Key Comics Vault

Romance plays almost an equally important part in comics as action does, with relationships a big factor in many characters’ development. Some of these relationships, particularly famous ones, have been going on for decades. Below is a list of some of DC’s and Marvel’s famous first kisses, plus some lesser known ones too. 

Superman and Lois Lane

Undoubtedly one of the most recognisable couples in all of comics, Clark and Lois have been a romantic pairing since the 1930s. The very first kiss between Superman and Lois Lane happened way back in Action Comics #5. 

This was a different Superman, still leaping about the place instead of flying, but their love is still recognisable. Like countless other times, Superman is there to rescue Lois from certain death. This time a dam bursts due to a heavy downpour and Superman pulls Lois from a submerged car.

Lois is so relieved to be alive, she rewards Superman with a kiss. The kiss itself is a bit of let down, as it is told, not shown. Readers are left to their imaginations and have to believe Superman’s exclamation of “Wow! What a kiss!” 

Spider-man and Mary Jane

Another comic book power couple here, with Mary Jane and Peter Parker likely to be the most recognisable couple in comics. The popularity of this couple is very strong, with changes to their relationship status rarely taken well by fans. 

Spider-man and Mary Jane first kiss in Amazing Spider-man #143. This might surprise many as Mary Jane was introduced in Amazing Spider-man #25, with her first proper appearance in #42. It takes another 101 issues for that elusive first kiss!

In previous issues, Mysterio had been up to his tricks, convincing Spider-man that Gwen Stacey was still alive. This causes Gwen to be on Peter’s mind, but a note from J Jonah Jameson suggesting he had been kidnapped and was in France diverts Peter’s attention. About to fly across the Atlantic, a farewell kiss from Mary Jane helps Peter move on from Gwen.

Batman and Catwoman

One of the more complicated relationships in this list is that of Batman and Catwoman. The complication being the opposite sides of the law they tend to be on. This game of cat and mouse (bat?) though adds a thrill to their romance that some of the other relationships are missing. 

The first kiss between Batman and Catwoman happens in the final story of Batman #3 – The Batman vs The Cat-woman. These were the days of Catwoman wearing what looks like a giant cat head, dress and cape, a far cry from the tight outfits she is in now. Despite this, the flowing dress and the amount of leg shown had her as a femme fatale from the beginning.

In a typical Catwoman story, she has a plan to steal some jewels, this time posing as a model. Selina’s plan goes awry though and she is captured by some gangsters. Luckily, Batman is there to rescue her. Similarly to Lois, Catwoman thanks her saviour with a kiss, but uses it as a distraction to escape.

Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy

The most prominent queer, female couple in comics, by some distance, is Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. Both characters historically were paired with men, but as comics become more inclusive, their sexualities were explored. 

Interestingly, the first kiss between Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn happens in a non-canon series; DC Comics: Bombshells. This series was inspired by statues from DC collectibles and centres around superpowered women in the Second World War. In #42, Harley tells the story of her previous love for the Joker before her and Poison Ivy battle Joker’s Daughter. After escaping the villain, both share a tender kiss in the final panel.

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First same-sex kisses

Marvel’s first kiss between two men was in X-Force 118, written by Peter Milligan. It showed Bloke kissing his boyfriend in San Francisco. What do you mean you don’t know who Bloke is? Not surprising really, as he dies later that issue! Still, what a legacy. The surprise might be that it took until 2001 for Marvel to include a gay kiss in a comic.

DC were ahead of their rivals in this department. DC’s first gay kiss was in the Vertigo line, namely the Enigma series written by Peter Milligan [again!]. It came in Enigma #8, aptly titled Queer, in 1993, between Enigma and Michael. In the main line of comics, it would be 1998 before a gay kiss was shown, this time in Starman #45.

First interracial kisses

Stigma also held back the publishing of characters kissing another outside their ethnicity for many years. It was not until the 1970s that Marvel and DC published comics with interracial kissing.

Marvel’s first interracial kiss came in Amazing Adventures #31, 1975, between members of Killraven’s Free Men, M’shulla and Carmilla. Two years prior, DC published Korak, Son of Tarzan #54, where Korak kisses the chief’s daughter Salamma. Neither of the issues could be said to be particularly well known, but both have an important place in comic book history.