In a comic universe full of lovebirds, Rogue and Gambit are easily among the most iconic. The Mississippi Belle and the Ragin’ Cajun are a perfect match, and now that they’re married, everyone can admit they’re Marvel’s best couple.
This Southern romance goes back around 30 years to X-Men Vol. 2. When the X-Men are bisected, Rogue—whose real name is Anna Marie—and Gambit are both placed on the “Blue Team” along with heavy hitters Psylocke, Wolverine, Cyclops, and Beast. The more time they spend together, the more that pathologically flirtatious Remy LeBeau seems drawn to Anna—and she to him. Not only did this pairing make a great deal of sense, it was also quite popular with fans.
After years of stop and go, Rogue and Gambit finally tied the knot in X-Men Gold #30 by Marc Guggenheim and David Marquez. While this pairing might seem to be entirely based on their similar roots, their connection goes deeper than that. A large part of the appeal is how well their powers complement each other. Since Rogue possesses Captain Marvel’s superhuman strength and supersonic flight, she is the more obvious powerhouse between the two. But Gambit is no slouch either, consistently demonstrating how versatile his kinetic generation can be. Although Rogue’s absorption ability usually activates at skin contact, Gambit's biokinetic field protects him from Rogue, allowing them to touch. Rogue remains fiercely protective of her man, which leads to clever and endearing moments like when a brutish Arakko native picks on Gambit in a bar and Rogue smacks him across the room.
Every good couple thrives on some level of shared experience, and these two have that in spades. Both have undergone persistent manipulation by others. Rogue spent the early portion of her life under the tutelage of Mystique and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants; a period that led her into direct conflict with the Avengers. Rogue was powerful enough to take out every single Avenger, in fact. Gambit carried out missions for Mister Sinister and played an accessory part in an attempted massacre of the Morlocks, which led to tension and distrust when the X-Men found out. The mutual trauma of being abused for their gifts contributes to a bond few other couples share.
On top of all this, they’re stylish! Rogue and Gambit individually have some of the most enduring looks in comics. She with her shock of white hair, gloves, and flight jacket; he with his black-pink eyes, brown duster, and bō staff. Marvel could just rely on their sleek aesthetic and sex appeal, but instead continue to bring Gambit and Rogue to new emotional depths and show just how perfect for each other they really are.