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The Best LGBT Comic Book Couples

Tomorrow's landmark ASTONISHING X-MEN #51 got us thinking about some of our favorite LGBT couples in comics.

Tomorrow marks the release of ASTONISHING X-MEN #51; the landmark issue where Northstar and his boyfriend Kyle Jinadu finally get to tie the knot. The comic, written by Marjorie Liu and illustrated by artist Mike Perkins is one of the only books featuring gay marriage ever; and it's been a long time coming, since, Northstar was first introduced as a gay character by creator John Byrne back in 1974. Although Byrne had always intended for Northstar to be gay, it wasn't until writer Scott Lobdell's ALPHA FLIGHT run in issue #106 that Northstar could finally put it plainly. So it is really nice to see that Marvel's very first major, openly gay character is able to get married; and it certainly says something about Marvel's stance on marriage equality in general. Northstar's marriage to Kyle is no different than when Ororo married T'Challa, or when Jean Grey married Scott Summers. We only hope that these two get to stick together and have a happy marriage like Sue and Reed.

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While this event is a milestone for Marvel as well as fans of these characters; Kyle and Norhtstar certainly aren't the only LGBT couples in comics. Over the years there have been plenty of great LGBT relationships; so in honor of the marriage in tomorrow's ASTONISHING X-MEN #51, we've decided to highlight some of our favorite LGBT couples in comics.

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First up is Shatterstar and Rictor. Although creator Rob Liefeld had never intended for Shatterstar to be an openly gay character; the evolution of his relationship with Ricter over the years proves that the decision to make him an openly gay character was actually a great idea. Shatterstar, who heralds from Mojoworld, was first introduced as an asexual character devoid of any human emotions. Over time, however, and through his long exposure to being on earth, he began to grow a strong connection to Rictor, his X-Factor teammate. And although Rictor has had relationships with both male and female characters over the years; the most prominent of them all has been his commitment with Shatterstar. In fact, in X-FACTOR #49, the kiss shared by Rictor and Shatterstar was the first time two mainstream Marvel comic book characters were shown sharing a kiss on panel.

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Although it was brief, Kate Kane's (Batwoman) relationship with Renee Montoya is one that fans won't forget -- primarily because when it lasted, it was so great. The two characters were similar in that they were both independent, stubborn and had the same goals; but still very unique. The dynamic of the two during 52 and DETECTIVE COMICS was interesting and exciting; and while Kate play the part of the liberated, "out" character; Renee played the opposite side of that coin -- the closeted, reserved Gotham Police Officer. Mostly though, their relationship was sweet; and at the time, the most high profile LGBT relationship at DC comics (and possibly the most high profile to date).

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Probably my favorite of the bunch, however, is Hulkling's relationship with Wiccan. The two started off as teammates, but their romance really blossomed during Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung's AVENGERS: CHILDREN'S CRUSADE miniseries. The dynamic between the two characters is evident throughout this series and never feels forced. In fact, their relationship seems more sincere than a great many in comics. There is a genuine love, care and concern for one another that really makes their romance stand out. At the end of the series the two even became engaged to one another, and hopefully they two will be able to share in their very own "wedding issue."

These are only some of our favorite LGBT relationships in comics, but we know there are many others. Which ones come to mind for you? Post your favorite as well as your favorite moment shared between the two characters and let us know why you feel its so important. ASTONISHING X-MEN #51 hits comic store shelves tomorrow, Wednesday June 20th, 2012.

167 Comments

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Nova`Prime`

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Emma Frost and Carol Danvers.... I am pretty sure I didn't see anywhere in the article were it stated they had to be an actual couple. :)

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deactivated-62dfe515b2439

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Let the intolerance commence!

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Appolo and Midnighter curbstomp 

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Remi

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@spiderbat87 said:

Appolo and Midnighter curbstomp
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Gambit1024

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Hulkling and Wiccan ftw.

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Necrotic_Lycanthrope

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Best handled? Hulkling and Wikken by far.

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Mercy_

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Edited By Mercy_

I LOVE THIS ARTICLE.

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InnerVenom123

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@Gambit1024 said:

Hulkling and Wiccan ftw.

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Nova`Prime`

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@cyberchop979 said:

Let the intolerance commence!

Dang I should have waited for your post then I would have started off with that instead. Now I would just feel like a johnny come lately to the intolerance party.

Curse my clicking of post to fast *shakes fist at self*

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CellphoneGirl

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Edited By CellphoneGirl

I love this so much. I'll be picking up the issue tomorrow actually. Also Karolina Dean, and Xavin are also a favorite couple of mine.

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EpicMeltDown

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I always liked the Apollo and Midnighter but I've only read a couple of issues involving all the characters mentioned here.

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TheAkhtard95

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@cyberchop979: lol

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VioletPhoenix

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I absolutely love everything about this article. A tip of the hat to CV.

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Redberry

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As much as I love Midnighter. His relationship with Apollo seems very one-sided. He often ignores what Apollo has to say. They're pretty awesome gay parents though. I love the scene when little Jenny crawls into their bed.

I think as a couple, I love Wiccan and Hulkling's relationship the best. They seem to be very organic and not forced.

I would have loved Rictor and Shatterstar's relationship more if Shatterstar wasn't such a slut.

I haven't tried Batwoman yet, but they seem sweet together.

I'm hoping Alan Scott would have a similar relationship to Wiccan and Hulkling. They need to give Alan Scott someone after woman-in-the-fridge his boyfriend.

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NightFang3

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@spiderbat87 said:

Appolo and Midnighter curbstomp

Not just gay couple, but first married gay couple.

