The 10 Best Comic Reads that capture the love of Valentine’s Day

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Comics have long celebrated the spirit of love during the Valentine’s holiday season, bringing people together through their shared stories. Similar to literary classics like Romeo and Juliet and Tristan and Isolde, comics spark the imagination and evoke deep feelings of star-crossed love. They have introduced us to many memorable couples, such as DC’s Superman and Lois Lane and Marvel’s Daredevil and Elektra, showcasing tales of love and courtship with creativity and flair.

By developing characters with authentic and engaging relationships, comics use their vibrant storytelling style to create timeless tributes to love that continually evolve. Thus, after pouring over countless stories that explore the unique dynamics of love between superpowered individuals, I’ve compiled this must-read collection promising to leave fans with heart-eyed smiles.

The Saga of the Swamp Thing (1982) #34

DC’s guardian of the Green stars in the profound tale ‘Rite of Spring,’ part of Alan Moore’s acclaimed run on Swamp Thing. After learning of her husband’s tragic circumstances, Abigail ‘Abby’ Arcane realizes her love for Swamp Thing. Despite listing reasons they cannot be together and acknowledging their differences, they take a chance on love, culminating in a lime-like first kiss and a new understanding of love’s universal reach.

Here, Swamp Thing will share his “heart” with Abby, deepening their connection and letting her see the world as he does. United with the world’s pulse, Abby understands the interconnected beauty of life, embracing the cycles of death and rebirth. Without a doubt, the unfettered symbiotic passion Swampie and Abby demonstrate in this Valentine’s Day best will leave readers in a bog of love.

Batman (2016) #50

‘The Wedding of Batman & Catwoman’ is a Valentine’s Day favorite and a perennial best-seller. This epic tale of the love betwixt a bat and a cat celebrates the long-standing romance between DC holiday best icons Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle. As a significant anniversary tale, it fills readers with nostalgia as Batman creators artistically showcase the most meaningful moments of the duo’s decades-long history.

Sparks will fly in this love-filled issue, as readers depart on a journey through time, highlighting pivotal events in Brulina’s courtship. From their first meeting in The Long Halloween to a touching picnic shared by the two heroes and everything in between, this collection of memories offers fans a deeper, more emotional perspective on the titular characters and their nocturnal love.

Young Monsters in Love (2018) #1

Young Monsters in Love is a DC holiday special celebrating a cadre of monstrous yet often noble characters in their quest for love. The comic features ten engaging short stories that explore the intricacies of finding love in dark and unconventional relationships. Riding the wave of excitement from The Creature Commandos Max series, this top Valentine’s Day read highlights the unique challenges faced by these outlandish characters.

The stories illustrate how, despite their grotesque or frightening appearances, the Monsters of DC share a common desire for love and acceptance. From Frankenstein’s unrequited love for his Bride to Etrigan’s quest for romance in the depths of hell, and Raven’s moments of unabashed clarity during a ghostly prom dance, this comic demonstrates that love can blossom in the most unexpected places–all it takes is a willingness to search.

DC Holiday Special: DC Love is a Battlefield (2021) #1

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a DC twist in Love is a Battlefield, a special featuring a delightful collection of romance-inspired shorts highlighting the enduring couples of the DC universe. Among the notable stories are ‘Perfect Matches,’ which follows Matches Malone and Selina Kyle as they go undercover on a villainous love cruise, and ‘The Beginning,’ a touching tale showcasing Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy as they joyfully recount the beginnings of their passionate courtship.

Undoubtedly, this special captures the essence of lasting love within DC, portraying couples like Hawkman and Hawkgirl, who race against time to prevent a space tomb from colliding with Earth, as well as the unique and dynamic bond between fan favorites Nightwing and Starfire. In summary, Love is a Battlefield beautifully encapsulates the many dimensions of love throughout the DC comics, making it a must-read for fans this Valentine’s Day.

DC Holiday Special: Strange Love Adventures (2022) #1

Strange Love Adventures is a captivating follow-up to the romantic Love is a Battlefield special, beautifully encapsulating the essence of passion as it evolves throughout the DC universe. This delightful Valentine’s Day compilation features eight outrageous stories that delve into the themes of “like, love, and loss,” spotlighting beloved characters such as Batman, Harley Quinn, and the Flash—all wrapped up in one affectionate package.

