserves more time, but we’ll have to wait and see if anything else comes from the pairing.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/visionscarlet.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#6: VISION & SCARLET WITCH
One of the classic tragedies in Marvel comics is the storied love of Vision the android and Scarlet Witch. This unlikely coupling produced some very strange and involving tales, but they just seemed so gosh-darn happy and right for each other. Alas, the loss of Vision’s emotive state and their children eventually led to their marriage falling apart. While remaining close, things have never been quite the same for the couple. But it seems only inevitable that their love will rekindle someday…now that Wonder Man’s out of the way. Oh, and Vision’s fling with Mantis…
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/wolverinephoenix.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#5: PHOENIX (JEAN GREY) & WOLVERINE
While I debated with myself over whether or not they actually counted a bonafide couple or not, I eventually decided that it didn’t matter, really. They are the source of one of the most consistently high-intensity love triangles in comics. Even when you think they’re off, old feelings die hard between these two. What makes this couple more interesting, though, than Cyclops/Jean is the forbidden aspect. It feels so wrong, but both know it’s so right. Mmm…forbidden fruit…so tempting…and engaging. Hence, number 5.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/batmancatwoman.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#4: BATMAN & CATWOMAN
For sheer reader enjoyability, few compare to the chemistry of the Bat and the Cat. Transcending into many of the more respected mediums, this couple has proved that staying power is not necessarily a must to ensure reader interest. Just couple a good-enough guy with the best bad-girl in town and let the witty dialogue fly. While Hush may have put this couple in a new league, they were always fun to watch as an almost-pair. Besides, no comic book couple has managed to master the art of “opposites attract” better than these two.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/colossusshadowcat.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#3: COLOSSUS & KITTY PRYDE
With an interesting, yet albeit short relationship, many may question my high placement of this couple. I feel, however, that this relationship’s strength lies more in the fallout it produced, and produces still today in X-Men comics. The cutesy relationship’s ending has turned out many an excellent story, including, but not limited to, Kitty’s growth into Shadowcat, the Excalibur-era tension between the couple and Kitty’s then-flame Pete Wisdom and Kitty’s spreading of Piotr’s ashes. The quality of the stories produced from this initially cute little pairing earns them #3 honors.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/nightwingoracle.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#2: NIGHTWING & ORACLE
I’m really not quite sure what to say about this couple. Honestly, I just have a hard time thinking of a more interesting and heart-wrenching couple than Dick and Barbara. For many, I’m sure this is the quintessential couple. The ups and downs of their almost relationship are so excellently crafted and true to life that you just can’t help but want them to work everything out and someday end up at the end of that aisle. Though, that said, tying the knot is the doom of many of even the most interesting couples…but it just seems cruel not to let them be together any longer. *sigh* I give you #2.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/antmanwasp.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#1: HANK PYM & WASP
I can think of no couple that has generated more interesting stories without feeling dull or overused. From start to finish, a relationship that has gone through ups and downs and ups and downs again, they’ve stayed fresh. Also, they dealt with the very real problem of spousal abuse and have, without any kind of quick fix, overcome that to be a stronger, yet very different, couple for it. Being imperfect, but still in love, is really a big draw to this pair. But the realism and constant significance of this couple puts them at the top of my heap.
Rebuttals: Jim: BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!! Y'know, I'd hoped to have a couple of funny ones in my list, but you definitely beat me here. I mean, Hawkeye and Moonstone? HA! Oh, that's funny. Wolverine & Jean? Oh, lovely satire there, I could never type that with a straight face. And best of all... Archangel and Psylocke??? Hee hee hee hee... oh, it's just too much! I considered a lot of approaches to this Top Ten, but I never considered purposely picking couples that had absolutely nothing in common and made awful, unreadable, competely forced and lifeless matches like Warren and Betsy did. Oh, hats off to you, Patrick... I wish I could write irony like that.
What? Al, did you say something?
He was serious?
No way. Really?
No, really. Are you sure?
Oh. Well, then. Um... should I start over?
Zach: Angel and Psylocke never generated any interest in me. Maybe because I stopped reading comics during that whole time period, only returning for the "revamp" three years ago. But even with the help of back issues, I just couldn't see the spark or the romance that others saw. Sure, they had some things in common--they both underwent transformations that made their souls a little darker, but else than that, I couldn't just see the "magic" that was this pairing. In my mind, Warren would be better off alone, because that's just the way he is. He's a businessman at heart and a professional businessman always distances himself from any type of relationships. I'm ambivalent on Colossus and Kitty. While their romance, short-lived as it was, was sweet, it had a certain lack of chemistry. I saw it as more of a crush, the first stirring of young love for Kitty. There's no question that I would have been thrilled to see how far Claremont would take them, but unforunately, their so-called "romance" came to a quick and swift end before it could really begin to go anywhere.
Doug: I agree with most of your list. The Avengers / Bat-family give you points. Bucket Head and Fish girl over Vance and Angel? Seriously. And speaking of poor and dead, let's not forget your pick for # 9. Blah and a half. (Runs and hides from the Legion of Betsy Clan :rolleyes: )
Jordan: Well...it's nice to see you were able to mention a few couples who AREN'T in the X-Men or Avengers. It shows personal growth. Have a cookie. However, the fact that your list includes (amongst other things) adultery, statutory rape, spousal abuse...AND the New Warriors...makes me wonder something. Just how screwed up IS your love life, buddy? Besides which, how you can mention Hawkeye and Moonstone (still can't get that Supervillain Idol out of your blood, can you?) over Hawkeye and Mockingbird and Phoenix and Wolverine instead of the far better matched Phoenix and Cyclops is beyond me. Still, enjoy your cookie...and maybe someday, we'll tell you the story of how there are titles published outside of mainstream Marvel and DC. Won't that be fun?
<center><hr width=75%></center>
Then our very own Columns Editor, Jim Lemoine, takes artistic license on the term "couple" with his creative list:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/custom_avatars/avatar25_5.gif" align=left border=0 alt="Jim Lemoine">He's a lawyer, he's a blind man, he's a superhero, he's a movie star. Thanks to the works of Kevin Smith, David Mack, and Brian Michael Bendis, Marvel's Man Without Fear, Daredevil, is more popular than ever. The Marvel Knight, who originally started out as little more than a cheap Spider-Man knock-off, has been through a lot of changes over the years...
What?
Top Ten Couples? Says who?
Harahap?
Gah.
Fine, then. Couples it is.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/howardbeverly.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#10: HOWARD THE DUCK & BEVERLY SWITZER
Only in the fantastic world of mature comics could we ever see a hook-up between an absolute loser with no direction in her life and no prospects for success in the American Dream, and a talking other-dimensional duck for whom the very concept of "success," as judged by modern culture, was complete anathema. Yes, Howard's a duck... but as he would say, "at least I'm not one of you stupid hairless apes, falling over yourselves to impress each other!" This relationship is that of the philosopher and the student, the loving and the not-believing-in-love, the optimist and the cynic, the blessed and the miser, the woman and the fowl. Under Steve Gerber's pen, their relationship developed in a very meaningful and realistic way over time, culminating in a highly enjoyable affair for both girl, duck, and reading voyeur.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/greenblack.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#9: GREEN ARROW & BLACK CANARY
I don't pretend to be any kind of expert in DC lore, nor am I currently anything but a casual reader of a few Vertigo titles. But although I haven't had the chance to see the romance from past to present, there's always been something very appealing to me about the romance and courtship of Green Arrow and the Black Canary. [Editor's note: Howabout the fact that they're the earlier prototypes for Hawkeye and Mockingbird, both individually and as a couple, Mr. "Ooh look at me and my love for Hawkeye"? :p ] On the one hand, Oliver Queen: the knee-jerk liberal, brash, blunt, and outspoken, who had (and has) no idea of the right way to approach a woman. On the other, Dinah Lance: a sensible second-generation hero not afraid to speak her mind, with a thing for the strong silent type. There shouldn't have been any way these two characters ever got together... but in one of those oh-so-realistic developments, they found love despite their huge differences. It's always nice to see a couple like that get together, with the sparks flying in every sense imaginable. They enjoy fighting as much as they enjoy making up, so it works.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/bluebooster.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#8: BLUE BEETLE & BOOSTER GOLD
No comic book couple that I know of impersonates an old married couple better than the demi-dynamic duo of Blue Beetle and Booster Gold. They're the Odd Couple of the superhero world: the conservative, moral, scientific brainiac of the present and the impulsive, amoral, couch-potato idiot of the future. The only things these two ever had in common were their membership in various Justice Leagues and their admittedly twisted senses of humor. Seeing these two together is something I've missed for years, and I was delighted to see their reunion in Formerly Known As The Justice League. Where so many superhero partnerships are dull, blah, and feel forced (i.e. Cap and the Falcon or Batman and Robin, usually), the dynamic between the Beetle and the Booster is perfect, and a joy to read. They work so well as a duo that one would almost think that they were ambiguously... well, never mind.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/mattkaren.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#7: MATT MURDOCK & KAREN PAGE
It's interesting that one of the most devout Catholics in the Marvel Universe has also been through the most women... from Elektra (a relationship that should have been left alone after her first death) to Heather Glenn (a flakey type who Matt drove to insanity) to Glori O'Breen ("Ach, look! I'm Irish!") to Typhoid Mary (more to come) to many others. But it's always Karen Page that's been the most interesting of his ladyfriends, because they're almost too good of a match. Where most lovers respect and depend on each other, Matt and Karen ascend to a level where they can't function without the other. Their entire personas and self-images are all wrapped up in their love, and it gets self-destructive very quickly. They've both hurt each other, and badly, but then, don't you always hurt the ones you love? There are few comic romances sweeter than that of Daredevil and Karen Page, but also few quite as maniacally focused. You just knew it had to end in tragedy.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/sammax.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#6: SAM & MAX
I think these lines, quoted verbatim, say it all:
"That was close! Imagine it, Max. We were actually buried alive by a sorry band of gassy smelling pirates!"
"Who would have thought the monkey would dig us up to rifle our wallets?"
"You don't even carry a wallet."
"Yeah, but now I can fashion one from this handsome monkey scalp. Mmmm, it's still warm."
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/brianmeggankurt.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#5: BRIAN BRADDOCK & MEGGAN (& KURT WAGNER)
No, not a threesome, get your mind out of the gutter. Arguably, some of the best Marvel Comics ever created were the early issues of Excalibur, in which the lovely faeriechild Meggan found herself torn between two heroes. On one side was her longtime lover, the alcoholic, handsome, bumbling, yet oddly heroic Captain Britain. On the other was her new acquaintance, a charming but demonic appearing man named Nightcrawler who'd been raised by gypsies just like her. When the good Captain descended into alcoholic stupor or unreasonable rage, it was the relatively frail Kurt Wagner who lent her a shoulder to cry on. Captain Britain, really a good man at heart, had no idea how to express his emotions and hold onto the woman he loved; Meggan, still naive to the ways of the world and immature in many ways, was trapped in an abusive relationship that she couldn't bear to leave; and Kurt, the experienced and moral ex-X-man, was torn between what the man would do and what the hero should do. It eventually even came to blows between Kurt and the Cap, with Nightcrawler giving a surprisingly good showing (check out Excalibur #43 for a fantastic read). In the end Cap straightened up and did right by Meggan, and they've since been married. They're a great couple, all the better because of the problems they had to defeat to get to this point.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/deadpooltyphoid.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#4: DEADPOOL & TYPHOID MARY
With all due respect to Siryn and Outlaw, there's never been a couple more meant for each other than these two; the cover of Deadpool #8 illustrates it perfectly. It's a match made in heaven; Mary likes to set things on fire, Deadpool finds fires sparkly and pretty (even moreso when the person on fire is running around and screaming - it adds drama to the moment). Deadpool likes hacking people's limbs off; Mary likes to whack people with the limbs after he's done. Mary likes to come on to her men in odd, public social settings; Deadpool is one of the few guys in the world who would never tell her no. Deadpool likes to keep his mask on during his trysts; Mary's got no problem with personal fetishes. Mary likes to drive men insane; Deadpool enjoys being insane.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/clarklois.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#3: CLARK KENT & LOIS LANE
By now, we've seen it a hundred times, sure, but back then it was new, daring, and brilliant. Some people may call it cliched... but remember, Lois and Clark started the stereotypes. Lois loved Superman, but couldn't stand Clark Kent. Kent loved Lois, but felt uncomfortable approaching her as Superman. Torn by the need to protect his secret identity, Superman had to act like a cowardly loser in his Clark Kent guise, which only made things worse. The very simple dynamic of that relationship was one of the things that really made Superman so special for much of his existence (and the great job by Reeve and Kidder in the movies helped, too).
The relationship got a lot more boring when Lois discovered who Clark really was... but in recent years, it's perked up again with a new added element; the idea of Lois as... well... something less than the perfect, completely devoted and understanding housewife type. There's something fun about reading a hen-pecked Superman... or a wife that puts her superheroic husband in his place, as needed.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/megatronstarscream.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#2: MEGATRON & STARSCREAM
What?