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jhazzroucher

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Edited By jhazzroucher

Shatterstar and Rictor

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PrinceIMC

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Edited By PrinceIMC

There are good Lesbian and Gay couples (though I think gay still covers lesbians) but are there really any Bisexual or Transgender couples in comics?
 
Plus Northstar wasn't introduced in 1974. The all-new X-Men weren't even introduced until 1975.

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Bob_Loblaws_Law_Blog

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Great article Babs, and gurrll, you know I love you.

But as a gay man, I lament that LGBT couples need to have a separate article for a list like this, and that the two boyos getting married is a big deal. But then again, progress is progress.

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Mutant God

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Moondragon and Phylla

I got to say Northstar and Kyle are different then Reed/Sue, Ororo/T'challa and Jean/Scott because they are not popular characters, I still dont even know anything about Kyle and I dont care for either character

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Baddamdog

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I was sure Apollo and Midnighter would be on this! Completely agree with your other choices though.

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SuperShafe

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Renee and D, her girlfriend from Ed Brubaker's Gotham Central series. even though Renee messed it up when her partner died, it was a fantastic relationship.

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SpitfireINK

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Um - Seems someone may have overlooked Mystique & Destiny.

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CellphoneGirl

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@PrinceIMC: I consider Xavin from Runaways to be transgender, but at times i'm not sure since she's a skrull and can willingly change back and forth it's sex.

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DarthShap

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How are Apollo and MidNighter not even mentioned? They are THE gay couple in comics. THEY, not Montoya and Kane, are the "most high profile LGBT relationship at DC comics".

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Joe_Amazing

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I have absolutely nothing against gay couples. I'm just a little burned out by the recent influx of them in comics.

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Redberry

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@Joe_Amazing said:

I have absolutely nothing against gay couples. I'm just a little burned out by the recent influx of them in comics.

Burned out?

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CaptainCyke

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Earth-8545 Mary Jane and Earth-2109 Sunfire (but I'm and exiles junkie)

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CellphoneGirl

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@CaptainCyke: I'm now strongly upset I forgot about my gurl Sunfire.

Exiles <3

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Inverno

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I think Marvel will probably retcon this marriage like it never existed.

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cosmo111687

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Great article, Babs!

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Sovereign91001

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@CaioTrubat said:

I think Marvel will probably retcon this marriage like it never existed.

Why do you say that?

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Inverno

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@Sovereign91001 said:

@CaioTrubat said:

I think Marvel will probably retcon this marriage like it never existed.

Why do you say that?

Because I am severely skeptic about Marvel wanting a homosexual relationship to last. I remember Freedon Ring defied all the gay stereotypes until Joe Quesada had him killed off one month later. And probably not many people remember him now.

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Miss_Garrick

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@Sovereign91001: Because, other than Reed and Sue, Marvel has NEVER let any marriage stay solid. They're jerks that way.

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AprilTaylor

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No apollo and midnighter? :(

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Miss_Garrick

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I have to say, I liked how Hulkling and Wiccan were shown to be in a relationship in the first couple of issues of "Young Avengers" instead of the writer having it be a big plot arc of whether they will be a couple or not.

It always feels more natural and right when a comic couple (whatever the genders) have been nicely established as having been together for a couple of months or more, so they're more relaxed and there's no stupid U.S.T. clogging up the air. Helps improve the writing I think.

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zachkastner

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No Midnighter and Apollo? Whaaaat. They are great.

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tximinoman

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Sorry but what does LGBT stands for?

I don't know 'cause I'm from Spain (in case you were wondering haha)

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CellphoneGirl

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@tximinoman: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender.

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Dark_Vengeance_

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Scott and Logan

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Redberry

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@Miss_Garrick said:

I have to say, I liked how Hulkling and Wiccan were shown to be in a relationship in the first couple of issues of "Young Avengers" instead of the writer having it be a big plot arc of whether they will be a couple or not.

It always feels more natural and right when a comic couple (whatever the genders) have been nicely established as having been together for a couple of months or more, so they're more relaxed and there's no stupid U.S.T. clogging up the air. Helps improve the writing I think.

I disagree, by doing that, it just makes me feel like the two characters are just created to be together instead of letting it happen organically. I like to see people falling in love. I'd rather for the characters to be together by chance instead of putting them together without any explanation.

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Redberry

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@DarkKnightDetective said:

Scott and Logan

I ship that like Fedex

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EpicMeltDown

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@CaioTrubat: I thought it was Kirkman's decision to kill off Freedom Ring. I only say that because I remember reading an article where Kirkman said he regretted doing so. So Quesada made that decision? I have no problem believing that, I had just never heard it before.

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SavageDragon

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Xavin and Karolina Dean from Runaways. Not only a lesbian couple but one between two different species.

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FoxCircuit101

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Wow Marvel really is the most diverse comic company out there. And what is LGBT?

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Katie24

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@FoxCircuit101 said:

Wow Marvel really is the most diverse comic company out there. And what is LGBT?

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender.

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elayem98

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@spiderbat87 said:

Appolo and Midnighter curbstomp
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ApatheticAvenger

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@Nova`Prime` said:

Emma Frost and Carol Danvers.... I am pretty sure I didn't see anywhere in the article were it stated they had to be an actual couple. :)

HA!

Apollo and Midnighter will always be my favorite, and not just because it's essentially Superman married to Batman. They're partners in every sense of the word.

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TheThe

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@DarthShap said:

How are Apollo and MidNighter not even mentioned? They are THE gay couple in comics. THEY, not Montoya and Kane, are the "most high profile LGBT relationship at DC comics".

This.

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crazed_h3ro

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@spiderbat87: This, THIS 100%

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SoA

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