History TrueCompanions / ComicBooks

[[caption-width-right:1000:A group of funny men who know how to stick together.]]

[[caption-width-right:1000:A group of funny men who always know how to stick together.]]

** The original ''ComicBook/TheTransformers'' series has the Autobot special forces team known as the Wreckers, particularly concerning its seven core members (Springer, Broadside, Sandstorm, Twin Twist, Topspin, Roadbuster and Whirl). Possibly the Insecticons as well, in that they're a trio of freaks despised by both Autobot and Decepticon and are really only loyal to each other.

%% This page has been alphabetized. Please add new examples in the correct order.

* ComicBook/{{Tintin}}, Haddock, Calculus, Thompson, and Thomson would all qualify - as well as the various side characters they meet in stories, such as Chan.

* Marvel's ComicBook/AgentsOfAtlas. Their true-companion bond is {{Lampshaded}} in their original miniseries, with super-spy Jimmy Woo as the group's leader.

* Many of ComicBook/TheAvengers teams over the years have been effectively true companions. One good example is the nearly-first lineup: ComicBook/CaptainAmerica, ComicBook/IronMan, [[ComicBook/TheMightyThor Thor]], [[ComicBook/AntMan Giant-Man]], and ComicBook/TheWasp. (The [[ComicBook/IncredibleHulk Hulk]] was a founding member, but quit almost immediately, with Cap taking his place.) All five were practically in tears when they first parted ways, even though they'd only been together for a dozen issues.
** Of all the ties formed in the Avengers' long history, none match those between ComicBook/CaptainAmerica, ComicBook/IronMan, and Thor. The team is always at its strongest when these three are in it, and any two of them would lay down their lives for the third without hesitation. This is what made the Cap/Iron Man conflict in ''ComicBook/CivilWar'' so devastating; one has to wonder if it might have been averted if Thor hadn't been dead at the time. The adverts for ''Avengers Prime'' put it best: Many have answered the call, but three have always stood above the rest.
*** It's also why Thor is ''[[https://imgur.com/gallery/EtDwU so fucking pissed]]'' at Tony when he finally does return. A man he considered at least as close as a brother not only turned on people they both called allies (especially Cap), but then ''cloned Thor without permission''. I doubt any of Loki's many betrayals hurt Thor as much as that did.
** Likewise, the three main members of the Invaders (a UsefulNotes/WorldWarII-era group consisting of [[ComicBook/SubMariner Namor the Sub-Mariner]], the original Human Torch, and ComicBook/CaptainAmerica) are true companions. They might not always like each other, they may be on different sides of a fight sometimes, but they have a bond that can't be broken.
** Way back in the almost-prehistoric days of the ''[[ComicBook/AvengersDefendersWar Avengers/Defenders War]]'' (which may be the first big Marvel crossover), it is the bond between Captain America and Namor that brings the two teams to cease hostilities. Interesting to note that this occured ''prior'' to the creation of the Invaders series and its subsequent {{Retcon}}.
** Several of the Avengers members are related by blood, marriage or through more complex links. For example, Hank Pym has been married to Wasp and has had romantic relationships with both Tigra and Firebird. He is also the creator of Ultron, with Vision, Jocasta and Alkhema as de facto grandchildren. All three being artificial versions of other Avengers: Wonder Man, Wasp and Mockingbird.
** Thunderbolts usually subverts this. Jolt joined the team thinking she had found a second family after her parents were kiled. Turns out they're super villains who try to take over the world. Then they turn on each other and try to kill each other. Even when the individual members of the team admit the team is like a family they still betray the team later.
* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' has the Batfamily. Batman has adopted the three first ComicBook/{{Robin}}s -- Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake -- and the third Batgirl Cassandra Cain. The second ComicBook/{{Batgirl}} Barbara Gordon is part mother figure (to Cass), part sister figure (to Tim, Jason & Steph), part former lover (to ComicBook/{{Nightwing}}). Nightwing (the first Robin) grew to take the role of a BigBrotherMentor figure to Tim Drake and became a pseudo-father to Damian Wayne (the fifth Robin and Batman's biological son). The fourth Robin/fourth Batgirl Stephanie Brown is Tim's girlfriend and Cassandra Cain's best friend. Depending on the version, ComicBook/{{Huntress}} is either part of the gang through Barbara & Dick or daughter of Batman himself. ComicBook/{{Catwoman}} and Commissioner James Gordon skirt along the edges, and Alfred is Team Dad. Also members of the Batfamily are Bruce's other adopted son Duke as well as Cass and Steph's friend Harper (and her brother Cullen). There's also the Fox family consisting of Lucius, Tanya, Tam, Timothy, Luke (Batwing), and Tiffany Fox. Bruce's two cousins Kate Kane (the second Batwoman) and Bette Kane (the first Batgirl, later Flamebird) are also included. Jean-Paul Valley (Azrael) is on the out skirts. Sasha Bordeaux used to be before the 2011 reboot.

