9 Marvel love stories that proved even superheroes can't escape heartbreak!

In the Marvel universe, sacrifices extend far beyond the battlefield. Here are 9 times Marvel superheroes had to part ways with the love of their life, and we were all left heartbroken!

From cosmic threats to personal demons, the heroes of the Marvel universe face no shortage of challenges. But beyond the epic battles and world-saving feats, many of these iconic characters also endure heartbreaks as a consequence of falling in love in a world controlled by fate. From the tortured soul of Bruce Banner, whose love for Betty Ross is doomed by the uncontrollable rage of the Hulk, to Wanda Maximoff's ill-fated romances shaped by grief and loss, these superheroes are no strangers to the pain of love that slips through their fingers. Peter Parker, despite his heroic deeds, faces an endless cycle of tragic love stories, and even Thor's once-promising relationship with Jane Foster is marked by separation and cosmic turmoil. So while these superheroes are known to save the day, they unfortunately couldn't save their relationships, and that's just a curse that comes along with being a Marvel hero!

Also read: 7 movies where the girl picked the walking red flag over the good guy!

Check out the ones that left us all weeping in the cinema halls!

Spider-Man and Mary Jane from literally every universe!

In Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007), Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker faces one of the most iconic love stories in superhero cinema. But while they two deeply loved each other, Peter had to eventually reject her feeling just so that she is safe. The incident with the Green Goblin which led to Norman's death was a close call for Pete losing the love of his life and so that he never has to face something like that again, he decides to push her way from him, even if that means living in pain for the rest of his life. Similarly, Tom Holland's Spiderman, which is currently the most popular out of the lot, makes sure that he goes back in time and never meets his Mary Jane (Zendaya) so she never has to be a part of his life and hence would be safe forever. The pain and loneliness in his eyes in the last shot of Spiderman: No Way Home when MJ doesn't recognise him will tug at our hearts and make us all cry each time! 

But the worst of all was Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker, who couldn't save his Gwen Stacy (Emma Watson) when she fell from a great height. Etched as one of the most heartbreaking scenes in Marvel history, its just something that haunts Peter for the rest of his life. As a superhero, he was able to save everyone but the one who was so close to his heart. And that arc continues when he makes his cameo in Hollands's No Way Home as well! While there are many Marvel stories that are left incomplete, Spiderman just hurts on another level!

Thor and Jane Foster

The romance between Thor and Jane Foster stands as one of the MCU's most poignant yet ultimately tragic narratives. Their initial meeting in 'Thor' (2011), a collision of Asgardian might and earthly science, sparks a connection that is both immediate and complex. At the heart of their love story lies the inherent tension between personal affection and the weight of duty, particularly Thor's obligations to his family and realm. Following the events of the first Thor film, he is compelled to return to Asgard, setting aside his relationship with Jane as he embraces his destiny as heir to the throne. Years later, in 'Thor: Love and Thunder' (2022), Jane Foster returns, but her reappearance is bittersweet. Diagnosed with cancer, she undergoes a transformative journey, becoming Mighty Thor, wielding Mjolnir, and fighting alongside Thor. Though they reunite as partners in the battle against Gorr the God Butcher, Jane's illness progresses relentlessly. In a devastating climax, she makes the ultimate sacrifice, giving her life to save Thor and the universe, leaving him heartbroken and alone.

Star-Lord and Gamora 

Star-Lord, aka Peter Quill, introduced in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (2014), is a charismatic yet impetuous outlaw grappling with his mother's death and a chaotic upbringing in space. Gamora, in stark contrast, is a hardened warrior, shaped by a history of abuse, loss, and betrayal. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 charts the growing intimacy between Peter and Gamora, though both remain hesitant to fully commit. Their connection deepens through shared vulnerability, like Peter's unwavering belief in Gamora even when she pushes him away. In a particularly important moment, Gamora offers Peter solace after Yondu's death, understanding the profound impact of losing a father figure. Their love story, however, culminates in devastating tragedy in Avengers: Infinity War. Thanos, in a brutal display of power, forces Gamora to witness his ultimate sacrifice: her own life. Despite her desperate pleas, Thanos hurls Gamora off a cliff to claim the soul stone, a sacrifice made in service of his warped vision of universal balance. Peter arrives too late, witnessing Gamora's death, a moment that shatters him to his core. 

