Even superheroes need friends. All the superpowers in the world can't fix a lonely heart, and after a long day of fighting crime and defeating bad guys, who doesn't want to kick back and relax with a close friend and confidante? Indeed, superheroes might need friendship even more than any regular human.
Marvel superheroes aren't the exception to this rule. Over the years, many of Marvel's best and brightest formed lifelong friendships that became unbreakable over time. These partnerships have stood the test of time, becoming almost as iconic as the superheroes that made the company a titan of the industry.
Professor X & Magneto
Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr have one of the most complex dynamics in American comic books. At times friends, at times foes, Professor X and Magneto's rivalry is the stuff of Shakesperean dreams and nightmares. They respect and value each other's company, that much is true. In fact, Xavier might be the only person Magneto trusts.
And yet, they are constantly at odds with each other. Their view of the world could not be more different, and their fundamental differences make their interactions all the more chaotic. Still, they find common ground when the situation calls for it, and throughout their history, they've been friends as many times as they've been rivals.
Wolverine & Nightcrawler
Comic book fans know that Wolverine isn't the most open person. He has severe trust issues and prefers the comfort of solitude. On the other hand, happy-go-lucky Nightcrawler is friendly to everybody and values human connection. The two joined the X-Men's second generation, and after a rough start, became sparring partners, and eventually, best friends.
Logan famously refers to Kurt as "Elf," and the two enjoy teasing each other, knowing that the other can take it. Throughout the X-Men's many missions, these two always have each other's backs. Their bond is so powerful that Logan even feels comfortable declaring his love for Kurt. And for a character as reclusive as Logan, that speaks volumes.
Captain America & Bucky Barnes
Cap and Bucky have been one of Marvel's most enduring partnerships since the Golden Age of comic books. However, the MCU did the impossible and made their friendship even more compelling. Indeed, Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes' connection predates their superhero identities, being childhood friends who literally grew together.
Their friendship survived wars, intergalactic battles, S.H.I.E.L.D., HYDRA, and everything in between. Some consider their bond romantic, and many fans enjoy exploring a potential "Stucky" relationship through fanart and fanfiction. However, whether they're romantic or platonic, Steve and Bucky share an undeniable bond that will probably never break.
Captain Marvel & Spider-Woman
Comic books, in general, have a distinct lack of female friendships. However, the ones that do exist are nothing short of spectacular like the bond between Carol Danvers and Jessica Drew. The two met when Jess took a near-death Carol to the hospital after the latter's encounter with Rogue. From there, a beautiful friendship blossomed, one that remains to this day.
Avengers Anual #10 is the pair's definitive story, but their complicity evolved over the years. Together, they entered new chapters in their lives, knowing they could rely on each other if the situation called for it. At one point during Jess' pregnancy, Carol even makes her an appointment with "one of the best maternity hospitals in the galaxy." Now, that is friendship
Misty Knight & Colleen Wing
Collectively known as the Daughters of the Dragon, Misty Knight and Colleen Wing are one of the most famous duos in Marvel Comics. Wing, a Japanese martial artist, and Knight, a former NYPD cop with a bionic arm, formed a friendship that has endured for more than forty years.
Together, they founded Knightwing Restorations, an agency specializing in finding missing persons. They also fought criminal figures such as Ricadonna and Steel Serpent. Misty and Colleen don't have an overly sentimental attachment; instead, they have immense empathy and really get each other, not to mention their continued support of the others' endeavors. And in the end, that's what true friends do.
Rocket Racoon & Groot
Like it did with Bucky and Steve, the MCU also expanded upon another enduring comic book friendship, Groot and Rocket. These two scoundrels have one of the most chaotic and layered relationships ever, despite the fact one is a genetically-enhanced raccoon, and the other is literally a talking tree with limited vocabulary.
Still, their bond is genuine and surprisingly sweet. They weren't instant friends but instead learned to be comfortable around each other, developing their connection until it formed the bond everyone knows and loves today, and their attachment is all the better because of it.
Spider-Man & The Human Torch
Spider-Man has close relationships with many prominent figures in the Marvel Universe. After all, he is their friendly neighborhood. Fans know about his bond with Deadpool and his doomed friendship with future Green Goblin, Harry Osborn. However, his partnership with Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, remains the most memorable.
Their connection dates back to the 1960s. They disliked each other when they first met because Peter broke into the Baxter Building trying to impress Marvel's First Family. However, they soon found common ground, and by the '70s, they were two peas in a pot. Johnny even helped Peter build the Spider-Mobile and then taught him how to drive the thing. They've had their ups and downs, but their bond has only strengthened over the years.
Mr. Fantastic & The Thing
Marvel's First Family has a privileged place in comic book history. Their layered and messy dynamic was a first for the medium, establishing them as four of the most relatable heroes in comics.
One of the bases for this imperfect family was the previously established connection between Reed Richards and Ben Grimm. Their odd-couple dynamic was notorious from day one, but an undeniable spark between the two formed during those early days. The two went on to become professional partners, sharing a fellowship rooted in mutual respect and admiration.
Luke Cage & Iron Fist
Comic book fans know Iron Fist as a jovial and open-minded guy who happens to be a hero. On the other hand, Luke Cage is more stoic and methodic but just as caring. Together, they made one of the most intriguing partnerships of the 1970s. Their stories favored humor and character development over action, creating a unique formula for success.
Since their early adventures together as the Heroes for Hire, Luke and Danny have remained closely associated. They have never reached a point where they'd do anything for the other, literally. Simply put, they compliment each other perfectly, and the Marvel Universe is all the better for having them in it.
Matt Murdock & Foggy Nelson
Many Marvel friendships depict two heroes who find common ground due to their similar situations. However, few center on a super and a regular human who still manage to make things work, which makes Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson's partnership all the more special.
Foggy's character has gone through considerable changes since his introduction. Nowadays, he's often reduced to being the comic relief in contrast to his overly pessimistic friend, but Foggy and Matt shared a very complex dynamic during the Bronze Age. They still managed to be close and loyal to each other despite their many differences, which perfectly sums up their friendship. Foggy and Matt put their differences aside for the sake of their bond, understanding that the ties that bind them are more important than whatever difference they might have.