* The ''ComicBook/FantasticFour'' would qualify as well, if three of its four charter members weren't already directly related by blood or marriage. The extended crew includes Franchise/SpiderMan, whose VitriolicBestBuds friendship with the ComicBook/HumanTorch dates back to the character's first few issues. He's since become such a part of the family that he's considered Franklin's HonoraryUncle, and has taken Johnny's place on the team following his death (with Johnny hand-picking him for the spot via VideoWill).
* Franchise/TheFlash's RoguesGallery, the Rogues, are probably the closest knit collection of villains in comic book history. They aren't an official team (most of the time) but they all stay in touch, throw reunion parties, look out for each other when they can, and are generally as close as friends can be. After the death of Captain Boomerang, Captain Cold starts arranging his funeral immediately, and when a young punk starts mocking the late Captain Boomerang, Cold straight up decks him without warning.

* The gladiators with whom [[ComicBook/IncredibleHulk the Hulk]] formed a Warbound pact in ''ComicBook/PlanetHulk''; they even joined hands together like in the page picture up top. Warbound are new families forged in conflicts, with whom teamwork and understanding are the only ways to survive. This is made all the more significant given that each member of the Warbound has lost their actual family, as Miek saw his entire hive slaughtered before him, Korg was forced to kill his own brothers in the Maw, Hiroim was exiled for breaking a previous Warbound pact, the Brood was separated from her sisters, Elloe's father was killed by the foreman of the Maw, etc.
** Any crew that includes The Hulk is doomed (ComicBook/TheDefenders, The Pantheon). True companions that fight him fare better, which may be why Comicbook/TheAvengers outlasted his membership in it.
* ''Franchise/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica'':
** Within the organization, there are some stronger bonds among specific teammates. Batman, Superman and Franchise/WonderWoman are especially close. Franchise/GreenLantern Hal Jordan and Franchise/TheFlash Barry Allen are close friends, as are ComicBook/GreenArrow and Green Lantern, and ComicBook/{{Hawkman}} and ComicBook/TheAtom.
** The core members of ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInternational sometimes fall into this category. The perception of them as jokes or rip offs of more popular heroes by the rest of the outside world helped forge a bond between them that has lasted long after the team broke up, highlighted in issues of ''ComicBook/BlueBeetle'' and ''ComicBook/BoosterGold''. They got back together in ''ComicBook/JusticeLeagueGenerationLost''.
* ''ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica'':
** The four statesmen of the team (Hawkman, Wildcat, Flash I and Green Lantern I) have all lost children or otherwise had problems being fathers, as elaborated upon in the "Princes of Darkness" arc. Many other characters have parental issues, such as Jesse Quick/Liberty Belle II (dead father), Hourman II (absentee father returned from the dead), Stargirl (stepfather is crimefighting partner, father is a dead criminal) and Damage (son of the original Atom, created by Vandal Savage). Ma Hunkel, the original Red Tornado, is the [[TeamMom maternal]] [[TheHeart glue]] keeping the team together.
** The Injustice Society, especially as written by Jen Van Meter, is a rare villainous example. Their actuall respect and willingness to put their lives on the line for one another are a stark contrast to [[LegionOfDoom The Secret Society of Supervillains.]]
** In addition to the Secret Society, there is their opposition in the ComicBook/SecretSix whom have formed such a strong family bond that, even after Mockingbird leaves them, they still stay a family.

