Black Adult Relationships in Comics

**Alphaxman** · 08-03-2012, 04:56 PM

For me, a sad day has arrived in comicdom: the annulment of Black Panther and Storm’s marriage.

I don’t want to beat a dead horse with my opinion on the relationship, and I’m sure there are plenty of X-Fan cheering in its demise, but I’m truly disappointed in Marvel’s treatment of two strong Black Superheroes.

Do I think that their courtship was half-handed and ill conceived? Of course I do, but I believed they could have work as a couple.

Did Marvel (mainly the X-Office) take a total dump on their marriage after the black writers were done with them? Absolutely.

But I can’t change a thing and now they will go their separate ways; their marriage will be a tiny footnote in both of their histories.

What I did learn from this failed marriage, was that Marvel (DC is not excluded) can’t stand marriages other than Reed and Sue. But that topic have be covered thoroughly.

What disturb me more, was the lack of Black on Black love in the Big Two. As a black man, I can’t help but make race an issue (right or wrongly), so I’m sadden even more by the lost Storm and BP.

Looking back over Marvel’s history dealing with love and their Black characters, I can’t help but find it strange that most of them were in interracial relationships.

Now I’m not against interracial love. No, I encourage it in the real world. But in a fictional universe, I am perturb that most creators chose not to pair a black person with a black person, or with no one at all.

Let’s go down the list of some of the greatest Black love affairs in Marvel and DC’s long history of Characters.

Missy Knight and Iron Fist: They were the first interracial couple I have ever seen in comics, and I totally love their relationship. Sadly, they are no more. What made it whose was that Danny left her (or did she leave him) when she thought she was pregnant, only to find out she was one filled by his chi.

Luke Cage and Jessica Jones: I hate Jessica with a passion, but I’m not a fan of Luke either, so I wasn’t invested in their courtship. Now they are separated, because she couldn’t deal with the superhero lifestyle. The only sad thing is that they have a daughter (who may grow up to have powers of her own).

Cloak and Dagger: Here is a one sided relationship that made me so sad. Dagger only saw him as a friend, but he was totally in love with her. They are still partners, but they probably won’t be hitting the sheets any time soon.

Patriot and Hawkeye: They were a cute couple, but they kind of fizzled out. He had major fuck-up issues, so he need some space. Will they get back together? Maybe. But somehow I doubt we will see him for a while.

Prodigy and Surge: I didn’t care for this couple and I was glad they didn’t last. Unfortunately, they both are in background limbo, so we most likely will never see who either of them will date again.

Angel Salvadore and Beck: One of the only Marvel couple (outside of Reed and Sue) that are still together. They have a good working relationship and are currently raising a slew of kids. Good for them.
Threnody and Nate Grey: Is she still pregnant? Is she still a mutant? Is she still alive? Well Nate has long forgot about her.

Cecilia Reyes and Beast: Their relationship is still very vague. They dated, but who knows if it went further than that. It is obvious that they like and respect one another, but she’s not seen enough for it to matter.

Frenzy and Cyclops: A fake relationship where she chose to not forget, but he gladly moved away from. It was at least entertaining to see.

Sunspot and Boomer: He dated a Hoe who was in love with his best friend. They were low down assholes for doing that to Sam. I was glad they broke it off. Speaking of Sunspot…he is supposed to be this great lady’s man, but I have never seen him date a sista. Even his first girlfriend was a blonde white girl.

Kasper (White Tiger) Cole and Gwen: Both are in Limbo. Great character with a great look and concept: of course Marvel doesn’t know what to do with him; they even created two female White Tigers after him.

Blue Marvel and his white wife: She’s dead and his in limbo. Another good character that marvel refuse to find a place.

Bishop and Deathbird: She tried to kill him, so at least they had chemistry. But she’s dead and his lost in the timestream. Oh…plus his is now an evil S.O.B.

Northstar and Kyle: Kyle is such a whiner that I hope he’s killed off soon. I hate to say it, but I can’t stand him. He needs to cut his damn hair too. Shot locks are the worst; they are so early 90’s. The only person I liked Jean-Paul with, was Bobby, and he’s not “gay”—yet.