Oh, come on... you know it's true. [Editor's note: Is anyone else really worried about how Jim Lemoine plays with his Transformers?]
"Cybertron and all its moons belong to me!"
"Maybe, but tonight YOU belong to ME, bitch!"
"Ummm... what's the safe word?"
"Witwicky. And try not to poke me so much with your gun barrel this time."
"But I thought you liked that...."
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/petergwen.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#1: PETER PARKER & GWEN STACY
Modern fans of Spidey think of Mary Jane as the perfect girl for Peter Parker; they're wrong. Modern fans of Spidey also think that the death of Uncle Ben was the biggest tragedy in Peter's life; it's my opinion that they're wrong, too. See, the true tragedy of Peter Parker is this: all of us have a soulmate out there somewhere, that one special person who is an absolutely perfect match made in heaven just for us. Most of us go through life without ever meeting our soulmate, or dreaming that they even exist. Peter, on the other hand, actually did meet his soulmate, and fall in love with her... and then she was killed.
Back in the day, Peter Parker wasn't really very interested in Mary Jane Watson at all; he considered her a pale shadow of the real love of his life, Gwen Stacy. Countless times he considered telling Gwen the truth about his secret identity, and he even thought about the prospect of marriage often. MJ was just another girl, usually dating his roommate; the idea of MJ with another man didn't bother Pete in the slightest, where conversely, the merest hint that Gwen was seeing Flash Thompson was enough to throw Spidey into a jealous rage! Peter was well and truly hooked, in love, completely infatuated with Gwen... and she was the same with him, ever since they first met. Where MJ always had a different lifestyle and wholly different desires than Pete, Gwen was interested in science, family, and a stable home life... just like her man Parker.
Stan Lee's touching portrayal of their blissful romance was rare in this superhero world. They were one of the greatest couples in the history of comics... made all the greater by Gwen's untimely death. And the biggest tragedy of Peter's life isn't that he got his powers, or that his Uncle Ben died... it's that he'd had his soulmate, he'd loved her... and then he lost her.
Rebuttals: Patrick: The humorous takes on your list are nice enough little jabs at what this is all about. I love that you put Capt. Britain and Meggan on your list, as they almost made mine as well, and including Kurt is greatness because he really is what made that pairing so interesting to start with. While I can't quite agree with Lois and Clark, I love the way you justified it for yourself. And though I may have never read the death of Gwen Stacy, I was always under the impression that she was more important than Uncle Ben and MJ. Now, about Sam/Max...that doesn't say it all to this fan, as I still have no idea who the hell you're talking about. But Booster Gold and Blue Beetle is more than amusing
Zach: There are no words. I bow to the Master. :bow:
Doug: Great list. I agree with your inclusion of Deadpool / Mary, as well as the early Excalibur triangle. LOL, points for Megatron/ Starscream. You rock.
Jordan: Jim...did I ever tell you you're my hero? Honestly, anyone who can make me laugh that hard deserves a round of applause. It was hard to tell when you were being serious, when your tongue was planted firmly in your cheek and when it was just sticking straight out at us sometimes...but that made it all the more brilliant because I actually had to pause and consider the more comedic ones as genuine couples (the amount of joy I gained from Blue Beetle/Booster Gold alone was worth the price of admission) and see the more "traditional" couples in a bit of a mocking light. My only grievance lies in your devaluing of Peter and MJ in favor of Peter and Gwen. While I wrestled over which one "meant" more, I never once thought that one overshadowed the other. As I have loved (and lost) more than woman in my life, I can say that I believe there is more than one person for some of us in this world. And Peter was blessed to love and be loved by two amazing and gorgeous women. But yeah...I do still miss Gwen from time to time...sniff...
<center><hr width=75%></center>
Next up is the straight-to-business, no-nonsense, no-avatar, no-intro moderator, Zachary Palisoc:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/franklinrachel.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#10: FRANKLIN RICHARDS & RACHEL SUMMERS
Just because I'm a sucker for doomed couples from the future. 'Nuff said. ;)
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/wolverinephoenix.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#9: PHOENIX (JEAN GREY) & WOLVERINE
Why this couple? Maybe it's because of the way they keep coming back to each other whenever they're trapped in the most desperate of situations. Maybe it's the animal attraction. Or maybe it's simply because Logan (excuse me, "James") awakens something inside her that poor Scott Summers could never have. It's not that Cyclops is not well suited for Jean, it's just that compared to Wolverine, he's downright dull instead of the stoic person that he's perceived to be. Wolverine and Jean have passion and they have heat. These stolen, forbidden kisses that they share ignite a fire worthy of the Phoenix.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/clarklois.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#8: SUPERMAN/CLARK KENT & LOIS LANE
Even though I hate Superman with a bloody vengeance, there was a time (when I was in my pre-teens, actually and I can't believe I'm dating myself here) where I would eagerly read Superman comics and marvel at how clueless Lois was. I mean, all of the signs were right there in front of her! Clark keeps disappearing whenever danger's around, and these glasses were a sorry excuse for a secret identify. And Lois Lane calls herself an investigative reporter? Pfft! All the same, I was still rooting for them as a couple, as both Clark Kent and Superman. With the Clark Kent alter-ego, they could share quips and playful insults while working out in the field, and with the Superman alter-ego, he was always rushing off to rescue her from yet another situation that she had gotten herself into because of her darned curiosity. But then Superman died (and I stopped reading after that, believing he was really dead. [Editor's note: Silly Zach... don't you know that comic cash cows will never die? (...says the fan who fell apart and wore the Superman symbol black mourning armband for weeks after he "died.") :hrm: ] But then DC brought him back, despite me having the strong conviction he should have stayed dead forever, but that's another story... At any rate, the team-up of Clark Kent and Lois Lane had a classic iconic feel to them that no other couple in super-dom has ever achieved.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/beastemma.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#7: EMMA FROST & HANK MCCOY
The Ice Queen and the intelligent Beast. What could be one of the most mismatched pair in the X-Universe turns out to something surprising and funny. When put in a scene together, Emma and the Beast are so in-synch, it's scary. Henry is a perfect match for Emma Frost's dry wit, while Emma's sarcastic remarks just roll right off Henry's furry back. An odd match, perhaps, but made all the more charming by Hank's ability to warm up Emma's cold heart. Forget Scott, the Beast is the man for her!
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/brentjade.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#6: BRENT SIENNA & JADE FONTAINE (of PvP: Player versus Player)
Ah, the joys of couplehood. This is as real as it gets, folks. Forget these silly costumed super-heros, this is what a real couple is like in the comic world. Trading insults, falling for each other online, playing RPGs (Jade can beat the pants off anybody!), this unlikely couple quickly stole the hearts of readers everywhere. What made this so unforgettable (and funny) was how their relationship progressed. Even now, when in a fully committed relationship (to the horror of Brent) the quips and the off-color commentary come as fast and furious as ever.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/ultimatepetermaryjane.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#5: ULTIMATE PETER PARKER & MARY-JANE WATSON
It took thirteen issues (who else but Brian Michael Bendis would take thirteen issues for the revelation of Spider-Man's identify to Mary Jane?) but once Mary Jane found out Peter's secret identify, their relationship has been anything but smooth. Filled with pathos (she was kidnapped by the Green Goblin and dropped off a bridge, a la 616 Gwen Stacy) and drama (the enigmatic Ultimate version of Gwen Stacy lurking in the background, Spidey always having to rush off to take care of the villain of the day) that makes its 616 relationship look sedate by comparison. Yet, through all of this, Bendis gives them humor and heart. It's such an intelligent pairing that made me wish it could last forever, but with Bendis at the helm, anything goes. Nevertheless, the Ultimate version of Peter Parker and Mary Jane is a match made in heaven.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/gambitrogue.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#4: ROGUE & GAMBIT
Trials and tribulations. It's fairly safe to say that these two have been through a lot, from Rogue absorbing his memories of the Morlock Massacre and abandoning him in a frozen wasteland. It's fair to say that heir relationship has had its shares of up and downs, but it's the undeniable attraction and the love between these two that keeps them coming back to each other. Even after discovering Gambit's betrayal, Rogue's heart was still with him. Sure, it took them many years and being stabbed with a sword to finally break down the emotional walls between them, but their reunion was made the more sweetest by the fact that Rogue is now able to finally kiss him without being afraid. The payoff may have taken a little too long, but in the end, it was all worth it for this couple.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/nightcrawlerscarlet.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">3: NIGHTCRAWLER & SCARLET WITCH
One word: Exiles. That's what got me interested in me this unlikely pairing. When I first read about how Nocturne, the daughter of Nightcrawler and the Scarlet Witch came to be, I was instantly sold. In my mind, these two were a more likely couple than Wanda and the Vision. Even though there is not much information about how their relationship blossomed, the pairing just seemed to have a natural feeling to it. Wanda is better suited for Kurt's quips than anybody else, while Kurt is the right person to soften Wanda's defensive walls that she has built up around her thanks to her life with the Avengers and with the Vision. Dare I hope for a 616 version of this couple? Not likely, as long as the Vision still exists...
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/charlielucy.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#2: CHARLIE BROWN & LUCY
I know, I know. They're not X-Men. They don't belong in the Marvel universe or any other universe, for that matter, so what're they doing here? [Editor's note: And this is a problem because...?] The simple fact is that they're still cartoon characters, characters which have a special place in my heart. The Peanuts strips has always gave me my chuckle of the day and that's why I chose this particular couple to be my next to last (but not least) choice. If you think about it carefully enough, there's a reason why Charlie keeps coming to Lucy's "therapy sessions." Even though she may give him useless advice and calls him a blockhead, you cannot deny that there's a certain chemistry between them. The whole football thing would give Freud a field day--there's a reason why she keeps pulling it out under him, you know? Think about it... ;)
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/forgestorm.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#1: STORM & FORGE
If ever an example of "star-crossed lovers," was given in the Marvel Universe, these two would be it. Their relationship began with violence and ended in sadness: He shot her and stripped her of her powers. Realizing his mistake, he took her to his apartment and that's when the slow burn began, with them establishing an uneasy trust between each other. It took a long time for Storm to finally give her heart to Forge, when they spent a year on the Adversary's homeworld. But, alas, it was not to be. Even though they established a bond with each other, some mistrust still remained. Even when Forge questioned Storm's loyalty to him, he still prospered marriage, but Ororo wavered, telling him she needed to think about it. What could have been was destroyed the moment Forge asked Jean to read Storm's mind to find out how she really felt. Jean's hesitation was the final blow to their relationship, convincing Forge that Storm never really loved him. (See Uncanny X-Men 289-290) To this day, still, I hope to see them together again--even though the wounds between them may never be healed. And that's why they belong at the top of my list.
Rebuttals: Patrick: Much as I love Rachel Summers, there are many greater doomed-future couples out there who got some decent panel-time and are more noteworthy, IMO. Your inclusion of Rogue and Gambit make me want to hurl. Seriously. Also, the pairing of Beast and Emma can hardly be considered a pairing since the two have shared so sparse a number of panels that even their friendship, as eluded to in Murder at the Mansion seemed phoned in to me. Kurt and Wanda? Don't encourage Austen, Zach. Bad Zach! You did, however, have some redeeming taste by including Jean/Logan and even Lucy/Charlie, but shot all that to hell with Storm/Forge. And at number 1, no less. I'm sorry, but I can see that we have nothing in common. :devil:
Jim: Oh, WOW, like, what an X-TREMELY X-CELLENT list! You totally do the Jubester proud here! I just don't get these picks from PVP, Ultimate Spider-Man, and (gasp, you barbarian) DC... I mean, you could have included the rest of the TRULY SUPERIOR picks like Storm and Wolverine, or Havok and Lorna, or Charles and Lilandra, or Archangel and Psylocke (SQUEEEEEE!!!). I mean, everyone knows that there isn't ANY good comic that doesn't start with an X, and I'm glad your list recognizes that! Who needs open-mindedness, variety, actual relationship development, couples that makes sense, and/or realistic body proportions when you have that mutant gene and art by Rob Liefeld, right? Yay X! Go X! Boo everything else! Join the club! Bring back Maggott!
And kudos for remembering that Charlie Brown is actually a mutant. I'll never forget that strip where he put his fingers to his temples and shouted, "To me, my Peanuts!"
