5 Shameful DC Couples That Should Never Have Existed

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Love stories have always been, and will continue to be, a big part of comic books. While fans enjoy seeing heroes fight villains, we also love to see them have personal lives, including finding love-and sometimes experiencing messy breakups. Certain comic book couples have become legendary, like Superman and Lois Lane, Green Arrow and Black Canary, and Batman and Catwoman. However, not all relationships in comics are successful. While many are okay, a few are truly terrible. Today, we’re taking a look back at those unfortunate pairings.

Let’s examine five of the most disastrous couples and relationships in DC Comics, and try to understand what the writers were thinking. There have been plenty of bad romances among heroes over time, but these are particularly regrettable. While it’s probably best to forget them, we’re going to take a close look today. So, let’s begin without delay.

5) Superman and Wonder Woman

This topic is a little unusual, as I’ve never actually disliked the idea. I think it could work well if handled correctly, and seeing it in alternate universes could be enjoyable. However, there are two main issues with it. First, Superman and Wonder Woman have much stronger chemistry as friends. They’re two of the best friends in the entire multiverse, and I’d prefer to see that dynamic developed instead of unnecessary romantic complications. Second, pairing them up prevents them from pursuing more compelling relationships. It’s a missed opportunity, really.

Lois Lane and Superman are arguably the most famous couple in comic book history, and their relationship is truly legendary. Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor are right up there with them – a fantastic pairing that doesn’t get enough credit. Both of these couples make much more sense for the characters and their stories than a romantic relationship between Wonder Woman and Superman. While it’s easy to see why dating two of the most powerful and well-known heroes might seem like a good idea, they’re actually better off as friends.

4) Donna Troy and Terry Long

What always bothered me most about their relationship was how it even *lasted* as long as it did. I mean, the age gap was huge – Donna was still a teenager when they started dating, and Terry was already divorced with a child. Seeing a fully grown man, with a beard no less, constantly at Titans Tower with all those teens was just… really unsettling, honestly, as often as we all did. I guess because they were both adults, the age difference could be *sort of* forgiven, but what I *couldn’t* overlook was how awful Terry was *to* Donna. He was constantly flirting with other women whenever he got the chance, and it wasn’t just strangers – he’d do it right in front of her, even with her own teammates! It was just disrespectful and hurtful to watch.

Despite any initial connection, this relationship was ultimately destined to fail. Eventually, Terry came to believe Donna posed a threat to their son, leading him to file for both divorce and a restraining order. Tragically, Terry and his two children died in a car accident, and the incident was quickly forgotten. Considering both this devastating divorce and the constantly shifting details of her past, it’s hard not to feel some sympathy for Donna.

3) Lex Luthor and Supergirl

Yes, back in the ‘90s, Lex once had a relationship with Supergirl, but it wasn’t the Supergirl most fans are familiar with. This Supergirl was actually Matrix, a being made of living material from a universe that no longer exists. She came to live with the Kents and took on the Supergirl identity, all created by a Lex Luthor from *that* world. In this story, Lex is using a cloned body and pretending to be his own son, but even this complicated disguise doesn’t make the situation any less disturbing. The image speaks for itself – Supergirl directly points out how much her boyfriend looks like what is essentially her father. That’s a problem in any reality.

Things become even more complicated when it’s revealed that Lex, as expected, was controlling Matrix to punish Superman. He used her as a personal protector, ensuring his own safety while he devised a plan to permanently defeat the Man of Steel. Lex consistently manipulates others, and this is a particularly egregious example of his behavior.

2) Batman and Batgirl

Thankfully, this romantic relationship only exists within the Batman Beyond 2.0 comics, but even within that storyline, it feels excessive. As the comic panels demonstrate, Batman and Barbara had an affair while Dick Grayson was absent, even though Dick and Barbara were already in a relationship. I really can’t overstate how disturbing it is that Bruce would have a sexual relationship with his son’s girlfriend, who is also the daughter of his close friend. Dick understandably ended all contact with both Bruce and Barbara after learning about this, and I completely agree with his decision.

The relationship between Batman and Batgirl has always felt strange. Initially, Barbara was presented as having feelings for Batman, but her age was always awkwardly positioned between Bruce and Dick. Later, her age was adjusted downwards, and she became Dick’s primary love interest, making the current storyline where she becomes pregnant by Bruce even more problematic. This pairing is so incredibly complicated and poorly conceived that I’m surprised it isn’t ranked as the worst on this list.

1) Hal Jordan and Arisia

This is arguably the most problematic relationship DC Comics has ever portrayed, and that’s saying a lot. When Arisia was first introduced, she was a thirteen-year-old Green Lantern who worked alongside Hal Jordan. Hal often saw her as a little sister. While working with him, she developed a crush on him, which he rightfully dismissed. However, things took a disturbing turn when Arisia unintentionally used her power ring to make herself an adult, and Hal suddenly reciprocated her romantic feelings. 

The book really emphasizes that Arisia matured emotionally as well as physically, explaining that a year on her planet equals one on Earth, meaning she was effectively twenty-six years old from the beginning. However, that doesn’t excuse what happens next. Hal consistently referred to her as his little sister and repeatedly stated he viewed her as a child. Despite this, the story still portrays them entering a lengthy relationship, which understandably makes readers uncomfortable. Frankly, this is a far worse act than anything involving Parallax, and it should be forgotten.

Here are five of DC’s most ill-advised couples. Sadly, there are many other pairings that could easily have been included. Sometimes writers prioritize a kiss between two characters over things like how well they get along, their personalities, or even if it makes sense, and that’s when trouble begins. What DC couple do *you* think is the very worst? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below and join the discussion now in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-10-03 20:30