--------------------------------Now to the Black (or mostly/maybe Black) on Black relationships-------------------------------------

Synch and M: Most Gen X fans liked them together, but I thought that he and Jubilee had more chemistry. But once their relationship started to grow on me, Marvel decided to kill him off. I’m still mad at them for that.

Photon and Dr. Voodoo: These are two characters that have been around for 30 years and neither one had a lasting on camera relationship until they found one another. And who brought them together? A black guy. A least it was written that they didn’t have much in common and that their dates were boring. They were more like fuck buddies than anything else.

Night Thrasher and Silhouette: One of my all time favorite couple growing up, but alas, they didn’t least and she ran off with his crazy half-brother, only to disappear for years after that. And he never had another relationship after her. Now he’s dead and they will never have a chance to reconcile.

Storm and Black Panther: I thought they were perfect for one another. Every king she met wanted to make her his queen, but she finally found a king she wanted to be with. The schism should have been between she and Scott and she could have opened a school in Wakanda. She could have been queen with her own group of X-Men to lead. But all well.

Here are some Black characters (mostly men) who I can’t think of that had even one lasting love interest – but they defiantly didn’t have one with a super heroine.

Blade: Is he so obsessed with destroying vampires that he can’t find love? Are there any female Day Walkers out there that shares his need to kill?

Falcon: Redwing doesn’t count. I’m sure he has had one or two love interests in his long history, but I can’t think of one. He had a stronger love affair with Steve than with any woman I know of.

Rage: They almost gave him a girlfriend in the 90’s but that was dropped. I think he had a thing for Debris, but it was so forgettable that I could be mistaken.

War Machine: I know he had a lover in his last series, but I didn’t get it, so I don’t know if she was black, white, or other.

Shuri: I think she will go down the Elizabeth the first route: no husbands. She will remain the Virgin Queen of Marvel.

Now let’s see, 14 interracial relationships vs. 4 black on black ones. Oh… did I mention that 3 out of the 4 black guys that dated or married a black woman are all dead? Watch out T’Challa; there is a bulls-eye on your chest.

DC isn’t much better but I’m not going to go into detail with them.

Bronze Tiger and Vixen (he hasn’t made an appearance yet)

Bumble Bee and Mal/Vox (both wiped out of continuity)

Mister Terrific and Paula (dead)

Black Lightning and Lynn (neither has been seen yet, but we know he won’t be married)

Interracial

Wonder Woman and Trevor (he died than got wiped from continuity)

Amazing Man 2 and Maxima (Both dead and wiped out of continuity)

Thunder and Grace Choi (Both wiped out of Continuity)

Lightning and Mr. America (both wiped out of continuity)

Cyborg and blonde chick from Teen Titans (she’s wiped out of continuity – oh but she died first)

John Stewart and Katma Tui (she’d dead)

Firestorm (Jason) and Ghenna (She died and then wiped out of continuity) / Wow – a lot of dead girlfriends huh?

Invisible Kid ?

Icon ?

Hardware ?

Static and Daisy (he left her back home)

So, I know there aren’t that many black characters and even less black characters that travel in the same circles, but is there really no way to make at least one black relationship work? I can answer my own question: no, Marvel will not try to make a lasting relationship in this day and age if there name doesn’t end in Richards (or whatever last name Black Bolt has).

Dc has destroyed all their marriages, so they are off the hook –- for now.

If anyone has any corrections or additions, please do.

**Greg Anderson** · 08-03-2012, 05:14 PM

Voodoo and Monica were hooked up by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Not a black man. Voodoo also was involved with a woman named Loralee Tate and then a nurse in his clinic in Remender's rendition of the character.

From what I understand, Blade is still with Spitfire. He also had a girlfriend back in Tomb of Dracula.

I always wanted to see John Stewart with Fatality. I think she showed interest in him when she became a good guy, but nothing was developed. John Stewart also had a white love interest in his Mosaic book.

But yeah, comics in general, not only are they low in portrayals of minorities, but seeing minorities in a relationship of their own race seems pretty much taboo.

