CONTENT WARNING: This article contains references to incest and sexual assault.
The universe of Marvel Comics is not only defined by its epic battles and heroic feats; it is also rich with complex and often controversial romantic entanglements. While some relationships like Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson’s are celebrated, others are steeped in controversy and have grown problematic with time. Below, we delve into the most controversial couples in Marvel history, examining relationships that would be unfathomable in today’s social climate.
8. Havok and Madelyne Pryor
Cyclops’ Ex-Wife Rebounds with His Own Brother
Understanding the relationship between Havok and Madelyne Pryor requires a glimpse into X-Men lore. Madelyne, originally married to Cyclops, finds herself entangled with Havok after Cyclops leaves her following Jean Grey’s resurrection. While their romance is already strained by the familial ties—Havok being Cyclops’ brother—things take a darker turn with elements of mind manipulation introduced into their relationship.
Madelyne’s manipulation of Havok’s mind raises ethical concerns, as this sets a dangerous precedent for consent and equity in a relationship, illustrating the pitfalls of emotionally-charged connections stemming from betrayal and trauma.
7. Invisible Woman and Namor
Sue Storm Betrays Her Husband to Romance the Sub-Mariner
Despite decades of marriage to Reed Richards, Namor’s relentless pursuit of Invisible Woman is notable. Their interactions have often resulted in controversy, particularly after Sue is depicted kissing Namor in alternate stories, causing infidelity dilemmas. This relationship brings forth questions regarding agency and fidelity, ultimately complicating Sue’s character development over time.
6. Rogue and Magneto
Rogue Can Touch Magneto, But His Age Raises Major Questions
Rogue’s highly publicized marriage to Gambit has often overshadowed her historical entanglement with Magneto, a relationship fraught with complications. While Magneto provides Rogue with the ability to physically connect—a challenge for her due to her power-draining touch—his significantly older age compared to her injects a level of discomfort into their union.
5. Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne
Ant-Man Ruins His Marriage (And His Reputation) by Abusing the Wasp
Hank Pym’s tenure as Ant-Man is marred by his abusive behavior towards his wife, Janet Van Dyne, who is known as the Wasp. This toxic relationship has cast a long shadow over their legacy as founding members of the Avengers. Initially filled with love, the relationship soured dramatically when Hank resorted to violence against Janet, leading to a tragic and irrevocable fracture in their partnership, harrowing even for comic standards.
4. Kitty Pryde and Colossus
This X-Men Couple’s Age Gap Gave Them a Weird Foundation
The love story between Kitty Pryde and Colossus has its fans, yet it is marred by an uncomfortable age difference. When they first interacted, Colossus was 19 and Kitty only 14. This disparity not only complicates their initial relationship but also colors their subsequent interactions, leading to questions about maturity and suitability in their romantic engagements.
3. Gwen Stacy and Green Goblin
Norman Osborn Slept with Spider-Man’s Girlfriend (Yes, Really)
Gwen Stacy’s relationship with Norman Osborn is notorious for its dark implications. In the controversial “Sins Past”storyline, it is revealed that Norman had an affair with Gwen while being her employer. This abuse of power complicates the narrative, especially considering the tragedy that befalls Gwen at the hands of the Green Goblin, intertwining personal and tragic elements into a deeply unsettling romance.
2. Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver
Wanda and Pietro Maximoff Shared an Incestuous Relationship
In the Ultimates universe, the unsettling nature of the relationship between Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver is brought to the forefront. The exploration of their connection raises ethical concerns about incest within the superhero milieu, highlighting a relationship that many consider better left unexplored and best laid to rest.
1. Ms. Marvel and Marcus Immortus
Marvel’s Most Problematic Romance Is Better Off Forgotten
At the pinnacle of controversy lies the relationship between Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers, and Marcus Immortus. Featured in Avengers #200, their storyline consists of a deeply troubling romantic subplot, where Marcus, having sexually assaulted Carol while invoking a predatorial nature, leads to an unwelcome pregnancy. This portrayal is a misstep for Marvel, with the company expressing regret over this arc, as it remains a stark reminder of the darker narratives that have occasionally emerged in comic history.