Doug: Credit for the mention of potentail between Emma/ Hank. I agree with the Ororo/ Forge combo as well, but maybe not as #1. Uncanny X-Men #289 was one of my first comics. (What? Yes, I'm new school. I was born in 1980. :D )
Jordan: Yeesh...what's with all the disrespect for Cyclops in this place? Sure, Logan and Jean are good together, but nowhere near as good as Jean and Scott. Beyond that, a pretty interesting list. Some...unusual choices, a lot of relationships that have yet to form and may never form. Your list comes off as more of a top ten proto-couples. We know that Charlie and Lucy will never end up together (or, if you're a fan of Automatic Kafka, that they won't STAY together), and have yet to see more than base hinting at pairings between Emma and Hank or Kurt and Wanda (though if it means my sweet TJ gets to be born, then I'm all kinds of on board). Still, in the category of "couples that will never work out but I have to love anyway," Storm and Forge is exceptional, especially to anyone who's read the gorgeous Lifedeath. Ultimate Peter and MJ is an inspired choice, and a personal favorite that I had to pass over in favor of the mainstream version...but I'm glad they got a mention. Also, my love for Days of Future Present dictates that I give you a big hug for mentioning Rachel and Franklin. Just wish you'd gone more in depth...tease.
<center><hr width=75%></center>
A long time passed, and our remaining two contributors were at a stalemate as to who would be the most cunning in waiting for everyon else's list. But resourcist Douglas Cuckler decided enough was enough:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/custom_avatars/avatar5697_4.gif" align=left border=0 alt="Douglas Cuckler">I'm really nervous about my list so don't rip it that much . ;) Douglas Cuckler's "Dreamy" Top Ten Couples:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/bigbysnow.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#10: SNOW WHITE & BIGBY WOLF
The elegant Snow, bitter yet loveable Head Administrator of Fabletown and the scruffy chain-smoking Bigby. This relationship looked doomed from the start. But strangely it worked. With the recent turn of events, time will tell if these lovers shall have a truly happy ending.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/apollomidnighter.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#9: APOLLO & MIDNIGHTER
The powerful Apollo and the edgy Midnighter. Gay, yet not the cliche. [Editor's note: Hey, that rhymes...] Toss in a super powered toddler they adopted , and we have a comic family for the new generation.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/cypherwolfsbane.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#8: RAHNE SINCLAIR & DOUGLAS RAMSEY
Ah, sweet teen romance. One of the few relationships in the New Mutants, was unfortunately also a short one. Rahne rarely let herself go, due to her religious conflicting upbringing, and Doug always felt he needed to prove himself. If you ignore the fact that she still slightly had a crush on Sam and he was caught drinking and partying with Roulette, their relationship was just beginning to blossom. What could be more tragic than him giving his life to save her? Throw in her later getting a slave mental bond to a Summers, and the entire Douglock fiasco. Truly never had a chance to bloom. Ah sweet teen romance.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/mystiquedestiny.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#7: RAVEN DARKHOLME & IRENE ADLER
Sometimes in writing are better left to the readers imagination. The things hinted at, and certainly intended for, but never outright stated. This holds true for Mystique and Destiny. Spending years together, adopting and raising Rogue. Add the sad fact that Mystique’s body doesn’t really age, and Destiny’s does. Irene sees her own death and sees a possible future for Raven and Forge, and she leaves this world. It was her time. But Mystique in her various forms, still carried her memory along.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/marvelfirestar.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#6: JUSTICE & FIRESTAR
There’s something about their relationship that screams America and apple pie, (or however the saying goes) [Editor-who-is-Australian's note: "as American as apple pie." ;) ], with their whole sweet boy meets sweet girl stereotype from the beginning. But through the writers and characters it never seemed stale or blah to me, it just grew. From revealing their secret identities to the accidental murder of his father, her trying to free him on his way to The Vault, to him wading his time in jail, all the way to the big gun Avengers days, with really big cosmic baddies and Angelica’s cancer scare. This relationship is what all young heroes look up to, I’m sure.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/guardianvindicator.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#5: MAC & HEATHER HUDSON
Mac and Heather were a lovely couple in the beginning. He was the head of Canada’s first and only super team, Alpha Flight, and she stood by her man, and played as a valuable member in her own right. Their future looked promising, that is until Canada decided to boot Alpha Flight almost in the beginning, and then Mac gets a sudden case of Jean Grey, with dying and coming back. Then he shows signs of catching the Magneto bug, and is younger. But she still loved him through this, and their vicious cycle ended (hopefully) when he almost died yet again, and she had their child.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/visionscarlet.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#4: VISION & WANDA MAXIMOFF
A mutant witch and an android you say? That reeks of odd and strange. Add a super powered actor on whom Vision’s personality was based to the mix, and you have one of the strangest love triangles ever. How could this relationship get any more troubled? Add in Vision trying to take over the world, loosing his personality, or Wanda discovering Magneto was her father, and be manipulated to believe she/ they had twins, not to mention the small fact that Simon keeps dying. This has to be what keeps them all so intertwined, the chaos is their strength. And somehow their strange little soap opera is still playing in an Avengers comic near you.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/antmanwasp.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#3: HANK PYM & JANET VAN DYNE
True love takes time and patience. Although they may have fooled their teammates with various hair style changes and name changes, it was obvious to them that something needed worked out. And that’s what real people do, in the really real world. Or so I’m told. Through their struggles and conflicts, they grew as individuals and a couple. There’s a ring of sincerity with these two that had never faded in my view.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/nightwingoracle.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#2: DICK GRAYSON & BARBARA GORDON
A bullet ended the career of Babs as the Batgirl, but her crime-fighting continued as the powerful Oracle. What also continued was the relationship her and Dick Grayson had. Both survivors of tragedy, they held together through the ups and downs.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/batmancatwoman.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#1: BRUCE WAYNE & SELINA KYLE
Like how Paula Abdul and that cartoon cat no one remembers said "opposites attract." We have here two sides of the same coin, the Bat and Cat, who choose to play their cat and mouse for a lifetime. Now with Selina Kyle knowing his identity, things could get better for them. The reason I picked them as #1 is because I have never grown tired of their constant forbidden romance.
Honorable Mention: NUNZIO DEFILIPPIS & CHRISTINA WEIR
Married co-writers of Skinwalker (Oni Press ) and New Mutants (2nd series). They continue to write a great title, as well as take the time to respond to fans here at the Grindstone.
Rebuttals: Patrick: Now, finally a man with some taste. While your descriptions are painfully short, even to me, you have some good picks. I mean, Hank and Jan, Wanda and Vision, Bruce and Selina, Dick and Babs; man, you've even got a New Warriors couple in there (though the wrong one, but that can be amended ;) ). Actually, come to think of it, the only problem I really have with your list is that awful Alpha Flight couple. I just never failed to hope they'd get a blown to oblivion forever and cease to annoy me. Oh, and Rahne doesn't deserve a man, not even one so pitiful as poor dead Doug. :p ;)
Jim: I think his name was Scat Cat.
Hats off to you for wonderfully illustrating the extremes of judgement possible here in the ComiX-Ten... in one short column segment, you're able to go from the brilliant (like the first five picks on your list) to the completely unimaginatively mainstream (like almost all of the others). I mean, Marvel and DC paid you off for those picks, right? And you got off to such a good start, too... oh, where did we go wrong with you?
Zach: Snow and Bigby was one of my contenders for my own list, but I decided against it because of the whole "doomed from the start" factor. I agree that they have great chemistry between them, and I love how Snow White is able to stand up to him and vice versa, but I don't foresee a happy ending for these two. :( Most of the other couples didn't hold much interest for me. I never saw the allure between the Vision and the Scarlet Witch. Some good picks, though.
Jordan: I'd like to really lay into your list, but everytime I look at it I see that Amber Benson avatar and fall in love all over again. No fair! You're emotionally manipulating my judgment! Seriously though, a fine list. Good choices, but your explanations left me wanting more. Like Chinese food, I was tantalized but not very filled. And given that most of your choices were pretty standard fare, you needed the explanations to really hold my interest. Even the choices that were outside the box a bit (I especially appreciated Bigby/Snow White and Mystique/Destiny) don't get the kind of attention they really deserve. Even your rankings take on a bit of a predictability. The more unconventional couples get shuffled to the bottom of the list, while couples who are better together but maybe not as popular (like Justice and Firestar) fill out the middle so that bigger and more popular characters can populate the top rankings. C'mon, Doug...you're not working for Wizard here.
<center><hr width=75%></center>
And last, but not least, our resident ComiX-Ten addict contributor, Jordan T. Maxwell, laying into the mix with his ever obscure creative entries:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/custom_avatars/avatar1126_6.gif" align=left border=0 alt="Jordan T. Maxwell">"Love is as strong as death, passion as fierce as the grave. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it." So reads one of my favorite biblical passages, from the Song of Songs. Yeah, bet you didn't know God could be romantic, did ya? It speaks quite clearly, though, to the power and enduring nature of love. An important thing when it comes to comic book couples. I mean, when you've got to go up against alien invasions, psychic manipulations, death, resurrection, heaven and hell just to stand by your honey...it kind of puts leaving the toilet seat up in perspective. So here now are my top ten picks for the couples who stand by each other and show what it is to love and be loved.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/fonethorn.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#10: FONE BONE & THORN
Ever since she set his head on fire [Editor's note: Ahh, the sign of true love...] with her "smooth brown thighs," the noblest of the Bone cousins has stood by Thorn through perilous adventures and grand royal destinies. His loyalty to her, no matter the sacrifice or cost to himself, is a testament to his pure and unconditional love and affection. He has no great strength or powers to protect himself, let alone her...yet he would stand between her and the Lord of the Locusts him...um, her...well, ITself. And though it's unspoken, you can tell in the way she looks at him that she knows...and understands...his love for her, even if she can never fully return it. He is her constant in a world of turmoil.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/lucifermazikeen.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#9: LUCIFER MORNINGSTAR & MAZIKEEN
One of the most beautiful scenes in Sandman: Season of Mists features Mazikeen, the warrior woman and daughter of Lilith, professing her love to her lord Lucifer through her half-mangled face and words as he attempts to close down Hell and send her away with the rest of the demons. She will not budge, her service to him goes beyond duty. He takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately, takes her dagger and sends her away with the farewell line, "you are very beautiful." It is a moment of tenderness from a being who is not thought to have any love or tenderness left in him. When we next see him in the mortal world, Lucifer again has Mazikeen in his service...as a waitress at his Los Angeles piano bar. And through his manipulations of the gods, his harrowings of Hell, his ascension to the divine...and even her own horrific "scarring" (her face is made whole) and assumption of leadership of the rival Lilim...she is still his emotional anchor. And while many may have sympathy for the devil, she is the only one for whom he returns the favor.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/wolverinephoenix.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#8: PHOENIX (JEAN GREY) & WOLVERINE
Oh, that classic trope of all romance...the forbidden passion. Since the moment they met, Logan and Jean Grey have shared a chemistry that sparked the wild and fierce passionate side of Jean and the humble and honorable nobility of the wild man, Wolverine. It is the thing most wanted that can never be had, no matter how many stolen kisses in moments of danger or despair. The fire he sparks in her is one too easily let out of control if not tempered...and if Jean Grey, the avatar of the Phoenix knows anything, it's about the importance of tempering your passions. Likewise, the honor and goodness she inspires in him keeps him from stealing the love of another man. Still, like Lancelot and Guinevere, they are joined by bonds of unrequiteable love and unfulfilled desire...not each other's meant to be, but forever the what might have been. [Editor's note: Someone's been reading too many romance novels with Fabio on the cover. Loh-dy, loh-dy, loh-dy, is it gettin' hot in he-ah?]