Doctor Strange and Christine Palmer

Doctor Strange's relationship with Christine Palmer is complicated, to say the least! Not defined by a lack of love but by the cruel reality of their diverging paths. In 'Doctor Strange' (2016), Christine re-enters Stephen's life after he fully embraces his role as a sorcerer. While she remains the compassionate and dedicated woman he knew, now a successful trauma surgeon, the chasm between them has grown vast. Though his time at Kamar Taj made him realise the depth of his feelings for Christine, their brief reunion during the fight against Kaecilius only underscored the impossibility of their situation. Even after confessing his enduring love to a variant Christine in Doctor Strange in the 'Multiverse of Madness', his inability to attend her wedding solidifies their incompatibility. This theme is further explored in 'What If...?', where a different version of Strange desperately tries to save Christine from death, only to fail repeatedly. Each attempt not only ends in her demise but also corrupts him with dark magic, ultimately leading to the destruction of his own universe. In essence, their love is a constant is just a 'what if', a beautiful possibility forever out of reach!

Bruce Banner and Betty Rose

In 'The Incredible Hulk' (2008), Bruce Banner lives a life of constant flight, haunted by the incident that shattered his previous existence. Bruce struggles to control the destructive power within. His relationship with Betty Ross is fraught with longing and fear. Despite their deep feelings for one another, the ever-present threat of the Hulk forces them apart. Their separation is precipitated by a devastating confrontation with the abomination, during which the Hulk's destructive rampage leaves Betty a terrified witness. Driven by the need to protect her from the inherent danger he represents, Bruce makes the agonising decision to push her away. He recognises that his love for her, ironically, is a threat to her life, just like the rest of the lot from the 'heartbroken superheroes club'. 

Wolverine and Jean Grey

Wolverine’s relationship with Jean is the most significant and complicated of his romantic entanglements, both within the X-Men universe and in the cinematic adaptations. Jean Grey is the telepathic and telekinetic powerhouse of the X-Men and the emotional centre of Logan’s long, tormented life. In 'X2: X-Men United' (2003), we see the start of the complex emotional connection between Logan and Jean. The two share tender moments, with Logan revealing how deeply he feels for her despite the fact that she remains loyal to Scott. Jean is drawn to Logan’s raw emotion, but she also feels responsible for Scott and for keeping the X-Men united. In 'X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)', Jean’s darker side, the Phoenix Force, takes control of her, and her powers become too immense and uncontrollable. In an attempt to protect the world, Jean sacrifices herself in a final, heartbreaking act, leaving Logan devastated. As Jean dies in Logan’s arms, the audience sees how deep his love for her truly was!

Wanda and Vision

Their relationship truly starts to blossom in 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016). Although Vision and Wanda are on opposing sides during the conflict between the Avengers, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Wanda was still coming to terms with the trauma of losing her brother Pietro (Quicksilver), and Vision was grappling with his emerging humanity. They were two beings who, despite their differences, found solace in one another. In Avengers: Infinity War (2018), their relationship blossoms further! They are no longer just teammates or friends but lovers. Vision and Wanda share intimate moments together, whether it’s a quiet evening at their hideaway or moments of shared sorrow and joy. 

In the midst of all the chaos, their love becomes a rare beacon of peace. In the same film, Wanda is faced with the ultimate tragedy. In order to stop Thanos from taking the mind stone, she is forced to destroy it herself, which means she would have to destroy Vision in the process. The moment is heart-wrenching, to say the least. Wanda’s grief is palpable as she is forced to make the most difficult decision of her life. Kill the man she loves in order to save the universe. It’s a painful act of sacrifice, and it leaves Wanda devastated. She doesn’t just lose Vision; she loses a part of herself. Yet, even as she destroys the stone, Thanos intervenes and uses the Time Stone to reverse her act of destruction. In a heartbreaking moment of inevitability, Thanos kills Vision before Wanda’s eyes, taking the mind stone for himself. While Wanda then goes on to build a make-believe world of her own in Wanda Vision, deep down, she knows this isn't a dream that could last forever!

With the new Captain America: Brave New World on the horizon, we wonder which other Marvel superhero would be left heartbroken this time around!

Which of these Marvel love stories do you wish could come true? Let us know in the comments below!

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