[[{“value”:”
The Marvel Universe is a vast tapestry of heroism, villainy, and complex relationships, to put it lightly. While Marvel Comics has brought many iconic romantic pairings to life on the page, an equally passionate fan base exists for couples that, despite their popularity, have never been officially recognized as canon. While some pairings are more niche, there are a great number that simply make sense in the grand scope of things.
These non-canonical romances often spark heated discussion, as well as creative works within the fandom. This passion is fueled by the compelling character dynamics, shared trauma, and undeniable chemistry that goes way beyond established storylines.
Exploring these fan-favorite pairings not only highlights the many different interpretations one can have of beloved characters, but also brings attention to the potential for enriching established lore by embracing relationships that resonate deeply with readers, even if they may not be the traditional publishing choices.
1
Steve Rogers And Bucky Barnes
The bond between Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes is foundational to Captain America’s mythos, originating in their shared history during World War II. Their relationship, initially established as a deep friendship between a scrawny kid from Brooklyn and his best friend, evolved into an enduring partnership through decades of comic book storytelling. Fans often interpret their unwavering loyalty, mutual understanding, and the sheer emotional weight of their shared past as indicative of a love that transcends platonic boundaries. Their interactions over the years repeatedly emphasize Bucky as Steve’s anchor and the one person who truly understands the man behind the shield.
Related
10 Things We Promise You Didn’t Know About Bucky Barnes
With decades of rich history, there is a lot to learn about both Bucky Barnes and the Winter Soldier, from his weaknesses to his various teammates.
The overwhelming popularity of a Steve/Bucky pairing among fans stems from the compelling story potential of two people who have literally gone through hell and back for each other. Making their romance canon would be a powerful, mature exploration of enduring love, trauma, and identity, while opening the door for a poignant exploration of struggles faced by queer people in the 1940s, and how that impacts them today. It would also offer a much-needed diverse perspective on heroism within the Marvel universe, normalizing queer relationships at the highest echelons of heroic society, reflecting the diverse readership that champions these characters.
2
Earth-616 Peter Parker And Spider-Gwen
The relationship between Earth-616’s Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy from Earth-65 (Spider-Gwen) has captivated fans across the multiverse. Their bond, initially born from shared loss and the unique understanding that only another Spider-person can truly offer, has blossomed into a deep connection. Despite the multiversal barriers (that are becoming less of a hurdle these days), their interactions often suggest a poignant longing and undeniable chemistry. Fans are drawn to the idea of these two Spider-people finding solace and love in each other, a connection that goes way beyond their individual tragedies and the vastness of the multiverse.
Making Earth-616 Peter and Spider-Gwen’s romance canonical would be a groundbreaking move, allowing for a deep exploration of cross-dimensional love. It would offer a unique twist on the classic Spider-Man romance, providing a fresh take that acknowledges the tragic fate of Peter’s Gwen and Gwen’s Peter, while allowing them to find happiness with a version of them from another reality. This pairing would give a powerful message of hope and resilience, demonstrating that love can defy even the boundaries of parallel universes and offer a second chance at happiness.
3
Captain Marvel And Iron Man
Carol Danvers and Tony Stark, two of Marvel’s most powerful and prominent heroes, share a history of both friendship and animosity. Their similar leadership qualities, strong personalities, and a mutual respect that underpins even their most tense interactions lay the groundwork for a truly fiery pairing. The potential for a powerful, dynamic romance between Captain Marvel and Iron Man lies in their shared experiences, their occasional arrogance, and their undeniable drive to protect the world. Their individual strengths, combined with a deep understanding of the burdens of heroism, create an interesting foundation for romance.
Their dynamic has the potential for fascinating story arcs, delving into how two very strong personalities navigate a romantic relationship while still leading their respective teams and saving the world.
Canonizing a romance between Captain Marvel and Iron Man would create a true powerhouse couple within the Marvel Universe. It would explore a relationship between two people who understand the unique pressures and responsibilities of their extraordinary lives, creating a mature and possibly explosive partnership. Their dynamic has the potential for fascinating story arcs, delving into how two very strong personalities navigate a romantic relationship while still leading their respective teams and saving the world.
4
Wolverine And Storm
Wolverine and Storm, two of the X-Men’s most iconic members, share a complex and often understated connection. While rarely explicitly romantic in the main Marvel Comics continuity, their deep respect, understanding, and fierce loyalty to one another cannot be denied. Their shared experiences as survivors, combined with their contrasting yet somehow complementary personalities (Wolverine’s primal nature and Storm’s regal grace) make this pairing particularly compelling. There’s an undeniable intensity in their interactions, hinting at a passion that could easily blossom into romance.
A canonical romance between Wolverine and Storm would bring a unique and powerful pairing to the X-Men. It would explore a relationship built on mutual respect, shared hardship, and a respect for each other’s inner strength. This pairing could lead to a deeper exploration of both characters’ vulnerabilities, both as heroes and regular people. It would also give a refreshing alternative to their more traditional and arguably overused romantic pairings, showing a powerful and mature love between two battle-hardened heroes.
5
Jean Grey And Emma Frost
Jean Grey and Emma Frost, both powerful telepaths with complex histories, started out as rivals, particularly during the New X-Men era. However, their dynamic eventually shifted, moving on from animosity to a begrudging respect and, in the eyes of many fans, an undeniable attraction. The intellectual sparring and the undeniable magnetism between two of Marvel’s strongest female telepaths have fueled the fire of this popular non-canonical pairing. Their interactions often hint at a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities; a stark contrast to their more traditional romances over the years.