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/raggedking.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#7: RAGGED ROBIN & KING MOB
He was a psychic assassin with a thing for body piercing and 60s spy shows. She was a slightly crazy telepath from the future with a chip in her head and a deck of tarot cards. They were colleagues in an underground cell of occultist anarchists known as the Invisibles, fighting to expose and overthrow a conspiracy of cosmic conformity. But in the heat of battling for the fate of the world, they found comfort and solace in one another...and tantric sex. It's like something right out of Shakespeare...y'know, if Shakespeare had done a lot of shrooms or DMT. What started out as a fun little fling started to get more serious though as attraction and respect grew into love. He showed her the universe outside our own. She told him her deepest and darkest secrets. And just before she had to return to her own time, she revealed that she was pregnant with his child. Something went wrong, though, and she was flung outside of time...still chanting the Buddhist prayer he gave her...and into the supercontext, the beginning and end of all things. It wasn't until the final issue, set in the future she had called home, when she returned to him as the world dissolved around them. King Mob and Ragged Robin...Gideon and Kay...reunited at the end and the beginning of all things.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/jessetulip.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#6: JESSE CUSTER & TULIP O'HARE
"I'll love you until the end of the world." The hopeful promise of a foolish lover to another. A promise too easily broken by a young man's family. A promise not easily forgotten by a heartbroken girl. So it was that when we first met the reverend Jesse Custer and hitwoman Tulip O'Hare that all that remained of their love on the surface was aching, bitterness, resentment...and a secret too long held. When Jesse finally told Tulip how he was stolen away from her, and pledged again to love her until the end of the world, his sadistic family stepped in once more and took her from him with a bullet through her head. I haven't seen, heard or read a scene in my entire life that is as tragic and heartbreaking as Tulip's final pathetic plea as they put the gun to her head. "Can't I at least kiss him goodbye?" But death cannot stop true love...neither can angels, demons, nuclear explosions, backstabbing Irish vampires or the sinister machinations of a bipolar deity. This is love. This is fate. And in the end, Jesse and Tulip find each other again and ride not into the end of the world...but as every great Texas romance should, into the sunset.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/cyclopsphoenix.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#5: PHOENIX (JEAN GREY) & CYCLOPS
Understand that my parents met each other in the 7th grade, and have been together since they were juniors in high school. So high school sweethearts hold a special place for me, and there are no two more fitting of that crown than Scott Summers and Jean Grey (yeah, i know, this is her second showing on the list...what can I say? The woman's got a lot of love to give). [Editor's note: ComiX-Fan would like to officially state that the opinion of the polygamete Jordan T. Maxwell are solely his own and not reflective of its staff as a whole. :p ] From the beginning, these two were meant for each other. Yet, as the Bard said, the course of true love never did run smooth. And indeed, Jean has had to deal with Scott's insecurities and infidelities. Likewise, Scott has had to turn a blind eye to the sexual tension between her and Logan and cope with her death...a lot. Oh yeah, and then of course there was the one time she became omnipotent, went mad, killed billions of people and then herself so he grieved, married her clone, had a kid and dumped them both when she turned back up. Forget running smooth...these two need four wheel drive, tire chains and a rollbar to survive the hardships that have wound up in their path. Still, through it all, they find each other. They always find each other. Like the phoenix itself, their love will always rise from the ashes.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/clarklois.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#4: CLARK KENT & LOIS LANE
The first thing I need to point out...yes, that does say Clark Kent instead of Superman and there's an important reason why. At least as far as Lois is concerned. You see, for years (decades in our time) Lois pined away for Superman, the big dashing hero, while Clark kind of smirked knowingly behind his spectacles. But you know he just had to be hurting down deep inside. To love a woman who is so completely enamored with your alter ego; to know you could have her if you were willing to forever keep up the facade and never once have her as yourself; and to turn away from that temptation, because the Man has always been more important than the Super. Time passed, and journalistic rivals soon became friends...and more. Lois' crush on Superman began to pass, the fascination with the muscles and spandex fading, and she started to see the good thing she'd always head in front of her with Clark. And as their romance became more serious, and her feelings for Clark grew more strong than her infatuation wtih Superman, he finally revealed to her that the two were one and the same. Really, it's like some romantic parable. Lois puts aside her desire for the big dashing hero for the sweet dependable guy who cares for her, and she winds up getting both! Pay attention, ladies...go for the pretty face and big muscles, you get nothing. Go for the kind caring fella who's going to take good care of you, and you get the full package.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/petermaryjane.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#3: PETER & MARY-JANE WATSON PARKER
And so it came to pass, that generation upon generation of male comic book readers would dream of a hot redhead who would stand in their doorway and make all their wishes come true with those few simple yet magic words: "Face it, Tiger. You just hit the jackpot!" C'mon, who wouldn't fall head over heels in love right there and then? Peter Parker, the amazing Spider-Man, was the everyman loser. A nerd in high school turned geek in college, unlucky in love and trying desperately to juggle school, his job, taking care of his aunt and fighting crime. Yet he was a genius and a nice guy who always sought to do the right thing (because he understood the consequences of allowing the wrong thing to occur), a passionate kid who's quick sense of humor covered up years of pent up frustration, anger and guilt. And into his life walks this gorgeous redhead, an aspiring model and actress...a flirtatious, free spirited, fly by the seat of her pants kind of gal. Peter had hit the jackpot, indeed! But so had MJ. Coming from the life of her broken home and abusive father, her flippant demeanor concealing her core of vulnerability and low self-esteem. Two lost souls who were lucky enough to find someone in this world to care for, and to care for them. Two lovers and best friends who don't always get along, but always know how to make up. Yes, Gwen Stacy may have been Peter's first love...but MJ will always be his truest. Go get her, Tiger!
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/apollomidnighter.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#2: APOLLO & MIDNIGHTER
These two founding members of the Authority provide two of the strongest arguments for gay rights, gay marriage and gay adoption. One, they are a loving and strongly committed couple (who served time in the military) who have devoted themselves to each other, to their beautiful adopted baby girl Jenny, the reincarnated uber-powerful form of their former leader, and to a successful career of saving the world from the bastards who want to rule it or destroy it...and from the bastards who already do. Two, if you don't like it, they're two of the most powerful and deadly people in the known world and can kill you in any number of creative and sadistic ways. How's that for your right wing "family values"? And yet beneath all the lethal power, there's still love. Behind all the carnage, there's still caring. For instance...the Midnighter is the toughest s.o.b. on the planet. He can think of a hundred equally painful ways to kill you in the space of a breath and say something really clever while he does it. But when Apollo had to fly in a weakened state to help save the world, he begged him not to go for fear he might die. Apollo's response? A kiss on the cheek for the man he loves. A truly loving couple, with so much compassion and tenderness for one another...if there's one imperfection in this relationship, it's that they get along almost TOO well. But I'm not going to complain, for fear of what kind of havoc might be unleashed in the wake of some lover's quarrel.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/reedsue.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#1: REED & SUE RICHARDS
Love and marriage, we have been led to believe, share a kindred symbiosis comparable to that of an equine quadraped and its attached mobile conveyance unit...and it would take one hell of a strong and patient woman to listen to someone talk like THAT all day. Seriously, though, Reed and Sue are the perfect couple. Not in some freaky 50s sitcom kind of way, but genuinely perfect. Committed to each other, their family and their mutual dreams, these two complement each other so completely, challenge one another so fully on every emotional and intellectual level. When Reed's intellect and imagination soar away too far on flights of fancy, she is a grounding wire to guide him back to reality. And when her passion and emotions flare out of control, he's a calming influence to soothe her troubled heart. Therein lies the great irony: the two great imaginauts, questing for knowledge and discover across the globe and interdimensional borders, are also the poster couple for domestic life. They have built a loving home and family, strong and independent as individuals who also support one another as a couple. As spouses, as partners, as parents. There have been no great challenges to their love, no trial to truly prove it against, and yet it never grows stagnant or stale. Time has only made their love and commitment stronger. Then again, there's only been one true competitor for Sue's affections. And really, who are you going to choose? A guy in a speedo who smells like fish and is more likely to want to take over the world than settle in for a nice romantic dinner or a man who loves you with all of his vast heart and mind, who's given you two wonderful children and a life built on dreams...and who also happens to hold billions of dollars worth of patents and can stretch his entire body? I'll let you think on it for a bit...(his ENTIRE body!)
Honorable Mention: The kids from Blue Monday
I couldn't find room for them in the main body of my list, but I have to give a nod to Chynna Clugston-Major's adorable, angsty and hormonal adolescents, the mismatched couplings of Bleu and Alan and Victor and Clover. Watching them fumble with trying to stay cool and detached at an age where they're so sexually charged and emotionally vulnerable has produced some of the sweetest, funniest and truest moments I've ever seen in a comic book, as well as reminding me just how happy I was to be done with that phase of my life (along with the realization that we're never quite as done with it as we think). So, here's to Blue Monday, to comedy and emotional truth...and to the eternal hope that Monkeyboy might hook up with Erin. ;) (and no, this inclusion has nothing to do with my crush on Chynna...er...um...i mean...gah! I've said too much!)
Rebuttals: Patrick: Good Lord Jordan...and I thought my entries were long-winded...
Well, you'd expect with that many words and being last to post, you' be the grand finale. Unfortunately, such was not quite the case. While your justification of MJ/Spidey was great (mmm...jackpot...*drools*), I've got to agree with Jim that Gwen made for a much more worthwhile pairing. Now, as I expected would happen, I have no idea who any of the non-Marvel couples are aside from Lois and Clark (mmm...Teri Hatcher...*more drooling*). Now, that said, I have to agree with the rationale behind just Clark. That's right ladies, go for the full package, aka me. ;) Unfortunately, you not only put Cyclops and Jean on your list, but they ranked higher than Wolverine & Jean, which I simply cannot make my brain comprehend. Rather than have an aneurism over it, I'll just wait for all the Jean/Logan shippers to bite into you. Reed and Sue atop the heap, huh? Well, I must say, the eloquence of the way you put it makes me want to recondsider my own list...but then came "his ENTIRE body!" Well Jordan, there just aren't words to say how much that disturbs me.
Jim: Let's see here, time to read Jordan's list. Hmmm... Love is as strong as death, right right, so it goes (*yawn*).... Oh, look, it's Fone Bone, how exciting (*YAWN*)... yeah, this is really... ummm... really interesting... int... er... est... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz*Snarglesnort* zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz *Cough* What? Where am I?
Oh... um... yeah... Cyclops and Phoenix, gee, there's one I'd never have thought of.... ho-hum... yadda-yadda...I need to cut my toenails... it sure is warm in here... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz *what's that, Wanda? Again? Well, sure, you can stay here tonight if you need to... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz *Snore* zzzzzzzzzzzzzz MARY JANE! PHILISTINE!!! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz* couldn't sleep, Wanda? Me, either... guess we could always... ... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
zz... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... Huh?
What? It's over? Oh. Um, yeah. Great list.
Zach: At least we both agree that redheads are hot. :devil:
Doug: Points for Apollo and Midnighter, as well as Lucifer & Maz. You get an odd look because I have no clue who three of your list are. I wish I was less mainstream.
<center><hr width=75%></center>
So much love! So little poison... Blinded by love? Blinded by our writers' stupidity? Don't forget to vote in the multiple choice poll of whose list/s you think are best. And then come back to agree, disagree, or plain out lynch these lists. Have your own list? We invite you to share. Till the next installment of ComiX-Ten...
Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow...
<center><hr width=75%></center>
Patrick James is one of many new reviewers who have recently contributed to the great growth of our reviews section.
He celebrates Valentine's by beating his chest repeatedly like an overzealous diva and claiming his heart will go on.
Jim Lemoine is our great Columns Editor and hopes you continue to enjoy our op/ed articles.
He celebrates Valentine's by playing with clay on a ceramic turntable and being hungered for your touch.
Zachary Palisoc maintains the peace and security of our comic community.
He celebrates Valentine's by shaving his head and being too sexy for his shirt.
Douglas Cuckler has just joined us to help with our evergrowing bios, issue summaries, and other resources.
He celebrates Valentine's by injecting his lips with collagen and screaming he doesn't want to miss a thing.
Jordan T. Maxwell is our Movies Editor and loves to contribute to many feature columns.
He celebrates Valentine's by wearing an afro, applying lipstick, and yelling he will always love you.
<center><hr width=75%></center>
The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the writers, and are not reflective of ComiX-Fan or its other staff in general.
Writers: Douglas Cuckler, Patrick James, Jim Lemoine, Jordan T. Maxwell, and Zachary Palisoc.
Editor: Al Harahap.
One half of me is yours, the other half yours
Mine own, I would say
But if mine, then yours
And so all yours!
Yes, it's that time of year again. No, not the lovefest of the U.S. 2004 Presidential Elections. It is Valentine's -- when the pressure is felt to either share some quality time with a better half or drown sorrows in a friendly bottle. But enough about me. Love it or hate it, Valentine's gives us an excuse to do something irregular and special with our loved ones. People the world over come together to give Hallmark and chocolate/candy companies a boost in sales. Not to mention bask in one of the few celebrations far away from politics or war. Ahh, love. What is it about love that makes us fear? What is it about love that makes us surrender? Such is its power, that love has made itself one of the biggest -- if not, the biggest -- proponent of literature. From the earliest union of Adam & Eve, to Shakespeare's ultimate lovers in Romeo & Juliet, to the tabloid gossip of Trista & Ryan... we just love to read about love! In comic books, action and intrigue may reign supreme, but it's rarely ever that they are not countered with a love story. From the archetype of Superman and Lois Lane, to the trials of Remy & Rogue, to the modern Apollo & Midnighter... comic book couples infiltrate into our hearts. The neverending journey to attain and maintain keep us glued to their lives. The course of true love never did run smooth.
So what do you get when you put two fluttering thespians, two pairs of queer eyes, and a married man all in one room? These ComiX-Fan staff have come together to vye for their passion of love in comics. We submit to you... The Top 10 Comic Book Couples:
<center><hr width=75%></center>
Unflustered by his rookie reviewer status, Patrick James dares to blindly tread first into the fray:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/custom_avatars/avatar8440_2.gif" align=left border=0 alt="Patrick James">All right, here goes my list.
