Comics have sometimes been described as soap operas where the love scenes have been replaced with punching. It is hard to deny there is a certain soap opera quality to these ongoing serialized dramas. That said, one reason Marvel surpassed other comic companies in the Silver Age was that its creators understood that the most interesting aspect of heroes wasn't their costumed lives, but rather who the heroes were behind the masks. Perhaps the most interesting (and most soap opera-esque) parts of heroes' civilian lives are their romantic relationships.
Of course, not all relationships last. Couples can grow apart, a lover can be replaced by Skrulls, and sometimes a husband and wife are torn apart by the Machiavellian manipulation of murderous supervillains. Here are 5 Marvel couples that broke up but deserve to get back together—and 5 that are better left apart.
10 Belong Together: Black Panther and Storm
When it comes to power couples, it doesn't get any more powerful. T'Challa is the Black Panther, having assumed the mantle used by Wakandan kings in their role as spiritual and military protectors of their people. Meanwhile, Storm is the powerful omega-level mutant who has served as the X-Men's most capable leader. She also lived part of her life as a goddess, so assuming the title of Queen of Wakanda is a small step down.
The two split when they ended up on opposite sides of the war between the Avengers and X-Men—a conflict that led to the X-Men devastating Wakanda. More recently, they shared an intimate moment in which they confessed they were perfect for one another, but, so far, they have yet to formally restart their relationship.
9 Better Apart: Kitty Pryde and Star-Lord
Kitty Pryde joined the X-Men when she was only thirteen and immediately got swept up in the chaos of one of the team's most harrowing conflicts. She grew up fast and has proven a capable but compassionate leader. Meanwhile, Star-Lord is the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy. The comics version of the character is far more mature than his man-boy counterpart in the MCU, but, even so, when responsibility calls, he doesn't call back.
Kitty and Star-Lord were an incredibly cute couple. Both had been child soldiers who grew up fast but somehow retained their youthful selfie-loving optimism. Then Star-Lord broke her heart into a million pieces. Kitty can do better.
8 Belong Together: Misty Knight and Iron Fist
Misty Knight is a New York detective with a metal cyborg arm and even tougher attitude. Danny Rand is the Immortal Iron Fist, a martial arts master with the chi powers of the dragon Shou-Lao the Undying. The two have been romantically involved for ages and were going to have a kid together. Tragically, the pregnancy was not viable. They split amid their grief.
While Misty has taken an interest in Sam Wilson recently, she and Danny brought out the best in one another. If they can overcome their shared loss, it seems like they would help one another to find both peace and joy.
7 Better Apart: Punisher and Elektra
After his family was gunned down by mob hitmen, Frank Castle became the Punisher, waging a one-man war against crime with enough ballistic firepower to overthrow most nations. Elektra is a ninja assassin who returned from the dead at least once and has a long history of involvement with the ninja clan known as the Hand. Both are sadistic murderous psychos, so, of course, they ended up together.
This romance honestly made little sense. Thankfully for all involved, they're both okay, despite their relationship ending up the same way as most of their enemies.
6 Belong Together: Daredevil and Black Cat
Daredevil's love life has been downright hellish. He's lost so many people he's loved, and yet the blind vigilante continues to fight through the pain of loss to help those in need. Meanwhile, the legendary thief Black Cat has most notably been romantically involved with Spider-Man (though "romance" might be the sort of emotionally messy word she disdains). When she debuted, she demonstrated an amount of agency rare among women in comics.
The two teamed up after Black Cat was framed for a crime she didn't commit. The team-up turned into a hookup, which soon turned into more. They made a surprisingly great couple, though their romance was short-lived. If they found their way back together, it seems they might find some lasting happiness in each other's arms.
5 Better Apart: Daredevil and Milla Donovan
Daredevil's romantic life has had so many tragic moments that it would be a sin to have him on this list only once. Milla Donovan was married to Daredevil. Unfortunately "til death do us part" does not apply when dating a superhero, as death would be merciful compared to all she suffered.
The two filled out divorce papers, but managed to work out their differences before officially filing them. Shortly after, Daredevil went to jail. Then the villain Mr. Fear infected her with a gas that drove her mad. Her parents assumed custody of her and took her away, only for the Spot to abduct her as a way to hurt Daredevil. All she suffered could have been avoided by loving someone else.
4 Belong Together: Vision and Scarlet Witch
The android Vision and the mutant Scarlet Witch are the most recognizable and iconic romantic couple of the Avengers roster. Sure, others have dated within the team--and when the Avengers were founded, Ant-Man and Wasp were the original hot item of the group--but when Wanda and Vision are together, its something magical.
They have been apart for some time, due in no small part to Scarlet Witch having a psychotic break and trying to destroy the Avengers, then overwriting reality to remake the world in alignment with her father's mutant supremacist agenda. However, when Vision started an android family, his wife's consciousness was based on Scarlet Witch's brain patterns. Now that Vision's marriage has ended, he and Wanda should give it another try.
3 Better Apart: Iron Man and Maria Hill
When Tony Stark was on the run for his life from Norman Osborn and the government security force known as H.A.M.M.E.R., he hooked up with the former head of S.H.I.E.L.D. Maria Hill. It might have just been a quick one-time fling, except that they had a long working relationship together.
Unfortunately, not only did Maria seem to think things with Tony were serious, but so did Pepper Potts. Each woman was unaware that Tony was sharing some passionate one-on-one time with the other. It turns out Tony really can be heartless.
2 Belong Together: Black Widow and Hawkeye
Black Widow and Hawkeye are the two black ops experts of the Avengers. They are inseparably close friends, understanding the high price the other has paid to keep the world safe.
The two have had a complicated romantic relationship for years. One of the reasons Black Widow chose to come to the US was her love for Hawkeye (keeping in mind, this happened in the comics while the Cold War was looking like it might turn hot any day). Many fans still hope Cupid's trick arrow strikes them both and (this time) they make it last.
1 Better Apart: Spider-Man and Mockingbird
Spider-Man has had more than his fair share of women tangled in the intricate web of his love. Mockingbird recently became involved with him, letting him crash with her after he lost everything when Parker Industries collapsed. They shared a number of sweet moments, including a scene with Spidey wearing her "Ask Me About My Feminist Agenda" T-shirt. Part of that agenda, though, was Mockingbird realizing she could do better.
The relationship was sweet, but the two were a poor fit. Both will be happier with other people.