There’s no doubt that Wolverine and Rogue love each other dearly. While their initial relationship was uncomfortably rocky, the two have since developed a bond more akin to a father-daughter connection. That said, Wolverine isn’t exactly known for respecting the boundaries of age or established relationships. Though, despite Marvel’s occasional ambiguity, only one X-Men storyline is truly responsible for the misconception of a romance between these two heroic mutants.

When Anna "Rogue" Marie first ed the X-Men in Uncanny X-Men #171 (1983)–by Chris Claremont and Walt Simonson–she was still considered a villain by most of the team. Wolverine was one of the most vocal X-Men against allowing Rogue’s ission, but eventually changed his tune when Rogue endangered her life to save Logan’s fiancée. Even so, Wolverine remained guarded against Rogue’s early teenage antics.

While Marvel history has largely respected the platonic boundaries between them, a few questionable moments in the past have blurred those lines.

Did Wolverine and Rogue Actually Date? The Official Answer Is No... But It's Complicated

A Single X-Men Comic Is Responsible for the Confusion Surrounding Wolverine & Rogue's Relationship

The short answer to the prevailing question of whether the two X-Men dated is: no. Wolverine and Rogue have never dated and, hopefully, never will. ittedly, the X-Men did briefly lock lips after the assault against Wolverine’s fiancée in Uncanny X-Men #173 (1983), but this was only done to some of Wolverine’s healing factor to a dying Rogue. This has happened a few other times since then, but just like the first kiss, it has always been to help Rogue heal rather than because of any other scandalous motivations. So, why are some readers led to believe that the X-Men have dated in the past?

The ultimate answer is because of X-Men #169 (2005) by Peter Milligan and Salvador Larroca. In this issue, the X-Men are tasked with destroying an infant Golgotha, an alien creature that feeds on fear, induces madness, and brings to light a person’s repressed feelings. While investigating, Wolverine compulsively tells Rogue that he has always had feelings for her and desperately wants to act on them now. Just after Gambit stormed off, Logan and Anna Marie shared a sensual smooch before being awoken by Emma Frost. While the two were only brainwashed, this scene has lived on in infamy since.

Wolverine and Rogue’s Bond Was Never Romantic—And Marvel Fans Know It

The Ultimate Universe and Questionable Writing Tarnished Wolverine’s Legacy

Given that Golgothas expose a person’s inner truths and fears, this issue still leads readers to assume that Wolverine and Rogue have always secretly shared romantic feelings. However, most fans have collectively chosen to ignore this canon misstep. Wolverine is a grizzled, wandering loner who has left many children behind in his journeys—it’s a core part of his character. Yet, the familial bond between Anna Marie and Logan is far too significant to be undermined by what many consider a lapse in storytelling judgment. That said, Wolverine does have a well-documented history of complicating Jean Grey’s romantic life.

Marvel’s first Ultimate Universe hasn’t done Logan any favors when it comes to his 'situationships' with women. While these versions of Wolverine and Rogue maintain a safe, father-daughter relationship, Ultimate Wolverine consistently displayed predatory behavior toward Jean Grey, who was just a teenager at the time. This persistent crudeness seems more the result of a particular writer's choices rather than a trait readers want associated with Logan’s character. So, no, Wolverine and Rogue have never been romantically involved. Today, Rogue and Gambit share a deeply committed relationship, while Wolverine faces the demons of his past. Thankfully, Marvel has long moved past this forced plotline, freeing Wolverine and Rogue from any lingering misconceptions about their non-romantic history.