Canonizing the Jean Grey and Emma Frost romance would be a bold and progressive move, challenging traditional love triangles and bringing a unique perspective to power dynamics within relationships. Their shared experiences and their strong existing chemistry would create a nuanced and mature romance, showing a partnership built on mutual respect. Like the Steve and Bucky pairing, Emma and Jean would also bring much-needed queer representation to Marvel Comics, allowing for a deeper exploration of their personalities beyond their traditional roles as love interests for male characters.
6
Black Widow And Hawkeye
Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton, known as Black Widow and Hawkeye, share an unparalleled history as partners, best friends, and former agents for SHIELD. Their bond is built on years of shared missions, life-or-death situations, and an unspoken understanding to which few others can relate. The unwavering loyalty, deep trust, and the emotional connection between the two, developed through their dangerous careers, could easily be something more than platonic. Their easy banter and seamless teamwork often hint at an underlying romantic tension that has captivated readers for decades.
Related
It’s a Crime Hawkeye Season 2 Isn’t Happening Because It Has the Perfect Story to Tell
Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye comic redefined Clint Barton, focusing on his grounded, everyday heroism and his dynamic mentorship of Kate Bishop.
Making Black Widow and Hawkeye’s romance canon would be a natural progression of their already incredibly close relationship. It would be a grounded, relatable love story amidst the high-stakes world of superheroes, focusing on two people who truly understand the unique challenges of each other’s lives in a way others cannot. A relationship between Clint and Natasha would open the door for a deeper exploration of their oftentimes mysterious personal lives, showing a love forged in the fires of spycraft.
7
Scarlet Witch And Doctor Strange
Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, and Stephen Strange, the Sorcerer Supreme, are two of Marvel’s strongest, and sometimes dangerous, magic users. Their shared connection to mystical arts, undeniable power, and understanding that comes from wielding such forces, is a solid building block for a romance between the two. Their shared dynamic often involves a deep intellectual and magical connection, hinting at a partnership that goes way beyond traditional friendships.
The potential for a powerful, almost cosmic, connection between Wanda and Stephen is undeniable, given their respective roles in the mystical side of the Marvel Universe. A romance between Scarlet Witch and Doctor Strange would create a truly magical power couple, exploring a love story built on shared mastery of the arcane. It would allow for a deeper dive into the emotional toll of wielding power that not many others can relate to, showing how two people can find solace and understanding in each other, even in the most extraordinary of circumstances.
8
Natasha Romanoff And Steve Rogers
Natasha Romanoff and Steve Rogers share a deep bond forged through countless battles and a mutual respect for each other’s capabilities and unwavering moral compass. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, Steve as a symbol of old-world heroism and Natasha as a reformed spy with a dark past, they’ve consistently demonstrated an undeniable understanding and trust. Fans are drawn to the dynamic between Steve’s steadfast principles and Natasha’s pragmatic approach, often seeing a complementary nature that could lead to a powerful and grounding romance for both characters.
Their relationship could be built on shared trauma, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities.
Making a romance between Natasha Romanoff and Steve Rogers canon would provide a compelling exploration of love between two heroes who understand the profound sacrifices their lives demand. Their relationship could be built on shared trauma, mutual respect, and a deep appreciation for each other’s strengths and vulnerabilities. It would offer a mature love story, showcasing how two individuals who have both been defined by their service can find a meaningful connection and perhaps even a sense of peace in each other’s company, adding another layer to their already rich characters.
9
America Chavez And Kate Bishop
America Chavez and Kate Bishop, both members of the Young Avengers, share a dynamic and often flirtatious friendship that has begged for further exploration. Their playful banter, awe of each other’s abilities, and connection as young heroes in a complex world set the stage for a deeper bond. Each woman has a strong personality, yet complements each other as America’s confident swagger is often balanced by Kate’s sarcastic wit.
Making a romance between America Chavez and Kate Bishop’s canon provides another much-desired queer pairing among Marvel’s younger generation of heroes along the lines of Wiccan and Hulkling. Their relationship would be a refreshing and authentic representation of young love, showing a partnership built on shared adventure, humor, and unwavering support. An America and Kate partnership could inspire a new generation of readers who see themselves in the character, proving that love can blossom in diverse and unexpected ways.
10
Daredevil And The Scarlet Witch
Matt Murdock and Wanda Maximoff, Daredevil and the Scarlet Witch, are two people who are often burdened by their powers and pasts. While not a common pairing, a compelling argument can be made for their romance based on their shared experiences of loss, the struggle for control over their abilities, and their dedication to justice through different means. Both are outsiders in their own ways, leading lives filled with internal and external conflict, which could easily foster a unique connection.
Related
As Daredevil Preps For a MCU Return, the Hell’s Kitchen Hero Has Unlocked a New Ally
The unlikely team up between Scarlet Witch and Daredevil, in Steve Orlando’s “Scarlet Witch” #5 is a perfect example of superhero odd couple gold.
A romance between Daredevil and Scarlet Witch would explore the nuances of a relationship born from shared trauma and a yearning for stability. It could delve into how two individuals, both powerful yet vulnerable, could find solace and strength in each other. A pairing between Matt and Wanda would set up a more mature and introspective love story, focusing on the emotional depth and mutual support needed to navigate even the most complex lives.
“}]] These Marvel romances open new avenues to explore. Read More