**RLAAMJR.** · 08-03-2012, 05:23 PM

For me, Storm and Wolverine should be married cos i can see their relationship will last forever. We've always seen them being close to each other like they're like lovers and even a couple so if Marvel will have them married, I don't think it's gonna be a problem.

**Alphaxman** · 08-03-2012, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Greg Anderson

Voodoo and Monica were hooked up by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Not a black man. Voodoo also was involved with a woman named Loralee Tate and then a nurse in his clinic in Remender's rendition of the character.

From what I understand, Blade is still with Spitfire. He also had a girlfriend back in Tomb of Dracula.

I always wanted to see John Stewart with Fatality. I think she showed interest in him when she became a good guy, but nothing was developed. John Stewart also had a white love interest in his Mosaic book.

But yeah, comics in general, not only are they low in portrayals of minorities, but seeing minorities in a relationship of their own race seems pretty much taboo.

You're right about Voodoo and Monica. I was under the impression that they met and first dated in Black Panther during that Vampire storyline, but it wasn't that good so I couldn't remember it fully.

Now that Fatality is a sort of hero now, I wouldn't mind seeing John with Fatality. He has had a red skinned lover and a blue one, so a brown skin girlfriend would be great.

**FLEX HECTIC** · 08-03-2012, 05:29 PM

Due to certain hiring practices Marvel does not have the man power to handle a black power couple!

They went out like a jive time sucker on this one!

**Alphaxman** · 08-03-2012, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by RLAAMJR.

For me, Storm and Wolverine should be married cos i can see their relationship will last forever. We've always seen them being close to each other like they're like lovers and even a couple so if Marvel will have them married, I don't think it's gonna be a problem.

Wolverine has slept with or been contacted with nearly every female in the Marvel Universe. I like them as friends, but he doesn't need a girlfriend. He's always hooking up with some woman so I seriously doubt that he could be faithful to her.

Plus I don't want Ororo cleaning up after him, only for her to find another lock of Jean's hair under his pillow.

**dbcb314** · 08-03-2012, 05:34 PM

As a black man, I can't fathom why people are so obsessed with how blacks or any other races are treated in comics, especially relationships which never last in comics anyway. I honestly could give two craps and this post is the same thing that gets repeated over and over again and shoudl be kept in that huge whine fest of a race thread in the community section.

You should have stopped at the "beat the dead horse part" because you are in fact beating a dead horse.

**Genisstorm** · 08-03-2012, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by Alphaxman

For me, a sad day has arrived in comicdom: the annulment of Black Panther and Storm’s marriage.

I don’t want to beat a dead horse with my opinion on the relationship, and I’m sure there are plenty of X-Fan cheering in its demise, but I’m truly disappointed in Marvel’s treatment of two strong Black Superheroes.

Do I think that their courtship was half-handed and ill conceived? Of course I do, but I believed they could have work as a couple.

Did Marvel (mainly the X-Office) take a total dump on their marriage after the black writers were done with them? Absolutely.

But I can’t change a thing and now they will go their separate ways; their marriage will be a tiny footnote in both of their histories.

What I did learn from this failed marriage, was that Marvel (DC is not excluded) can’t stand marriages other than Reed and Sue. But that topic have be covered thoroughly.

What disturb me more, was the lack of Black on Black love in the Big Two. As a black man, I can’t help but make race an issue (right or wrongly), so I’m sadden even more by the lost Storm and BP.

Looking back over Marvel’s history dealing with love and their Black characters, I can’t help but find it strange that most of them were in interracial relationships.

Now I’m not against interracial love. No, I encourage it in the real world. But in a fictional universe, I am perturb that most creators chose not to pair a black person with a black person, or with no one at all.

Let’s go down the list of some of the greatest Black love affairs in Marvel and DC’s long history of Characters.

Missy Knight and Iron Fist: They were the first interracial couple I have ever seen in comics, and I totally love their relationship. Sadly, they are no more. What made it whose was that Danny left her (or did she leave him) when she thought she was pregnant, only to find out she was one filled by his chi.

Luke Cage and Jessica Jones: I hate Jessica with a passion, but I’m not a fan of Luke either, so I wasn’t invested in their courtship. Now they are separated, because she couldn’t deal with the superhero lifestyle. The only sad thing is that they have a daughter (who may grow up to have powers of her own).