Please, be gentle. This is my first time, after all. ;)
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/novanamorita.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#10: NOVA & NAMORITA
While I may be harkening back to my childhood a bit more than is recommended on this one, they were so good together in the early days of New Warriors. This couple dealt with raging teenage hormones while fighting crime and morally leading a team of relative rookies. While I admit I’m unfamiliar with the recent status of these two, their initial romance was just so fascinating. She was so fiercely independent and he was so…Nova! I just really loved, and still love, these two together. I need to go read my old New Warriors comics now…
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/archangelpsylocke.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#9: ARCHANGEL & PSYLOCKE
You didn’t really think the poster formerly known as "Arkangel4Psy" was going to leave out his personal favorite pairing, did ya? [Editor's note: No, but some of us were really hoping you would have. ;) ] That said, this couple warrants placement because they were so enjoyable to read. They built on each other’s flaws and insecurities from the start to become a very interesting pair. Reaching their height during the Crimson Dawn mini-series, this couple was truly in love. The pairing seemed genuine and truly affectionate, without ever making either seem like they had compromised too much individuality in becoming a pair. It’s a shame the two split ways to eventually become halves in two terrible pairs, but we can always remember the brighter days of them together.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/reedsue.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#8: MR. FANTASTIC & INVISIBLE WOMAN
Marvel’s first family would not have so much love without the genius leader and his invisible wife. With a fanbase surging, this family, complete with children, uncles and arch-nemesis, has proven that they’ve stood the test of time. What makes Reed and Sue alone warrant placement though is the realism with which they’ve always handled being both superheroes AND parents. Perhaps they are to be admired for this familial aspect especially in a medium that doesn’t really embrace having mom and dad as the heroes. Besides, they just work.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/hawkeyemoonstone.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#7: HAWKEYE & MOONSTONE
The thing that makes this couple stand out in my mind is that they manage to so successfully bring out both the best and worst in each other. Begun as an attempt at control by Moonstone, the two quickly became a very involved pair, though never feeling unnaturally rushed into coupledom. Though their breakup at the end of Thunderbolts #75 left this fan wanting more, it left things nicely open for an interesting reunion come time for Avengers vs. Thunderbolts in March. This witty pair deserves more time, but we’ll have to wait and see if anything else comes from the pairing.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/visionscarlet.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#6: VISION & SCARLET WITCH
One of the classic tragedies in Marvel comics is the storied love of Vision the android and Scarlet Witch. This unlikely coupling produced some very strange and involving tales, but they just seemed so gosh-darn happy and right for each other. Alas, the loss of Vision’s emotive state and their children eventually led to their marriage falling apart. While remaining close, things have never been quite the same for the couple. But it seems only inevitable that their love will rekindle someday…now that Wonder Man’s out of the way. Oh, and Vision’s fling with Mantis…
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/wolverinephoenix.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#5: PHOENIX (JEAN GREY) & WOLVERINE
While I debated with myself over whether or not they actually counted a bonafide couple or not, I eventually decided that it didn’t matter, really. They are the source of one of the most consistently high-intensity love triangles in comics. Even when you think they’re off, old feelings die hard between these two. What makes this couple more interesting, though, than Cyclops/Jean is the forbidden aspect. It feels so wrong, but both know it’s so right. Mmm…forbidden fruit…so tempting…and engaging. Hence, number 5.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/batmancatwoman.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#4: BATMAN & CATWOMAN
For sheer reader enjoyability, few compare to the chemistry of the Bat and the Cat. Transcending into many of the more respected mediums, this couple has proved that staying power is not necessarily a must to ensure reader interest. Just couple a good-enough guy with the best bad-girl in town and let the witty dialogue fly. While Hush may have put this couple in a new league, they were always fun to watch as an almost-pair. Besides, no comic book couple has managed to master the art of “opposites attract” better than these two.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/colossusshadowcat.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#3: COLOSSUS & KITTY PRYDE
With an interesting, yet albeit short relationship, many may question my high placement of this couple. I feel, however, that this relationship’s strength lies more in the fallout it produced, and produces still today in X-Men comics. The cutesy relationship’s ending has turned out many an excellent story, including, but not limited to, Kitty’s growth into Shadowcat, the Excalibur-era tension between the couple and Kitty’s then-flame Pete Wisdom and Kitty’s spreading of Piotr’s ashes. The quality of the stories produced from this initially cute little pairing earns them #3 honors.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/nightwingoracle.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#2: NIGHTWING & ORACLE
I’m really not quite sure what to say about this couple. Honestly, I just have a hard time thinking of a more interesting and heart-wrenching couple than Dick and Barbara. For many, I’m sure this is the quintessential couple. The ups and downs of their almost relationship are so excellently crafted and true to life that you just can’t help but want them to work everything out and someday end up at the end of that aisle. Though, that said, tying the knot is the doom of many of even the most interesting couples…but it just seems cruel not to let them be together any longer. *sigh* I give you #2.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/antmanwasp.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#1: HANK PYM & WASP
I can think of no couple that has generated more interesting stories without feeling dull or overused. From start to finish, a relationship that has gone through ups and downs and ups and downs again, they’ve stayed fresh. Also, they dealt with the very real problem of spousal abuse and have, without any kind of quick fix, overcome that to be a stronger, yet very different, couple for it. Being imperfect, but still in love, is really a big draw to this pair. But the realism and constant significance of this couple puts them at the top of my heap.
Rebuttals: Jim: BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!! Y'know, I'd hoped to have a couple of funny ones in my list, but you definitely beat me here. I mean, Hawkeye and Moonstone? HA! Oh, that's funny. Wolverine & Jean? Oh, lovely satire there, I could never type that with a straight face. And best of all... Archangel and Psylocke??? Hee hee hee hee... oh, it's just too much! I considered a lot of approaches to this Top Ten, but I never considered purposely picking couples that had absolutely nothing in common and made awful, unreadable, competely forced and lifeless matches like Warren and Betsy did. Oh, hats off to you, Patrick... I wish I could write irony like that.
What? Al, did you say something?
He was serious?
No way. Really?
No, really. Are you sure?
Oh. Well, then. Um... should I start over?
Zach: Angel and Psylocke never generated any interest in me. Maybe because I stopped reading comics during that whole time period, only returning for the "revamp" three years ago. But even with the help of back issues, I just couldn't see the spark or the romance that others saw. Sure, they had some things in common--they both underwent transformations that made their souls a little darker, but else than that, I couldn't just see the "magic" that was this pairing. In my mind, Warren would be better off alone, because that's just the way he is. He's a businessman at heart and a professional businessman always distances himself from any type of relationships. I'm ambivalent on Colossus and Kitty. While their romance, short-lived as it was, was sweet, it had a certain lack of chemistry. I saw it as more of a crush, the first stirring of young love for Kitty. There's no question that I would have been thrilled to see how far Claremont would take them, but unforunately, their so-called "romance" came to a quick and swift end before it could really begin to go anywhere.
Doug: I agree with most of your list. The Avengers / Bat-family give you points. Bucket Head and Fish girl over Vance and Angel? Seriously. And speaking of poor and dead, let's not forget your pick for # 9. Blah and a half. (Runs and hides from the Legion of Betsy Clan :rolleyes: )
Jordan: Well...it's nice to see you were able to mention a few couples who AREN'T in the X-Men or Avengers. It shows personal growth. Have a cookie. However, the fact that your list includes (amongst other things) adultery, statutory rape, spousal abuse...AND the New Warriors...makes me wonder something. Just how screwed up IS your love life, buddy? Besides which, how you can mention Hawkeye and Moonstone (still can't get that Supervillain Idol out of your blood, can you?) over Hawkeye and Mockingbird and Phoenix and Wolverine instead of the far better matched Phoenix and Cyclops is beyond me. Still, enjoy your cookie...and maybe someday, we'll tell you the story of how there are titles published outside of mainstream Marvel and DC. Won't that be fun?
<center><hr width=75%></center>
Then our very own Columns Editor, Jim Lemoine, takes artistic license on the term "couple" with his creative list:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/custom_avatars/avatar25_5.gif" align=left border=0 alt="Jim Lemoine">He's a lawyer, he's a blind man, he's a superhero, he's a movie star. Thanks to the works of Kevin Smith, David Mack, and Brian Michael Bendis, Marvel's Man Without Fear, Daredevil, is more popular than ever. The Marvel Knight, who originally started out as little more than a cheap Spider-Man knock-off, has been through a lot of changes over the years...
What?
Top Ten Couples? Says who?
Harahap?
Gah.
Fine, then. Couples it is.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/howardbeverly.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#10: HOWARD THE DUCK & BEVERLY SWITZER
Only in the fantastic world of mature comics could we ever see a hook-up between an absolute loser with no direction in her life and no prospects for success in the American Dream, and a talking other-dimensional duck for whom the very concept of "success," as judged by modern culture, was complete anathema. Yes, Howard's a duck... but as he would say, "at least I'm not one of you stupid hairless apes, falling over yourselves to impress each other!" This relationship is that of the philosopher and the student, the loving and the not-believing-in-love, the optimist and the cynic, the blessed and the miser, the woman and the fowl. Under Steve Gerber's pen, their relationship developed in a very meaningful and realistic way over time, culminating in a highly enjoyable affair for both girl, duck, and reading voyeur.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/greenblack.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#9: GREEN ARROW & BLACK CANARY
I don't pretend to be any kind of expert in DC lore, nor am I currently anything but a casual reader of a few Vertigo titles. But although I haven't had the chance to see the romance from past to present, there's always been something very appealing to me about the romance and courtship of Green Arrow and the Black Canary. [Editor's note: Howabout the fact that they're the earlier prototypes for Hawkeye and Mockingbird, both individually and as a couple, Mr. "Ooh look at me and my love for Hawkeye"? :p ] On the one hand, Oliver Queen: the knee-jerk liberal, brash, blunt, and outspoken, who had (and has) no idea of the right way to approach a woman. On the other, Dinah Lance: a sensible second-generation hero not afraid to speak her mind, with a thing for the strong silent type. There shouldn't have been any way these two characters ever got together... but in one of those oh-so-realistic developments, they found love despite their huge differences. It's always nice to see a couple like that get together, with the sparks flying in every sense imaginable. They enjoy fighting as much as they enjoy making up, so it works.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/bluebooster.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#8: BLUE BEETLE & BOOSTER GOLD
No comic book couple that I know of impersonates an old married couple better than the demi-dynamic duo of Blue Beetle and Booster Gold. They're the Odd Couple of the superhero world: the conservative, moral, scientific brainiac of the present and the impulsive, amoral, couch-potato idiot of the future. The only things these two ever had in common were their membership in various Justice Leagues and their admittedly twisted senses of humor. Seeing these two together is something I've missed for years, and I was delighted to see their reunion in Formerly Known As The Justice League. Where so many superhero partnerships are dull, blah, and feel forced (i.e. Cap and the Falcon or Batman and Robin, usually), the dynamic between the Beetle and the Booster is perfect, and a joy to read. They work so well as a duo that one would almost think that they were ambiguously... well, never mind.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/mattkaren.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#7: MATT MURDOCK & KAREN PAGE
It's interesting that one of the most devout Catholics in the Marvel Universe has also been through the most women... from Elektra (a relationship that should have been left alone after her first death) to Heather Glenn (a flakey type who Matt drove to insanity) to Glori O'Breen ("Ach, look! I'm Irish!") to Typhoid Mary (more to come) to many others. But it's always Karen Page that's been the most interesting of his ladyfriends, because they're almost too good of a match. Where most lovers respect and depend on each other, Matt and Karen ascend to a level where they can't function without the other. Their entire personas and self-images are all wrapped up in their love, and it gets self-destructive very quickly. They've both hurt each other, and badly, but then, don't you always hurt the ones you love? There are few comic romances sweeter than that of Daredevil and Karen Page, but also few quite as maniacally focused. You just knew it had to end in tragedy.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/sammax.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#6: SAM & MAX
I think these lines, quoted verbatim, say it all:
"That was close! Imagine it, Max. We were actually buried alive by a sorry band of gassy smelling pirates!"
"Who would have thought the monkey would dig us up to rifle our wallets?"
"You don't even carry a wallet."
"Yeah, but now I can fashion one from this handsome monkey scalp. Mmmm, it's still warm."