Among the standout tales is the heartwarming ‘Service,’ which offers a reflective monologue from Alfred, detailing his life of commitment—from serving his country to his unwavering love and dedication to the Bat Family. Another exceptional yarn follows Peacemaker on a poetic quest for true love. However, his plans go awry when the Fearsome Five threaten peace. Armed with his unique brand of dark humor and violence-infused affection, Peacemaker swiftly dispatches the threat just in time for his much-anticipated rendezvous with love.

Fantastic Four Annual (1963) #3

Penned by the legendary duo Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Fantastic Four Annual #3 depicts the historic wedding of Reed Richards and Susan Storm, two beloved members of Marvel’s First Family. Yet, this heartfelt narrative will take a dramatic turn when the MCU-bound Doctor Doom, seeking revenge, activates his nefarious emotion-changing device, unleashing a horde of Marvel’s villains to crash their wedding. Ultimately, Reed and Susan prove love conquers all in this Valentine’s Day must-read.

For over sixty years, Reed and Susan have weathered countless challenges together, embodying a love and respect that other Marvel couples aspire to emulate. This momentous occasion not only highlights their enduring bond but also showcases the best of Marvel as characters from the X-Men to the Avengers gather to pay tribute to this iconic couple. This celebration reflects the profound significance of their love and their shared commitment, solidifying their place as one of Marvel’s most cherished pairs.

Marvel Valentine Special (1997) #1

Celebrating Cupid’s holiday in the mighty Marvel manner, Marvel Valentine Special presents engaging ballads of love guaranteed to leave readers feeling the romance. Indeed, in ‘My Fair Spidey,’ Parker tutors the young nerd Roland how to be debonair enough to woo his crush, Theo. Eventually, showing their generous hearts, Spidey and Mary Jane impart the lesson to Roland that being true to yourself is the best practice of love.

Another short, ‘The Greatest Gift,’ reveals that even villains can partake in love. In this story, the Absorbing Man is mistakenly accused of theft while trying to buy a Valentine’s Day gift for his wife, Titania. Fortunately, Titania arrives just in time and finds excitement in her husband’s unexpected predicament, creatively illustrating that a loving wife leads to a loving life, even in the Marvel universe.

Star Wars: A Valentine Story (2003) #1

Set on the icy planet of Hoth just before The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: A Valentine Story explores the burgeoning love between Princess Leia and the titular best-read scoundrel, Han Solo. After two transports—one piloted by Chewbacca and the other by Han and Leia—crash due to an unrelenting blizzard, the couple must wait out the storm while searching for their lost friend.

In this binding moment, as the cold rages and Han reveals his exploits and vulnerabilities, the fuse of love is lit, leading to Leia acknowledging the bond blossoming between them. Undoubtedly, this enchanting Valentine’s Day tale offers fans a unique glimpse into a romance that transcends the stars, capturing the essence of Cupid’s magic in a galaxy far, far away.

I (Heart) Marvel (2006)

I (Heart) Marvel Web of Romance #1 Cover

Filled with creatively crafted odes that highlight various delegations from the Marvel Universe, I (Heart) Marvel offers romantic comic enthusiasts a delightful mix of love in all its wild and wacky forms. The series vividly showcases Marvel’s unique and colorful interpretations of love and its complexities, providing fans with a broader perspective on how love unfolds within the Marvel realm.

This five-issue collaboration celebrates the essence of love in Marvel’s signature style, weaving together tales featuring both fan favorites and lesser-known characters. From the enduring power couple of upcoming animated lead Spider-Man and Mary Jane, as they navigate Mandrill’s machinations and plan the perfect Lovers Day gift, to the repercussions of Squirrel Girl’s crush on the charismatic Speedball, this captivating Valentine’s series truly has something for everyone.

X-Men Gold (2017) #30

Few occasions capture the magic of love quite like a wedding. Enter X-Men Gold #30, a perfect Valentine’s Day read. The story begins with the joyful preparations for the long-anticipated marriage of beloved X-Men Colossus and Kitty Pryde. However, as Kitty’s concerns and reservations emerge, the issue’s tone shifts to melancholic. Fortunately, the mood changes again when one of Marvel’s most iconic courtships, Gambit and Rogue, discover everything they’ve ever desired in the spontaneity of this momentous occasion.

After three decades filled with uplifting highs and heartbreaking lows, Rogue finally accepts Gambit’s proposal, fulfilling the long-held hopes of their fans. Frequently compared to Marvel’s Romeo and Juliet, the accomplished Vs duelist Gambit and Rogue have faced numerous obstacles in their quest for love, yet their unwavering devotion remains strong. This compelling storyline is a must-read, observing the spirit of love during Cupid’s holiday.

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