Cloak and Dagger: Here is a one sided relationship that made me so sad. Dagger only saw him as a friend, but he was totally in love with her. They are still partners, but they probably won’t be hitting the sheets any time soon.

Patriot and Hawkeye: They were a cute couple, but they kind of fizzled out. He had major fuck-up issues, so he need some space. Will they get back together? Maybe. But somehow I doubt we will see him for a while.

Prodigy and Surge: I didn’t care for this couple and I was glad they didn’t last. Unfortunately, they both are in background limbo, so we most likely will never see who either of them will date again.

Angel Salvadore and Beck: One of the only Marvel couple (outside of Reed and Sue) that are still together. They have a good working relationship and are currently raising a slew of kids. Good for them.
Threnody and Nate Grey: Is she still pregnant? Is she still a mutant? Is she still alive? Well Nate has long forgot about her.

Cecilia Reyes and Beast: Their relationship is still very vague. They dated, but who knows if it went further than that. It is obvious that they like and respect one another, but she’s not seen enough for it to matter.

Frenzy and Cyclops: A fake relationship where she chose to not forget, but he gladly moved away from. It was at least entertaining to see.

Sunspot and Boomer: He dated a Hoe who was in love with his best friend. They were low down assholes for doing that to Sam. I was glad they broke it off. Speaking of Sunspot…he is supposed to be this great lady’s man, but I have never seen him date a sista. Even his first girlfriend was a blonde white girl.

Kasper (White Tiger) Cole and Gwen: Both are in Limbo. Great character with a great look and concept: of course Marvel doesn’t know what to do with him; they even created two female White Tigers after him.

Blue Marvel and his white wife: She’s dead and his in limbo. Another good character that marvel refuse to find a place.

Bishop and Deathbird: She tried to kill him, so at least they had chemistry. But she’s dead and his lost in the timestream. Oh…plus his is now an evil S.O.B.

Northstar and Kyle: Kyle is such a whiner that I hope he’s killed off soon. I hate to say it, but I can’t stand him. He needs to cut his damn hair too. Shot locks are the worst; they are so early 90’s. The only person I liked Jean-Paul with, was Bobby, and he’s not “gay”—yet.

--------------------------------Now to the Black (or mostly/maybe Black) on Black relationships-------------------------------------

Synch and M: Most Gen X fans liked them together, but I thought that he and Jubilee had more chemistry. But once their relationship started to grow on me, Marvel decided to kill him off. I’m still mad at them for that.

Photon and Dr. Voodoo: These are two characters that have been around for 30 years and neither one had a lasting on camera relationship until they found one another. And who brought them together? A black guy. A least it was written that they didn’t have much in common and that their dates were boring. They were more like fuck buddies than anything else.

Night Thrasher and Silhouette: One of my all time favorite couple growing up, but alas, they didn’t least and she ran off with his crazy half-brother, only to disappear for years after that. And he never had another relationship after her. Now he’s dead and they will never have a chance to reconcile.

Storm and Black Panther: I thought they were perfect for one another. Every king she met wanted to make her his queen, but she finally found a king she wanted to be with. The schism should have been between she and Scott and she could have opened a school in Wakanda. She could have been queen with her own group of X-Men to lead. But all well.

Here are some Black characters (mostly men) who I can’t think of that had even one lasting love interest – but they defiantly didn’t have one with a super heroine.

Blade: Is he so obsessed with destroying vampires that he can’t find love? Are there any female Day Walkers out there that shares his need to kill?

Falcon: Redwing doesn’t count. I’m sure he has had one or two love interests in his long history, but I can’t think of one. He had a stronger love affair with Steve than with any woman I know of.

Rage: They almost gave him a girlfriend in the 90’s but that was dropped. I think he had a thing for Debris, but it was so forgettable that I could be mistaken.

War Machine: I know he had a lover in his last series, but I didn’t get it, so I don’t know if she was black, white, or other.

Shuri: I think she will go down the Elizabeth the first route: no husbands. She will remain the Virgin Queen of Marvel.