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/brianmeggankurt.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#5: BRIAN BRADDOCK & MEGGAN (& KURT WAGNER)
No, not a threesome, get your mind out of the gutter. Arguably, some of the best Marvel Comics ever created were the early issues of Excalibur, in which the lovely faeriechild Meggan found herself torn between two heroes. On one side was her longtime lover, the alcoholic, handsome, bumbling, yet oddly heroic Captain Britain. On the other was her new acquaintance, a charming but demonic appearing man named Nightcrawler who'd been raised by gypsies just like her. When the good Captain descended into alcoholic stupor or unreasonable rage, it was the relatively frail Kurt Wagner who lent her a shoulder to cry on. Captain Britain, really a good man at heart, had no idea how to express his emotions and hold onto the woman he loved; Meggan, still naive to the ways of the world and immature in many ways, was trapped in an abusive relationship that she couldn't bear to leave; and Kurt, the experienced and moral ex-X-man, was torn between what the man would do and what the hero should do. It eventually even came to blows between Kurt and the Cap, with Nightcrawler giving a surprisingly good showing (check out Excalibur #43 for a fantastic read). In the end Cap straightened up and did right by Meggan, and they've since been married. They're a great couple, all the better because of the problems they had to defeat to get to this point.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/deadpooltyphoid.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#4: DEADPOOL & TYPHOID MARY
With all due respect to Siryn and Outlaw, there's never been a couple more meant for each other than these two; the cover of Deadpool #8 illustrates it perfectly. It's a match made in heaven; Mary likes to set things on fire, Deadpool finds fires sparkly and pretty (even moreso when the person on fire is running around and screaming - it adds drama to the moment). Deadpool likes hacking people's limbs off; Mary likes to whack people with the limbs after he's done. Mary likes to come on to her men in odd, public social settings; Deadpool is one of the few guys in the world who would never tell her no. Deadpool likes to keep his mask on during his trysts; Mary's got no problem with personal fetishes. Mary likes to drive men insane; Deadpool enjoys being insane.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/clarklois.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#3: CLARK KENT & LOIS LANE
By now, we've seen it a hundred times, sure, but back then it was new, daring, and brilliant. Some people may call it cliched... but remember, Lois and Clark started the stereotypes. Lois loved Superman, but couldn't stand Clark Kent. Kent loved Lois, but felt uncomfortable approaching her as Superman. Torn by the need to protect his secret identity, Superman had to act like a cowardly loser in his Clark Kent guise, which only made things worse. The very simple dynamic of that relationship was one of the things that really made Superman so special for much of his existence (and the great job by Reeve and Kidder in the movies helped, too).
The relationship got a lot more boring when Lois discovered who Clark really was... but in recent years, it's perked up again with a new added element; the idea of Lois as... well... something less than the perfect, completely devoted and understanding housewife type. There's something fun about reading a hen-pecked Superman... or a wife that puts her superheroic husband in his place, as needed.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/megatronstarscream.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#2: MEGATRON & STARSCREAM
What?
Oh, come on... you know it's true. [Editor's note: Is anyone else really worried about how Jim Lemoine plays with his Transformers?]
"Cybertron and all its moons belong to me!"
"Maybe, but tonight YOU belong to ME, bitch!"
"Ummm... what's the safe word?"
"Witwicky. And try not to poke me so much with your gun barrel this time."
"But I thought you liked that...."
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/petergwen.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#1: PETER PARKER & GWEN STACY
Modern fans of Spidey think of Mary Jane as the perfect girl for Peter Parker; they're wrong. Modern fans of Spidey also think that the death of Uncle Ben was the biggest tragedy in Peter's life; it's my opinion that they're wrong, too. See, the true tragedy of Peter Parker is this: all of us have a soulmate out there somewhere, that one special person who is an absolutely perfect match made in heaven just for us. Most of us go through life without ever meeting our soulmate, or dreaming that they even exist. Peter, on the other hand, actually did meet his soulmate, and fall in love with her... and then she was killed.
Back in the day, Peter Parker wasn't really very interested in Mary Jane Watson at all; he considered her a pale shadow of the real love of his life, Gwen Stacy. Countless times he considered telling Gwen the truth about his secret identity, and he even thought about the prospect of marriage often. MJ was just another girl, usually dating his roommate; the idea of MJ with another man didn't bother Pete in the slightest, where conversely, the merest hint that Gwen was seeing Flash Thompson was enough to throw Spidey into a jealous rage! Peter was well and truly hooked, in love, completely infatuated with Gwen... and she was the same with him, ever since they first met. Where MJ always had a different lifestyle and wholly different desires than Pete, Gwen was interested in science, family, and a stable home life... just like her man Parker.
Stan Lee's touching portrayal of their blissful romance was rare in this superhero world. They were one of the greatest couples in the history of comics... made all the greater by Gwen's untimely death. And the biggest tragedy of Peter's life isn't that he got his powers, or that his Uncle Ben died... it's that he'd had his soulmate, he'd loved her... and then he lost her.
Rebuttals: Patrick: The humorous takes on your list are nice enough little jabs at what this is all about. I love that you put Capt. Britain and Meggan on your list, as they almost made mine as well, and including Kurt is greatness because he really is what made that pairing so interesting to start with. While I can't quite agree with Lois and Clark, I love the way you justified it for yourself. And though I may have never read the death of Gwen Stacy, I was always under the impression that she was more important than Uncle Ben and MJ. Now, about Sam/Max...that doesn't say it all to this fan, as I still have no idea who the hell you're talking about. But Booster Gold and Blue Beetle is more than amusing
Zach: There are no words. I bow to the Master. :bow:
Doug: Great list. I agree with your inclusion of Deadpool / Mary, as well as the early Excalibur triangle. LOL, points for Megatron/ Starscream. You rock.
Jordan: Jim...did I ever tell you you're my hero? Honestly, anyone who can make me laugh that hard deserves a round of applause. It was hard to tell when you were being serious, when your tongue was planted firmly in your cheek and when it was just sticking straight out at us sometimes...but that made it all the more brilliant because I actually had to pause and consider the more comedic ones as genuine couples (the amount of joy I gained from Blue Beetle/Booster Gold alone was worth the price of admission) and see the more "traditional" couples in a bit of a mocking light. My only grievance lies in your devaluing of Peter and MJ in favor of Peter and Gwen. While I wrestled over which one "meant" more, I never once thought that one overshadowed the other. As I have loved (and lost) more than woman in my life, I can say that I believe there is more than one person for some of us in this world. And Peter was blessed to love and be loved by two amazing and gorgeous women. But yeah...I do still miss Gwen from time to time...sniff...
<center><hr width=75%></center>
Next up is the straight-to-business, no-nonsense, no-avatar, no-intro moderator, Zachary Palisoc:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/franklinrachel.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#10: FRANKLIN RICHARDS & RACHEL SUMMERS
Just because I'm a sucker for doomed couples from the future. 'Nuff said. ;)
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/wolverinephoenix.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#9: PHOENIX (JEAN GREY) & WOLVERINE
Why this couple? Maybe it's because of the way they keep coming back to each other whenever they're trapped in the most desperate of situations. Maybe it's the animal attraction. Or maybe it's simply because Logan (excuse me, "James") awakens something inside her that poor Scott Summers could never have. It's not that Cyclops is not well suited for Jean, it's just that compared to Wolverine, he's downright dull instead of the stoic person that he's perceived to be. Wolverine and Jean have passion and they have heat. These stolen, forbidden kisses that they share ignite a fire worthy of the Phoenix.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/clarklois.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#8: SUPERMAN/CLARK KENT & LOIS LANE
Even though I hate Superman with a bloody vengeance, there was a time (when I was in my pre-teens, actually and I can't believe I'm dating myself here) where I would eagerly read Superman comics and marvel at how clueless Lois was. I mean, all of the signs were right there in front of her! Clark keeps disappearing whenever danger's around, and these glasses were a sorry excuse for a secret identify. And Lois Lane calls herself an investigative reporter? Pfft! All the same, I was still rooting for them as a couple, as both Clark Kent and Superman. With the Clark Kent alter-ego, they could share quips and playful insults while working out in the field, and with the Superman alter-ego, he was always rushing off to rescue her from yet another situation that she had gotten herself into because of her darned curiosity. But then Superman died (and I stopped reading after that, believing he was really dead. [Editor's note: Silly Zach... don't you know that comic cash cows will never die? (...says the fan who fell apart and wore the Superman symbol black mourning armband for weeks after he "died.") :hrm: ] But then DC brought him back, despite me having the strong conviction he should have stayed dead forever, but that's another story... At any rate, the team-up of Clark Kent and Lois Lane had a classic iconic feel to them that no other couple in super-dom has ever achieved.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/beastemma.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#7: EMMA FROST & HANK MCCOY
The Ice Queen and the intelligent Beast. What could be one of the most mismatched pair in the X-Universe turns out to something surprising and funny. When put in a scene together, Emma and the Beast are so in-synch, it's scary. Henry is a perfect match for Emma Frost's dry wit, while Emma's sarcastic remarks just roll right off Henry's furry back. An odd match, perhaps, but made all the more charming by Hank's ability to warm up Emma's cold heart. Forget Scott, the Beast is the man for her!
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/brentjade.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#6: BRENT SIENNA & JADE FONTAINE (of PvP: Player versus Player)
Ah, the joys of couplehood. This is as real as it gets, folks. Forget these silly costumed super-heros, this is what a real couple is like in the comic world. Trading insults, falling for each other online, playing RPGs (Jade can beat the pants off anybody!), this unlikely couple quickly stole the hearts of readers everywhere. What made this so unforgettable (and funny) was how their relationship progressed. Even now, when in a fully committed relationship (to the horror of Brent) the quips and the off-color commentary come as fast and furious as ever.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/ultimatepetermaryjane.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#5: ULTIMATE PETER PARKER & MARY-JANE WATSON
It took thirteen issues (who else but Brian Michael Bendis would take thirteen issues for the revelation of Spider-Man's identify to Mary Jane?) but once Mary Jane found out Peter's secret identify, their relationship has been anything but smooth. Filled with pathos (she was kidnapped by the Green Goblin and dropped off a bridge, a la 616 Gwen Stacy) and drama (the enigmatic Ultimate version of Gwen Stacy lurking in the background, Spidey always having to rush off to take care of the villain of the day) that makes its 616 relationship look sedate by comparison. Yet, through all of this, Bendis gives them humor and heart. It's such an intelligent pairing that made me wish it could last forever, but with Bendis at the helm, anything goes. Nevertheless, the Ultimate version of Peter Parker and Mary Jane is a match made in heaven.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/gambitrogue.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#4: ROGUE & GAMBIT
Trials and tribulations. It's fairly safe to say that these two have been through a lot, from Rogue absorbing his memories of the Morlock Massacre and abandoning him in a frozen wasteland. It's fair to say that heir relationship has had its shares of up and downs, but it's the undeniable attraction and the love between these two that keeps them coming back to each other. Even after discovering Gambit's betrayal, Rogue's heart was still with him. Sure, it took them many years and being stabbed with a sword to finally break down the emotional walls between them, but their reunion was made the more sweetest by the fact that Rogue is now able to finally kiss him without being afraid. The payoff may have taken a little too long, but in the end, it was all worth it for this couple.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/nightcrawlerscarlet.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">3: NIGHTCRAWLER & SCARLET WITCH
One word: Exiles. That's what got me interested in me this unlikely pairing. When I first read about how Nocturne, the daughter of Nightcrawler and the Scarlet Witch came to be, I was instantly sold. In my mind, these two were a more likely couple than Wanda and the Vision. Even though there is not much information about how their relationship blossomed, the pairing just seemed to have a natural feeling to it. Wanda is better suited for Kurt's quips than anybody else, while Kurt is the right person to soften Wanda's defensive walls that she has built up around her thanks to her life with the Avengers and with the Vision. Dare I hope for a 616 version of this couple? Not likely, as long as the Vision still exists...
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/charlielucy.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#2: CHARLIE BROWN & LUCY
I know, I know. They're not X-Men. They don't belong in the Marvel universe or any other universe, for that matter, so what're they doing here? [Editor's note: And this is a problem because...?] The simple fact is that they're still cartoon characters, characters which have a special place in my heart. The Peanuts strips has always gave me my chuckle of the day and that's why I chose this particular couple to be my next to last (but not least) choice. If you think about it carefully enough, there's a reason why Charlie keeps coming to Lucy's "therapy sessions." Even though she may give him useless advice and calls him a blockhead, you cannot deny that there's a certain chemistry between them. The whole football thing would give Freud a field day--there's a reason why she keeps pulling it out under him, you know? Think about it... ;)
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/forgestorm.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#1: STORM & FORGE
If ever an example of "star-crossed lovers," was given in the Marvel Universe, these two would be it. Their relationship began with violence and ended in sadness: He shot her and stripped her of her powers. Realizing his mistake, he took her to his apartment and that's when the slow burn began, with them establishing an uneasy trust between each other. It took a long time for Storm to finally give her heart to Forge, when they spent a year on the Adversary's homeworld. But, alas, it was not to be. Even though they established a bond with each other, some mistrust still remained. Even when Forge questioned Storm's loyalty to him, he still prospered marriage, but Ororo wavered, telling him she needed to think about it. What could have been was destroyed the moment Forge asked Jean to read Storm's mind to find out how she really felt. Jean's hesitation was the final blow to their relationship, convincing Forge that Storm never really loved him. (See Uncanny X-Men 289-290) To this day, still, I hope to see them together again--even though the wounds between them may never be healed. And that's why they belong at the top of my list.