* The ''ComicBook/{{Runaways}}'' team originated as six kids who discovered that their parents were actually supervillains, and banded together to try to stop them. The main cast did suffer dramatic changes, though, such as [[spoiler:the revelation of Alex as TheMole and his subsequent death, Gert's [[KilledOffForReal death]], and the additions of Victor, Xavin, and Klara]].
* The inhabitants of Dream's castle become quite close over the course of ''ComicBook/TheSandman''. Similarly, the three guardians of the door (the griffin, hippogriff, and wyvern), which makes the killing of the griffin by the Kindly Ones all the more shocking.
* Easy Company, of ''Comicbook/SgtRock'' fame. An example of BandOfBrothers.
* ''Franchise/{{Superman}}'':
** Superman's closest and most trusted friends and allies throughout his history are the Daily Planet's core staff -ComicBook/LoisLane, ComicBook/JimmyOlsen and Perry White-, his cousin ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}, his dog [[ComicBook/KryptoTheSuperdog Krypto]] and his childhood's (girl)friend ComicBook/LanaLang.
** In the Pre-Crisis and -after Creator/GeoffJohns restored their relationship in ''ComicBook/SupermanAndTheLegionOfSuperHeroes''- Post-Crisis eras, the ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes were the best friends of the young ComicBook/{{Superboy}} and his cousin. Lightning Lad is on the record as saying "[Kal was] more like a brother to [him] than [his own brother] Mekt ever was."
** In ''ComicBook/NewSuperMan'', the Justice League of China grow close to each other, even in spite of Kenan's pigheaded behavior, an early sign of which is by-the-book Bat-Man becoming willing to ignore protocol for Kenan's sake. Kenan considers them his second family.
** In ''ComicBook/HelOnEarth'', H'el was like family to Superman's birth parents, Jor-El and Lara-El. The day before he was sent into space, they gave him a copy of the family crest; making him an honorary member of the House of El. Subverted in the ''H'el'' one shot leading into ''ComicBook/KryptonReturns'', which reveals [[spoiler: this is completely untrue, and is simply something failed science experiment H'el convinced himself of to give his life meaning.]]

* ''Franchise/TeenTitans'':
** The various teams in the comics are just as much a surrogate family as the animated version. This is especially true of two teams: the "original 5" (Robin/Nightwing, Wonder Girl/Troia, Kid Flash/Flash, Speedy/Arsenal/Red Arrow, and Aqualad/Tempest) and writer Dan Jurgens' team (almost all of whom were [[HalfHumanHybrid the children of women impregnated by an alien species]], the H'san N'atall). Arsenal's late daughter Lian constantly referred to the various Teen Titans as "Aunt ____" or "Uncle ____" just to illustrate how close they are, but she also had the privilege of knowing all her "godparents" '''REAL NAMES'''.
** The "core four" first four members of ''ComicBook/YoungJustice'', Robin, ComicBook/{{Superboy}}, ComicBook/{{Impulse}}, and ComicBook/WonderGirl.

* [[Franchise/SpiderMan Peter Parker]] always had allies in ''ComicBook/UltimateSpiderMan'' but it wasn't until near the end of the first comic's run did he gain True Companions in the sense detailed here. Fellow super heroes [[ComicBook/UltimateFantasticFour Johnny Storm]] (the Human Torch) and [[ComicBook/UltimateXMen Bobby Drake]] (Iceman) moved in him with him and went to his school. Even all of his ex-girlfriends, ComicBook/MaryJaneWatson, Gwen Stacy, ComicBook/KittyPryde (Shadowcat), put their differences aside and became great friends. Peter's Aunt May was part of the group, too! (After all, she was letting all of the kids live her house.) They worked, lived, and fought together. They were together until the [[TonightSomeoneDies bitter end...]]

* ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}'':
** Rorschach and Nite Owl II have this sort of bond. In fact, it could be argued that Rorschach sees all masked superheroes as true companions, given that he warns them about a potential mask killer at the beginning of the book, even though he doesn't much care for most of them on a personal level.
--->'''Rorschach:''' "An attack on one is an attack on all of us."
** In ''ComicBook/BeforeWatchmen: Minutemen'', there is the bond between the original Nite Owl, Mothman, and Silhouette, who decide to team up apart from the Minutemen to fight against the kidnapping and exploitation of children. When Ursula is outed as a lesbian, Hollis and Byron are the only two willing to vote against her expulsion from the Minutemen, and part of Hollis Mason's original goal behind writing his memoirs is to expose how the Minutemen's leadership threw Silhouette under the bus to distract people from their own sins.

* The various teams of ''ComicBook/XMen'' display this trope at times.
** The strongest group is probably the 80s X-Men: ComicBook/{{Cyclops}}, ComicBook/JeanGrey, ComicBook/{{Colossus}}, ComicBook/{{Storm}}, Franchise/{{Wolverine}}, ComicBook/{{Nightcrawler}} and ComicBook/KittyPryde.
** Some versions of the Brotherhood would qualify, specifically Mystique's group. With the exception of Blob, they are all good friends that look out for one another, and show unswerving loyalty to Mystique.
* The ComicBook/YoungAvengers started referring to themselves as a family soon after the death of [[spoiler: Teddy's adoptive mother]]. The ''Children's Crusade'' miniseries seems to be cementing this.

* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' has the Batfamily. Batman has adopted the three first ComicBook/{{Robin}}s -- Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Tim Drake -- and the third Batgirl Cassandra Cain. The original ComicBook/{{Batgirl}} Barbara Gordon is part mother figure, part sister figure, part former lover (to ComicBook/{{Nightwing}}). Nightwing (the first Robin) grew to take the role of a BigBrotherMentor figure to Tim Drake and Damian Wayne (the fifth Robin and Batman's biological son). The fourth Robin/fourth Batgirl Stephanie Brown is Tim's ex-girlfriend and Cassandra Cain's best friend. Depending on the version, ComicBook/{{Huntress}} is either part of the gang through Barbara or daughter of Batman himself. ComicBook/{{Catwoman}} and Commissioner James Gordon skirt along the edges, and Alfred is Team Dad.

** The strongest group is probably the 80s X-Men: ComicBook//{{Cyclops}}, ComicBook/JeanGrey, ComicBook/{{Colossus}}, ComicBook/{{Storm}}, Franchise/{{Wolverine}}, ComicBook/{{Nightcrawler}} and ComicBook/KittyPryde.

* Many of ComicBook/TheAvengers teams over the years have been effectively true companions. One good example is the nearly-first lineup: ComicBook/CaptainAmerica, ComicBook/IronMan, [[ComicBook/TheMightyThor Thor]], Giant-Man, and ComicBook/TheWasp. (The [[Comicbook/IncredibleHulk Hulk]] was a founding member, but quit almost immediately, with Cap taking his place.) All five were practically in tears when they first parted ways, even though they'd only been together for a dozen issues.
** Of all the ties formed in the Avengers' long history, none match those between ComicBook/CaptainAmerica, ComicBook/IronMan, and Thor. The team is always at its strongest when these three are in it, and any two of them would lay down their lives for the third without hesitation. This is what made the [=Cap/Iron Man=] conflict in ComicBook/CivilWar so devastating; one has to wonder if it might have been averted if Thor hadn't been dead at the time. The adverts for Avengers Prime put it best: Many have answered the call, but three have always stood above the rest.

** Way back in the almost-prehistoric days of the [[ComicBook/AvengersDefendersWar Avengers/Defenders War]] (which may be the first big Marvel crossover), it is the bond between Captain America and Namor that brings the two teams to cease hostilities. Interesting to note that this occured ''prior'' to the creation of the Invaders series and its subsequent {{Retcon}}.

* The ''Comicbook/FantasticFour'' would qualify as well, if three of its four charter members weren't already directly related by blood or marriage. The extended crew includes Main/Franchise/SpiderMan, whose VitriolicBestBuds friendship with the Human Torch dates back to the character's first few issues. He's since become such a part of the family that he's considered Franklin's HonoraryUncle, and has taken Johnny's place on the team following his death (with Johnny hand-picking him for the spot via VideoWill).

* The gladiators with whom [[Comicbook/IncredibleHulk the Hulk]] formed a Warbound pact in ''Planet Hulk''; they even joined hands together like in the page picture up top. Warbound are new families forged in conflicts, with whom teamwork and understanding are the only ways to survive. This is made all the more significant given that each member of the Warbound has lost their actual family, as Miek saw his entire hive slaughtered before him, Korg was forced to kill his own brothers in the Maw, Hiroim was exiled for breaking a previous Warbound pact, the Brood was separated from her sisters, Elloe's father was killed by the foreman of the Maw, etc.
** Any crew that includes The Hulk is doomed (Defenders, The Pantheon). True companions that fight him fare better, which may be why Comicbook/TheAvengers outlasted his membership in it.

* The various teams of ''Comicbook/XMen'' display this trope at times.
** The strongest group is probably the 80s X-Men: Cyclops, Jean Grey, Colossus, Storm, Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Kitty Pryde.

* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' has the Batfamily. Batman has adopted the three first ComicBook/{{Robin}}s -Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Tim Drake- and the third Batgirl Cassandra Cain. The original ComicBook/{{Batgirl}} Barbara Gordon is part mother figure, part sister figure, part former lover (to ComicBook/{{Nightwing}}). Nightwing (the first Robin) grew to take the role of a BigBrotherMentor figure to Tim Drake and Damian Wayne (the fifth Robin and Batman's biological son). The fourth Robin/fourth Batgirl Stephanie Brown is Tim's ex-girlfriend and Cassandra Cain's best friend. Depending on the version, ComicBook/{{Huntress}} is either part of the gang through Barbara or daughter of Batman himself. ComicBook/{{Catwoman}} and Commissioner James Gordon skirt along the edges, and Alfred is Team Dad.

* ''Franchise/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica'':
** Within the organization, there are some stronger bonds among specific teammates. Batman, Superman and Franchise/WonderWoman are especially close. Franchise/GreenLantern Hal Jordan and Franchise/TheFlash Barry Allen are close friends, as are ComicBook/GreenArrow and Green Lantern, and ComicBook/{{Hawkman}} and ComicBook/TheAtom.
** The core members of ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInternational sometimes fall into this category. The perception of them as jokes or rip offs of more popular heroes by the rest of the outside world helped forge a bond between them that has lasted long after the team broke up, highlighted in issues of ''ComicBook/BlueBeetle'' and ''ComicBook/BoosterGold''. They got back together in ''ComicBook/JusticeLeagueGenerationLost''.
* ''Franchise/{{Superman}}'':
** Superman's closest and most trusted friends and allies throughout his history are the Daily Planet's core staff -ComicBook/LoisLane, ComicBook/JimmyOlsen and Perry White-, his cousin ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}, his dog [[ComicBook/KryptoTheSuperdog Krypto]] and his childhood's (girl)friend ComicBook/LanaLang.
** In the Pre-Crisis and -after Creator/GeoffJohns restored their relationship in ''ComicBook/SupermanAndTheLegionOfSuperHeroes''- Post-Crisis eras, the ComicBook/LegionOfSuperHeroes were the best friends of the young ComicBook/{{Superboy}} and his cousin. Lightning Lad is on the record as saying "[Kal was] more like a brother to [him] than [his own brother] Mekt ever was."
** In ''ComicBook/NewSuperMan'', the Justice League of China grow close to each other, even in spite of Kenan's pigheaded behavior, an early sign of which is by-the-book Bat-Man becoming willing to ignore protocol for Kenan's sake. Kenan considers them his second family.
** In ''ComicBook/HelOnEarth'', H'el was like family to Superman's birth parents, Jor-El and Lara-El. The day before he was sent into space, they gave him a copy of the family crest; making him an honorary member of the House of El. Subverted in the ''H'el'' one shot leading into ''ComicBook/KryptonReturns'', which reveals [[spoiler: this is completely untrue, and is simply something failed science experiment H'el convinced himself of to give his life meaning.]]
* ''Franchise/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles'': The turtles in are indeed brothers in every sense of the word; this trope also applies to April O'Neil and Casey Jones, who regard the Turtles as their family.