Now let’s see, 14 interracial relationships vs. 4 black on black ones. Oh… did I mention that 3 out of the 4 black guys that dated or married a black woman are all dead? Watch out T’Challa; there is a bulls-eye on your chest.

DC isn’t much better but I’m not going to go into detail with them.

Bronze Tiger and Vixen (he hasn’t made an appearance yet)

Bumble Bee and Mal/Vox (both wiped out of continuity)

Mister Terrific and Paula (dead)

Black Lightning and Lynn (neither has been seen yet, but we know he won’t be married)

Interracial

Wonder Woman and Trevor (he died than got wiped from continuity)

Amazing Man 2 and Maxima (Both dead and wiped out of continuity)

Thunder and Grace Choi (Both wiped out of Continuity)

Lightning and Mr. America (both wiped out of continuity)

Cyborg and blonde chick from Teen Titans (she’s wiped out of continuity – oh but she died first)

John Stewart and Katma Tui (she’d dead)

Firestorm (Jason) and Ghenna (She died and then wiped out of continuity) / Wow – a lot of dead girlfriends huh?

Invisible Kid ?

Icon ?

Hardware ?

Static and Daisy (he left her back home)

So, I know there aren’t that many black characters and even less black characters that travel in the same circles, but is there really no way to make at least one black relationship work? I can answer my own question: no, Marvel will not try to make a lasting relationship in this day and age if there name doesn’t end in Richards (or whatever last name Black Bolt has).

Dc has destroyed all their marriages, so they are off the hook –- for now.

If anyone has any corrections or additions, please do.

I think its fair to say that writers tend to write bad drama for most character relationships no matter the race. Most writers want to keep character relationships in a perpetual state of on/off again relationships. Barbara Gordan/ Dick Grayson being one of the most obvious examples. Most relationships in comics end badly with asinine reasons for the break up.

**Monty_Cristo** · 08-03-2012, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by dbcb314

As a black man, I can't fathom why people are so obsessed with how blacks or any other races are treated in comics, especially relationships which never last in comics anyway. I honestly could give two craps and this post is the same thing that gets repeated over and over again and shoudl be kept in that huge whine fest of a race thread in the community section.

You should have stopped at the "beat the dead horse part" because you are in fact beating a dead horse.

i don't particulary care about the issue. but what's the harm in articulating it? if the OP wants to see a healthy relationship between two black characters, i can't see myself being upset about it. :shrugs:

p.s. i want Dwayne Taylor back. i don't care if he's in a relationship.

**dbcb314** · 08-03-2012, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by Monty_Cristo

i don't particulary care about the issue. but what's the harm in articulating it? if the OP wants to see a healthy relationship between two black characters, i can't see myself being upset about it. :shrugs:

p.s. i want Dwayne Taylor back. i don't care if he's in a relationship.

This is like the 200th thread on the annulment already and he didn't say anything different that what everyone else is saying. And there is a whole thread related to comics and race already.

**Monty_Cristo** · 08-03-2012, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by dbcb314

This is like the 200th thread on the annulment already and he didn't say anything different that what everyone else is saying. And there is a whole thread related to comics and race already.

fair enough. i have just avoided those other threads.

**Dkrook** · 08-03-2012, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by dbcb314

This is like the 200th thread on the annulment already and he didn't say anything different that what everyone else is saying. And there is a whole thread related to comics and race already.

Wrong the op is saying something different than the other threads and this happens to be a very relevant point being made. Unfortunately the answer is always the same. White male dominated office of writers where most of think they have no obligation to even try to think out of box and try to write black characters with the same depth they would write any other white character. It funny how being gay and coming out as such is so trending and american society fight to make so normal but race is still the collective boogeyman in the closet for america

**Monty_Cristo** · 08-03-2012, 06:06 PM

it surprises me that Sam Wilson isn't in a relationship. he seems like a nester.

**Genki Sudo** · 08-03-2012, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by RLAAMJR.

For me, Storm and Wolverine should be married cos i can see their relationship will last forever. We've always seen them being close to each other like they're like lovers and even a couple so if Marvel will have them married, I don't think it's gonna be a problem.