Rebuttals: Patrick: Much as I love Rachel Summers, there are many greater doomed-future couples out there who got some decent panel-time and are more noteworthy, IMO. Your inclusion of Rogue and Gambit make me want to hurl. Seriously. Also, the pairing of Beast and Emma can hardly be considered a pairing since the two have shared so sparse a number of panels that even their friendship, as eluded to in Murder at the Mansion seemed phoned in to me. Kurt and Wanda? Don't encourage Austen, Zach. Bad Zach! You did, however, have some redeeming taste by including Jean/Logan and even Lucy/Charlie, but shot all that to hell with Storm/Forge. And at number 1, no less. I'm sorry, but I can see that we have nothing in common. :devil:
Jim: Oh, WOW, like, what an X-TREMELY X-CELLENT list! You totally do the Jubester proud here! I just don't get these picks from PVP, Ultimate Spider-Man, and (gasp, you barbarian) DC... I mean, you could have included the rest of the TRULY SUPERIOR picks like Storm and Wolverine, or Havok and Lorna, or Charles and Lilandra, or Archangel and Psylocke (SQUEEEEEE!!!). I mean, everyone knows that there isn't ANY good comic that doesn't start with an X, and I'm glad your list recognizes that! Who needs open-mindedness, variety, actual relationship development, couples that makes sense, and/or realistic body proportions when you have that mutant gene and art by Rob Liefeld, right? Yay X! Go X! Boo everything else! Join the club! Bring back Maggott!
And kudos for remembering that Charlie Brown is actually a mutant. I'll never forget that strip where he put his fingers to his temples and shouted, "To me, my Peanuts!"
Doug: Credit for the mention of potentail between Emma/ Hank. I agree with the Ororo/ Forge combo as well, but maybe not as #1. Uncanny X-Men #289 was one of my first comics. (What? Yes, I'm new school. I was born in 1980. :D )
Jordan: Yeesh...what's with all the disrespect for Cyclops in this place? Sure, Logan and Jean are good together, but nowhere near as good as Jean and Scott. Beyond that, a pretty interesting list. Some...unusual choices, a lot of relationships that have yet to form and may never form. Your list comes off as more of a top ten proto-couples. We know that Charlie and Lucy will never end up together (or, if you're a fan of Automatic Kafka, that they won't STAY together), and have yet to see more than base hinting at pairings between Emma and Hank or Kurt and Wanda (though if it means my sweet TJ gets to be born, then I'm all kinds of on board). Still, in the category of "couples that will never work out but I have to love anyway," Storm and Forge is exceptional, especially to anyone who's read the gorgeous Lifedeath. Ultimate Peter and MJ is an inspired choice, and a personal favorite that I had to pass over in favor of the mainstream version...but I'm glad they got a mention. Also, my love for Days of Future Present dictates that I give you a big hug for mentioning Rachel and Franklin. Just wish you'd gone more in depth...tease.
<center><hr width=75%></center>
A long time passed, and our remaining two contributors were at a stalemate as to who would be the most cunning in waiting for everyon else's list. But resourcist Douglas Cuckler decided enough was enough:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/custom_avatars/avatar5697_4.gif" align=left border=0 alt="Douglas Cuckler">I'm really nervous about my list so don't rip it that much . ;) Douglas Cuckler's "Dreamy" Top Ten Couples:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/bigbysnow.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#10: SNOW WHITE & BIGBY WOLF
The elegant Snow, bitter yet loveable Head Administrator of Fabletown and the scruffy chain-smoking Bigby. This relationship looked doomed from the start. But strangely it worked. With the recent turn of events, time will tell if these lovers shall have a truly happy ending.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/apollomidnighter.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#9: APOLLO & MIDNIGHTER
The powerful Apollo and the edgy Midnighter. Gay, yet not the cliche. [Editor's note: Hey, that rhymes...] Toss in a super powered toddler they adopted , and we have a comic family for the new generation.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/cypherwolfsbane.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#8: RAHNE SINCLAIR & DOUGLAS RAMSEY
Ah, sweet teen romance. One of the few relationships in the New Mutants, was unfortunately also a short one. Rahne rarely let herself go, due to her religious conflicting upbringing, and Doug always felt he needed to prove himself. If you ignore the fact that she still slightly had a crush on Sam and he was caught drinking and partying with Roulette, their relationship was just beginning to blossom. What could be more tragic than him giving his life to save her? Throw in her later getting a slave mental bond to a Summers, and the entire Douglock fiasco. Truly never had a chance to bloom. Ah sweet teen romance.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/mystiquedestiny.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#7: RAVEN DARKHOLME & IRENE ADLER
Sometimes in writing are better left to the readers imagination. The things hinted at, and certainly intended for, but never outright stated. This holds true for Mystique and Destiny. Spending years together, adopting and raising Rogue. Add the sad fact that Mystique’s body doesn’t really age, and Destiny’s does. Irene sees her own death and sees a possible future for Raven and Forge, and she leaves this world. It was her time. But Mystique in her various forms, still carried her memory along.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/marvelfirestar.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#6: JUSTICE & FIRESTAR
There’s something about their relationship that screams America and apple pie, (or however the saying goes) [Editor-who-is-Australian's note: "as American as apple pie." ;) ], with their whole sweet boy meets sweet girl stereotype from the beginning. But through the writers and characters it never seemed stale or blah to me, it just grew. From revealing their secret identities to the accidental murder of his father, her trying to free him on his way to The Vault, to him wading his time in jail, all the way to the big gun Avengers days, with really big cosmic baddies and Angelica’s cancer scare. This relationship is what all young heroes look up to, I’m sure.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/guardianvindicator.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#5: MAC & HEATHER HUDSON
Mac and Heather were a lovely couple in the beginning. He was the head of Canada’s first and only super team, Alpha Flight, and she stood by her man, and played as a valuable member in her own right. Their future looked promising, that is until Canada decided to boot Alpha Flight almost in the beginning, and then Mac gets a sudden case of Jean Grey, with dying and coming back. Then he shows signs of catching the Magneto bug, and is younger. But she still loved him through this, and their vicious cycle ended (hopefully) when he almost died yet again, and she had their child.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/visionscarlet.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#4: VISION & WANDA MAXIMOFF
A mutant witch and an android you say? That reeks of odd and strange. Add a super powered actor on whom Vision’s personality was based to the mix, and you have one of the strangest love triangles ever. How could this relationship get any more troubled? Add in Vision trying to take over the world, loosing his personality, or Wanda discovering Magneto was her father, and be manipulated to believe she/ they had twins, not to mention the small fact that Simon keeps dying. This has to be what keeps them all so intertwined, the chaos is their strength. And somehow their strange little soap opera is still playing in an Avengers comic near you.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/antmanwasp.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#3: HANK PYM & JANET VAN DYNE
True love takes time and patience. Although they may have fooled their teammates with various hair style changes and name changes, it was obvious to them that something needed worked out. And that’s what real people do, in the really real world. Or so I’m told. Through their struggles and conflicts, they grew as individuals and a couple. There’s a ring of sincerity with these two that had never faded in my view.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/nightwingoracle.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#2: DICK GRAYSON & BARBARA GORDON
A bullet ended the career of Babs as the Batgirl, but her crime-fighting continued as the powerful Oracle. What also continued was the relationship her and Dick Grayson had. Both survivors of tragedy, they held together through the ups and downs.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/batmancatwoman.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#1: BRUCE WAYNE & SELINA KYLE
Like how Paula Abdul and that cartoon cat no one remembers said "opposites attract." We have here two sides of the same coin, the Bat and Cat, who choose to play their cat and mouse for a lifetime. Now with Selina Kyle knowing his identity, things could get better for them. The reason I picked them as #1 is because I have never grown tired of their constant forbidden romance.
Honorable Mention: NUNZIO DEFILIPPIS & CHRISTINA WEIR
Married co-writers of Skinwalker (Oni Press ) and New Mutants (2nd series). They continue to write a great title, as well as take the time to respond to fans here at the Grindstone.
Rebuttals: Patrick: Now, finally a man with some taste. While your descriptions are painfully short, even to me, you have some good picks. I mean, Hank and Jan, Wanda and Vision, Bruce and Selina, Dick and Babs; man, you've even got a New Warriors couple in there (though the wrong one, but that can be amended ;) ). Actually, come to think of it, the only problem I really have with your list is that awful Alpha Flight couple. I just never failed to hope they'd get a blown to oblivion forever and cease to annoy me. Oh, and Rahne doesn't deserve a man, not even one so pitiful as poor dead Doug. :p ;)
Jim: I think his name was Scat Cat.
Hats off to you for wonderfully illustrating the extremes of judgement possible here in the ComiX-Ten... in one short column segment, you're able to go from the brilliant (like the first five picks on your list) to the completely unimaginatively mainstream (like almost all of the others). I mean, Marvel and DC paid you off for those picks, right? And you got off to such a good start, too... oh, where did we go wrong with you?
Zach: Snow and Bigby was one of my contenders for my own list, but I decided against it because of the whole "doomed from the start" factor. I agree that they have great chemistry between them, and I love how Snow White is able to stand up to him and vice versa, but I don't foresee a happy ending for these two. :( Most of the other couples didn't hold much interest for me. I never saw the allure between the Vision and the Scarlet Witch. Some good picks, though.
Jordan: I'd like to really lay into your list, but everytime I look at it I see that Amber Benson avatar and fall in love all over again. No fair! You're emotionally manipulating my judgment! Seriously though, a fine list. Good choices, but your explanations left me wanting more. Like Chinese food, I was tantalized but not very filled. And given that most of your choices were pretty standard fare, you needed the explanations to really hold my interest. Even the choices that were outside the box a bit (I especially appreciated Bigby/Snow White and Mystique/Destiny) don't get the kind of attention they really deserve. Even your rankings take on a bit of a predictability. The more unconventional couples get shuffled to the bottom of the list, while couples who are better together but maybe not as popular (like Justice and Firestar) fill out the middle so that bigger and more popular characters can populate the top rankings. C'mon, Doug...you're not working for Wizard here.
<center><hr width=75%></center>
And last, but not least, our resident ComiX-Ten addict contributor, Jordan T. Maxwell, laying into the mix with his ever obscure creative entries:
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/forums/custom_avatars/avatar1126_6.gif" align=left border=0 alt="Jordan T. Maxwell">"Love is as strong as death, passion as fierce as the grave. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it." So reads one of my favorite biblical passages, from the Song of Songs. Yeah, bet you didn't know God could be romantic, did ya? It speaks quite clearly, though, to the power and enduring nature of love. An important thing when it comes to comic book couples. I mean, when you've got to go up against alien invasions, psychic manipulations, death, resurrection, heaven and hell just to stand by your honey...it kind of puts leaving the toilet seat up in perspective. So here now are my top ten picks for the couples who stand by each other and show what it is to love and be loved.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/fonethorn.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#10: FONE BONE & THORN
Ever since she set his head on fire [Editor's note: Ahh, the sign of true love...] with her "smooth brown thighs," the noblest of the Bone cousins has stood by Thorn through perilous adventures and grand royal destinies. His loyalty to her, no matter the sacrifice or cost to himself, is a testament to his pure and unconditional love and affection. He has no great strength or powers to protect himself, let alone her...yet he would stand between her and the Lord of the Locusts him...um, her...well, ITself. And though it's unspoken, you can tell in the way she looks at him that she knows...and understands...his love for her, even if she can never fully return it. He is her constant in a world of turmoil.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/lucifermazikeen.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#9: LUCIFER MORNINGSTAR & MAZIKEEN
One of the most beautiful scenes in Sandman: Season of Mists features Mazikeen, the warrior woman and daughter of Lilith, professing her love to her lord Lucifer through her half-mangled face and words as he attempts to close down Hell and send her away with the rest of the demons. She will not budge, her service to him goes beyond duty. He takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately, takes her dagger and sends her away with the farewell line, "you are very beautiful." It is a moment of tenderness from a being who is not thought to have any love or tenderness left in him. When we next see him in the mortal world, Lucifer again has Mazikeen in his service...as a waitress at his Los Angeles piano bar. And through his manipulations of the gods, his harrowings of Hell, his ascension to the divine...and even her own horrific "scarring" (her face is made whole) and assumption of leadership of the rival Lilim...she is still his emotional anchor. And while many may have sympathy for the devil, she is the only one for whom he returns the favor.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/wolverinephoenix.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#8: PHOENIX (JEAN GREY) & WOLVERINE
Oh, that classic trope of all romance...the forbidden passion. Since the moment they met, Logan and Jean Grey have shared a chemistry that sparked the wild and fierce passionate side of Jean and the humble and honorable nobility of the wild man, Wolverine. It is the thing most wanted that can never be had, no matter how many stolen kisses in moments of danger or despair. The fire he sparks in her is one too easily let out of control if not tempered...and if Jean Grey, the avatar of the Phoenix knows anything, it's about the importance of tempering your passions. Likewise, the honor and goodness she inspires in him keeps him from stealing the love of another man. Still, like Lancelot and Guinevere, they are joined by bonds of unrequiteable love and unfulfilled desire...not each other's meant to be, but forever the what might have been. [Editor's note: Someone's been reading too many romance novels with Fabio on the cover. Loh-dy, loh-dy, loh-dy, is it gettin' hot in he-ah?]
