Romanticism 

spasticatt:

brevoortformspring:

>Do you think there’s any legitimacy in my annoyance at the small number of lasting relationships in the MU? Or is Romance a casualty of the long-term medium?>

I think lasting relationships are an inevitable casualty of long-term serial storytelling. Just look at any…

I have to respectfully refute this, my reason being the same as what other people have said: Iconic relationships are iconic for a reason. Classics NEVER get old. Read Romeo and Juliet again if you start to think so. Granted, that is a poor example when compared to the long lived and constantly shifting Marvel Universe, but certain characters have a true spark when combined as a couple. It’s a spark that will continually resurface no matter how much the story changes or is redone. I truly appreciate when a writer can sneak a thought provoking moment past editorial and show the reason that “spark” existed between characters. As I age and deal with my own personal relationship demons, it’s heartening to know that obstacles CAN be overcome…not avoided by moving on to a new romantic partner. That depth and understanding of the characters’growth and development is why I still read comics. *salutes Mr. Asmus and Mr. Mann for that tender moment between Rogue and Gambit in their cancelled series*

It’s a crying shame that the values of love, honor and trust are so easily tossed aside for shock value in today’s comics. :(

Not all relationships that last years are well-written or exist solely because of a spark between the characters; many just follow editorial decisions, the attempt to sell an idea, to reach a new demographic, etc. I concede that Brevoort’s using the Gambit/Rogue example was unfortunate, as they have always been one of the most popular Marvel couples (probably in the top 3, or at least the top 5). On the other hand, he’s not wrong when saying most comic book relationships get boring after a while. I understand the point you’re making about RL relationships and the desire to see that reflected in this medium we all love, to see the characters overcoming barriers instead of actin like teenagers and just switching partners all the time. The thing is, unlike in RL, these characters are not allowed to grow up, to have a family, any such things, unless what ifs/time travel/retcons are involved, all in the service of some imagined longevity and the need to appeal to multiple generations at once and forever. I mean, the longest romantic relationship in the Marvel U is Sue and Reed Richards, and yet Franklin has been 8 for how many years? There’s a limit to the amount of maturity these characters are allowed to reach, so I can see some comic book relationships working for 10-20 years, if there is that spark you mention, and only a handful last 50-70 years. Most of them will be lucky if the last over 5.