Superhero Scandals
Heroes may battle supervillains and save the world, but their hearts remain just as vulnerable as ours. Epic romances, fumbled feelings, tangled affections, and messy love triangles have all added drama, depth, and relatability to these characters. With that in mind, here are 20 of the most scandalous love triangles.
1. Spidey, Gwen, and MJ
Peter Parker, Mary Jane Watson, and Gwen Stacy have the most iconic love triangle in Spider-Man comics. Peter is conflicted about his love for Gwen and the chemistry he has with Mary Jane. The passing of Gwen and Peter marrying Mary Jane made the storyline one of the most memorable and heartbreaking of all.
Jean-Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash
2.Superman, Lois, and Lana
Superman's love triangle with Lois Lane and Lana Lang is a classic story element. Clark has a longstanding friendship with Lana, who is also his first love. Lois Lane is his main love interest, and while Lana and Lois are opposites in many ways, Clark struggles with choosing between the girl of his past and the woman of his future.
3. Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Felicity
Green Arrow's romantic triangle of Oliver Queen, Black Canary, and Felicity Smoak is a classic blend of love and devotion. Oliver has a long-term relationship with Black Canary, but his feelings for Felicity add complexity. In the Arrowverse series, this love triangle became a fan favorite.
4. Flash, Iris, and Patty
The Flash love triangle of Barry Allen, Iris West, and Patty Spivot adds another layer of complexity to the Scarlet Speedster's personal life. Barry and Iris are destined to be with each other, but in some storylines, Barry and Patty form a strong bond. The love triangle raises the emotional stakes of Barry's heroic decisions by playing with the idea of fate versus free will.
5. Cyclops, Jean, and Emma
Cyclops is the center of a love triangle involving Emma Frost and his longtime girlfriend Jean Grey. Cyclops becomes attracted to the cunning and enchanting Emma and must deal with his feelings for her while maintaining his love and commitment to Jean.
6. Batman, Selina, and Talia
Batman’s romance often features love triangles. A love triangle involving Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle, and Talia al Ghul is marked by romantic tension and danger. Bruce Wayne finds himself torn between the morally gray appeal of Selina Kyle and the dangerous allure of Talia al Ghul, who is also the mother of his child.
Garrett Albright from Tokyo, Japan on Wikimedia
7. Daredevil, Elektra, and Karen
The Daredevil love triangle of Matt Murdock, Karen Page, and Elektra is an epic saga of passion and peril. Matt loves Karen, but he and Elektra share a powerful bond. This love triangle is an ongoing metaphor for Matt's split identity as both lawyer and vigilante, showing how his unbridled passion is always at odds with stability and responsibility.
8. Spidey, Black Cat, and MJ
Spider-Man's love triangle with Mary Jane Watson and Black Cat offers an enticing blend of romance and danger. Peter's steadfast affection for Mary Jane is tested by Black Cat's wild and flirtatious ways, tempting him with excitement and chaos. This tension between loyalty and temptation adds complexity to Peter's life as a superhero.
9. Mr. Fantastic, Sue, and Namor
In the Fantastic Four comics, the triangle between Sue Storm, Reed Richards, and Namor tempts the surface-perfect superhero family with scandal and desire. Sue is dedicated to Reed and their life as the Fantastic Four, but Namor presents excitement, temptation, and danger, raising the challenge of balancing love, loyalty, and personal passion within a life of heroism and family.
The Conmunity - Pop Culture Geek from Los Angeles, CA, USA on Wikimedia
10. Rogue, Gambit, and Magneto
Gambit, Magneto, and Joseph form a love triangle that appears in Rogue’s storylines. Gambit declares his feelings for Rogue, even though he knows that his love could potentially be hazardous to her because of her powers. Rogue has also experienced feelings of love and attraction for Magneto, as well as dating his clone, Joseph.
William Tung from USA on Wikimedia
11. Cyclops, Jean, and Wolverine
The love triangle between Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Wolverine is one of the most iconic and enduring in X-Men lore. Cyclops and Jean share a long and deep connection, while Wolverine's passionate and protective nature fuels rivalry and conflict. This dynamic explores themes of loyalty, desire, and conflict, adding emotional depth to the superhero saga.
12. Silk Spectre II, Dr. Manhattan, and Nite Owl II
In Watchmen, the love triangle between Silk Spectre II, Doctor Manhattan, and Nite Owl II injects an emotional element into the graphic novel's otherwise intense and gritty narrative. Silk Spectre finds herself caught between the aloof, godlike power of Doctor Manhattan and the steadfast, human decency of Nite Owl II. This romantic triangle underscores themes of power, vulnerability, and the longing for human connection, making it one of DC's most memorable love triangles.
13. Nightwing, Starfire, and Batgirl
The Nightwing love triangle between Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon, and Starfire combines elements of loyalty, passion, and admiration. Nightwing’s love for Barbara and Kori is so strong he constantly wavers back and forth, and despite attempts to turn him into a womanizing lothario, he's far too wholesome. Fans tend to imagine a polyamorous solution, but DC keeps things interesting by swinging between them.
14. Scarlet Witch, Wonder Man, and Vision
Scarlet Witch's love triangle involves Wanda Maximoff, Vision, and Wonder Man. While Wanda's relationship with Vision is well known, some stories of her interactions with Wonder Man create jealousy and rivalry. The love triangle often pits natural emotions against artificial intelligence in love.
greyloch from Washington, DC, area, U.S.A. on Wikimedia
15. Harley, Joker, and Ivy
The Harley Quinn love triangle involving Harley, the Joker, and Poison Ivy revolves around a complex dynamic of obsession, manipulation, and genuine care. Harley is entangled in an unhealthy and intense romantic obsession with the Joker, who represents chaos and unpredictability. On the other hand, Poison Ivy offers Harley stability, love, and support, creating an emotional tug-of-war within Harley's heart.
16. Donatello, April, and Casey Jones
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' love triangle involving Donatello, April O'Neil, and Casey Jones is a recurring and lighthearted romantic subplot. Donatello's intellectual appeal and gentlemanly charm often capture April's heart, but his affections for her frequently lead to rivalry with Casey Jones. Casey, in turn, is adventurous and protective of April, which leads to competitive banter and tension between him and Donatello.
17. Lois, Lex, and Superman
The Superman love triangle pits Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor against each other in a battle of wills and emotions. Clark is in love with Lois, but Lex is also obsessed with her, often leading to conflicts and power struggles. The triangle represents a struggle between love and hate, with each character trying to win the favor of the woman they love.
18. Thor, Jane, and Sif
Thor's love triangle with Jane Foster and Sif combines romance and Asgardian adventure. His connection with Jane deepens on Earth, while Sif represents loyalty, warrior camaraderie, and Asgardian tradition. This dynamic explores themes of love, duty, and the allure of two very different worlds.
19. Batman, Rachel, and Harvey Dent
In the Batman universe, the romantic love triangle between Bruce Wayne, Rachel Dawes, and Harvey Dent is a source of emotional complexity. Bruce's love for Rachel is challenged by her admiration for Harvey, creating a web of tension and heartbreak. This intricate relationship weaves together themes of love, loyalty, and the sacrifices inherent in a life dedicated to heroism.
20. Raven, Beast Boy, and Terra
Raven, Beast Boy, and Terra's love triangle in the Teen Titans is a web of friendship, romance, and emotional conflict. Beast Boy's lighthearted, affectionate nature contrasts with Raven's more serious, reserved demeanor, while Terra's involvement brings an unpredictable element that complicates matters.