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/raggedking.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#7: RAGGED ROBIN & KING MOB
He was a psychic assassin with a thing for body piercing and 60s spy shows. She was a slightly crazy telepath from the future with a chip in her head and a deck of tarot cards. They were colleagues in an underground cell of occultist anarchists known as the Invisibles, fighting to expose and overthrow a conspiracy of cosmic conformity. But in the heat of battling for the fate of the world, they found comfort and solace in one another...and tantric sex. It's like something right out of Shakespeare...y'know, if Shakespeare had done a lot of shrooms or DMT. What started out as a fun little fling started to get more serious though as attraction and respect grew into love. He showed her the universe outside our own. She told him her deepest and darkest secrets. And just before she had to return to her own time, she revealed that she was pregnant with his child. Something went wrong, though, and she was flung outside of time...still chanting the Buddhist prayer he gave her...and into the supercontext, the beginning and end of all things. It wasn't until the final issue, set in the future she had called home, when she returned to him as the world dissolved around them. King Mob and Ragged Robin...Gideon and Kay...reunited at the end and the beginning of all things.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/jessetulip.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#6: JESSE CUSTER & TULIP O'HARE
"I'll love you until the end of the world." The hopeful promise of a foolish lover to another. A promise too easily broken by a young man's family. A promise not easily forgotten by a heartbroken girl. So it was that when we first met the reverend Jesse Custer and hitwoman Tulip O'Hare that all that remained of their love on the surface was aching, bitterness, resentment...and a secret too long held. When Jesse finally told Tulip how he was stolen away from her, and pledged again to love her until the end of the world, his sadistic family stepped in once more and took her from him with a bullet through her head. I haven't seen, heard or read a scene in my entire life that is as tragic and heartbreaking as Tulip's final pathetic plea as they put the gun to her head. "Can't I at least kiss him goodbye?" But death cannot stop true love...neither can angels, demons, nuclear explosions, backstabbing Irish vampires or the sinister machinations of a bipolar deity. This is love. This is fate. And in the end, Jesse and Tulip find each other again and ride not into the end of the world...but as every great Texas romance should, into the sunset.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/cyclopsphoenix.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#5: PHOENIX (JEAN GREY) & CYCLOPS
Understand that my parents met each other in the 7th grade, and have been together since they were juniors in high school. So high school sweethearts hold a special place for me, and there are no two more fitting of that crown than Scott Summers and Jean Grey (yeah, i know, this is her second showing on the list...what can I say? The woman's got a lot of love to give). [Editor's note: ComiX-Fan would like to officially state that the opinion of the polygamete Jordan T. Maxwell are solely his own and not reflective of its staff as a whole. :p ] From the beginning, these two were meant for each other. Yet, as the Bard said, the course of true love never did run smooth. And indeed, Jean has had to deal with Scott's insecurities and infidelities. Likewise, Scott has had to turn a blind eye to the sexual tension between her and Logan and cope with her death...a lot. Oh yeah, and then of course there was the one time she became omnipotent, went mad, killed billions of people and then herself so he grieved, married her clone, had a kid and dumped them both when she turned back up. Forget running smooth...these two need four wheel drive, tire chains and a rollbar to survive the hardships that have wound up in their path. Still, through it all, they find each other. They always find each other. Like the phoenix itself, their love will always rise from the ashes.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/clarklois.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#4: CLARK KENT & LOIS LANE
The first thing I need to point out...yes, that does say Clark Kent instead of Superman and there's an important reason why. At least as far as Lois is concerned. You see, for years (decades in our time) Lois pined away for Superman, the big dashing hero, while Clark kind of smirked knowingly behind his spectacles. But you know he just had to be hurting down deep inside. To love a woman who is so completely enamored with your alter ego; to know you could have her if you were willing to forever keep up the facade and never once have her as yourself; and to turn away from that temptation, because the Man has always been more important than the Super. Time passed, and journalistic rivals soon became friends...and more. Lois' crush on Superman began to pass, the fascination with the muscles and spandex fading, and she started to see the good thing she'd always head in front of her with Clark. And as their romance became more serious, and her feelings for Clark grew more strong than her infatuation wtih Superman, he finally revealed to her that the two were one and the same. Really, it's like some romantic parable. Lois puts aside her desire for the big dashing hero for the sweet dependable guy who cares for her, and she winds up getting both! Pay attention, ladies...go for the pretty face and big muscles, you get nothing. Go for the kind caring fella who's going to take good care of you, and you get the full package.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/petermaryjane.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#3: PETER & MARY-JANE WATSON PARKER
And so it came to pass, that generation upon generation of male comic book readers would dream of a hot redhead who would stand in their doorway and make all their wishes come true with those few simple yet magic words: "Face it, Tiger. You just hit the jackpot!" C'mon, who wouldn't fall head over heels in love right there and then? Peter Parker, the amazing Spider-Man, was the everyman loser. A nerd in high school turned geek in college, unlucky in love and trying desperately to juggle school, his job, taking care of his aunt and fighting crime. Yet he was a genius and a nice guy who always sought to do the right thing (because he understood the consequences of allowing the wrong thing to occur), a passionate kid who's quick sense of humor covered up years of pent up frustration, anger and guilt. And into his life walks this gorgeous redhead, an aspiring model and actress...a flirtatious, free spirited, fly by the seat of her pants kind of gal. Peter had hit the jackpot, indeed! But so had MJ. Coming from the life of her broken home and abusive father, her flippant demeanor concealing her core of vulnerability and low self-esteem. Two lost souls who were lucky enough to find someone in this world to care for, and to care for them. Two lovers and best friends who don't always get along, but always know how to make up. Yes, Gwen Stacy may have been Peter's first love...but MJ will always be his truest. Go get her, Tiger!
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/apollomidnighter.jpg" align=right border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#2: APOLLO & MIDNIGHTER
These two founding members of the Authority provide two of the strongest arguments for gay rights, gay marriage and gay adoption. One, they are a loving and strongly committed couple (who served time in the military) who have devoted themselves to each other, to their beautiful adopted baby girl Jenny, the reincarnated uber-powerful form of their former leader, and to a successful career of saving the world from the bastards who want to rule it or destroy it...and from the bastards who already do. Two, if you don't like it, they're two of the most powerful and deadly people in the known world and can kill you in any number of creative and sadistic ways. How's that for your right wing "family values"? And yet beneath all the lethal power, there's still love. Behind all the carnage, there's still caring. For instance...the Midnighter is the toughest s.o.b. on the planet. He can think of a hundred equally painful ways to kill you in the space of a breath and say something really clever while he does it. But when Apollo had to fly in a weakened state to help save the world, he begged him not to go for fear he might die. Apollo's response? A kiss on the cheek for the man he loves. A truly loving couple, with so much compassion and tenderness for one another...if there's one imperfection in this relationship, it's that they get along almost TOO well. But I'm not going to complain, for fear of what kind of havoc might be unleashed in the wake of some lover's quarrel.
<img src="http://www.comixfan.com/xfan/images/columns/top10couples/reedsue.jpg" align=left border=0 alt="ComiX-Ten">#1: REED & SUE RICHARDS
Love and marriage, we have been led to believe, share a kindred symbiosis comparable to that of an equine quadraped and its attached mobile conveyance unit...and it would take one hell of a strong and patient woman to listen to someone talk like THAT all day. Seriously, though, Reed and Sue are the perfect couple. Not in some freaky 50s sitcom kind of way, but genuinely perfect. Committed to each other, their family and their mutual dreams, these two complement each other so completely, challenge one another so fully on every emotional and intellectual level. When Reed's intellect and imagination soar away too far on flights of fancy, she is a grounding wire to guide him back to reality. And when her passion and emotions flare out of control, he's a calming influence to soothe her troubled heart. Therein lies the great irony: the two great imaginauts, questing for knowledge and discover across the globe and interdimensional borders, are also the poster couple for domestic life. They have built a loving home and family, strong and independent as individuals who also support one another as a couple. As spouses, as partners, as parents. There have been no great challenges to their love, no trial to truly prove it against, and yet it never grows stagnant or stale. Time has only made their love and commitment stronger. Then again, there's only been one true competitor for Sue's affections. And really, who are you going to choose? A guy in a speedo who smells like fish and is more likely to want to take over the world than settle in for a nice romantic dinner or a man who loves you with all of his vast heart and mind, who's given you two wonderful children and a life built on dreams...and who also happens to hold billions of dollars worth of patents and can stretch his entire body? I'll let you think on it for a bit...(his ENTIRE body!)
Honorable Mention: The kids from Blue Monday
I couldn't find room for them in the main body of my list, but I have to give a nod to Chynna Clugston-Major's adorable, angsty and hormonal adolescents, the mismatched couplings of Bleu and Alan and Victor and Clover. Watching them fumble with trying to stay cool and detached at an age where they're so sexually charged and emotionally vulnerable has produced some of the sweetest, funniest and truest moments I've ever seen in a comic book, as well as reminding me just how happy I was to be done with that phase of my life (along with the realization that we're never quite as done with it as we think). So, here's to Blue Monday, to comedy and emotional truth...and to the eternal hope that Monkeyboy might hook up with Erin. ;) (and no, this inclusion has nothing to do with my crush on Chynna...er...um...i mean...gah! I've said too much!)
Rebuttals: Patrick: Good Lord Jordan...and I thought my entries were long-winded...
Well, you'd expect with that many words and being last to post, you' be the grand finale. Unfortunately, such was not quite the case. While your justification of MJ/Spidey was great (mmm...jackpot...*drools*), I've got to agree with Jim that Gwen made for a much more worthwhile pairing. Now, as I expected would happen, I have no idea who any of the non-Marvel couples are aside from Lois and Clark (mmm...Teri Hatcher...*more drooling*). Now, that said, I have to agree with the rationale behind just Clark. That's right ladies, go for the full package, aka me. ;) Unfortunately, you not only put Cyclops and Jean on your list, but they ranked higher than Wolverine & Jean, which I simply cannot make my brain comprehend. Rather than have an aneurism over it, I'll just wait for all the Jean/Logan shippers to bite into you. Reed and Sue atop the heap, huh? Well, I must say, the eloquence of the way you put it makes me want to recondsider my own list...but then came "his ENTIRE body!" Well Jordan, there just aren't words to say how much that disturbs me.
Jim: Let's see here, time to read Jordan's list. Hmmm... Love is as strong as death, right right, so it goes (*yawn*).... Oh, look, it's Fone Bone, how exciting (*YAWN*)... yeah, this is really... ummm... really interesting... int... er... est... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz*Snarglesnort* zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz *Cough* What? Where am I?
Oh... um... yeah... Cyclops and Phoenix, gee, there's one I'd never have thought of.... ho-hum... yadda-yadda...I need to cut my toenails... it sure is warm in here... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz *what's that, Wanda? Again? Well, sure, you can stay here tonight if you need to... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz *Snore* zzzzzzzzzzzzzz MARY JANE! PHILISTINE!!! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz* couldn't sleep, Wanda? Me, either... guess we could always... ... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
zz... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... Huh?
What? It's over? Oh. Um, yeah. Great list.
Zach: At least we both agree that redheads are hot. :devil:
Doug: Points for Apollo and Midnighter, as well as Lucifer & Maz. You get an odd look because I have no clue who three of your list are. I wish I was less mainstream.
<center><hr width=75%></center>
So much love! So little poison... Blinded by love? Blinded by our writers' stupidity? Don't forget to vote in the multiple choice poll of whose list/s you think are best. And then come back to agree, disagree, or plain out lynch these lists. Have your own list? We invite you to share. Till the next installment of ComiX-Ten...
Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow...
<center><hr width=75%></center>
Patrick James is one of many new reviewers who have recently contributed to the great growth of our reviews section.
He celebrates Valentine's by beating his chest repeatedly like an overzealous diva and claiming his heart will go on.
Jim Lemoine is our great Columns Editor and hopes you continue to enjoy our op/ed articles.
He celebrates Valentine's by playing with clay on a ceramic turntable and being hungered for your touch.
Zachary Palisoc maintains the peace and security of our comic community.
He celebrates Valentine's by shaving his head and being too sexy for his shirt.
Douglas Cuckler has just joined us to help with our evergrowing bios, issue summaries, and other resources.
He celebrates Valentine's by injecting his lips with collagen and screaming he doesn't want to miss a thing.
Jordan T. Maxwell is our Movies Editor and loves to contribute to many feature columns.
He celebrates Valentine's by wearing an afro, applying lipstick, and yelling he will always love you.
<center><hr width=75%></center>
The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the writers, and are not reflective of ComiX-Fan or its other staff in general.