* ''ComicBook/YTheLastMan'': Yorick, Dr. Mann and 355 (despite their conflicting personalities) and later Rose; plus the all-girl group of Hero, Beth II, Natalya and Ciba.
* Marvel's ComicBook/AgentsOfAtlas. Their true-companion bond is {{Lampshaded}} in their original miniseries, with super-spy Jimmy Woo as the group's leader.
* The ''ComicBook/{{Runaways}}'' team originated as six kids who discovered that their parents were actually supervillains, and banded together to try to stop them. The main cast did suffer dramatic changes, though, such as [[spoiler:the revelation of Alex as TheMole and his subsequent death, Gert's [[KilledOffForReal death]], and the additions of Victor, Xavin, and Klara]].
* ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'':
** The original ''ComicBook/TheTransformers'' series has the Autobot special forces team known as the Wreckers, particularly concerning its seven core members (Springer, Broadside, Sandstorm, Twin Twist, Topspin, Roadbuster and Whirl). Possibly the Insecticons as well, in that they're a trio of freaks despised by both Autobot and Decepticon and are really only loyal to each other.
** ''ComicBook/TheTransformersRobotsInDisguise'': Soundwave and most of his cassettes are close. Soundwave was found, a lone mentally ill derelict out on the street, by Buzzsaw Laserbeak and Ravage. They taught him to control his super senses which were causing SensoryOverload, and he treated them as equals, even though they, both as data discs and animalistic bots, should be lower than him. When Rumble and Frenzy were refitted to work with him, they joined the fold, sticking with him in the present, and even displaying the nobody get's left behind mindset back in ''ComicBook/TheTransformersAutocracy''.
* ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}'':
** Rorschach and Nite Owl II have this sort of bond. In fact, it could be argued that Rorschach sees all masked superheroes as true companions, given that he warns them about a potential mask killer at the beginning of the book, even though he doesn't much care for most of them on a personal level.
--->'''Rorschach:''' "An attack on one is an attack on all of us."
** In ''ComicBook/BeforeWatchmen: Minutemen'', there is the bond between the original Nite Owl, Mothman, and Silhouette, who decide to team up apart from the Minutemen to fight against the kidnapping and exploitation of children. When Ursula is outed as a lesbian, Hollis and Byron are the only two willing to vote against her expulsion from the Minutemen, and part of Hollis Mason's original goal behind writing his memoirs is to expose how the Minutemen's leadership threw Silhouette under the bus to distract people from their own sins.
* The gladiators with whom [[Comicbook/IncredibleHulk the Hulk]] formed a Warbound pact in ''Planet Hulk''; they even joined hands together like in the page picture up top. Warbound are new families forged in conflicts, with whom teamwork and understanding are the only ways to survive. This is made all the more significant given that each member of the Warbound has lost their actual family, as Miek saw his entire hive slaughtered before him, Korg was forced to kill his own brothers in the Maw, Hiroim was exiled for breaking a previous Warbound pact, the Brood was separated from her sisters, Elloe's father was killed by the foreman of the Maw, etc.
** Any crew that includes The Hulk is doomed (Defenders, The Pantheon). True companions that fight him fare better, which may be why Comicbook/TheAvengers outlasted his membership in it.
* The various teams of ''Comicbook/XMen'' display this trope at times.
** The strongest group is probably the 80s X-Men: Cyclops, Jean Grey, Colossus, Storm, Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Kitty Pryde.
** Some versions of the Brotherhood would qualify, specifically Mystique's group. With the exception of Blob, they are all good friends that look out for one another, and show unswerving loyalty to Mystique.

* ''Franchise/TeenTitans'':
** The various teams in the comics are just as much a surrogate family as the animated version. This is especially true of two teams: the "original 5" (Robin/Nightwing, Wonder Girl/Troia, Kid Flash/Flash, Speedy/Arsenal/Red Arrow, and Aqualad/Tempest) and writer Dan Jurgens' team (almost all of whom were [[HalfHumanHybrid the children of women impregnated by an alien species]], the H'san N'atall). Arsenal's late daughter Lian constantly referred to the various Teen Titans as "Aunt ____" or "Uncle ____" just to illustrate how close they are, but she also had the privilege of knowing all her "godparents" '''REAL NAMES'''.
** The "core four" first four members of ''ComicBook/YoungJustice'', Robin, ComicBook/{{Superboy}}, ComicBook/{{Impulse}}, and ComicBook/WonderGirl.
* Easy Company, of ''Comicbook/SgtRock'' fame. An example of BandOfBrothers.
* Frank's gang from ''ComicBook/MiniMonsters'' is a good example: Sure, they don't like each other at times, but it's clear that they love each other deeply and stay together regardless. Victor's relationship with them is a case of FireForgedFriends (Piruja too, but in a much lower manner).
* Many of ComicBook/TheAvengers teams over the years have been effectively true companions. One good example is the nearly-first lineup: ComicBook/CaptainAmerica, ComicBook/IronMan, [[ComicBook/TheMightyThor Thor]], Giant-Man, and ComicBook/TheWasp. (The [[Comicbook/IncredibleHulk Hulk]] was a founding member, but quit almost immediately, with Cap taking his place.) All five were practically in tears when they first parted ways, even though they'd only been together for a dozen issues.
** Of all the ties formed in the Avengers' long history, none match those between ComicBook/CaptainAmerica, ComicBook/IronMan, and Thor. The team is always at its strongest when these three are in it, and any two of them would lay down their lives for the third without hesitation. This is what made the [=Cap/Iron Man=] conflict in ComicBook/CivilWar so devastating; one has to wonder if it might have been averted if Thor hadn't been dead at the time. The adverts for Avengers Prime put it best: Many have answered the call, but three have always stood above the rest.
*** It's also why Thor is ''[[https://imgur.com/gallery/EtDwU so fucking pissed]]'' at Tony when he finally does return. A man he considered at least as close as a brother not only turned on people they both called allies (especially Cap), but then ''cloned Thor without permission''. I doubt any of Loki's many betrayals hurt Thor as much as that did.
** Likewise, the three main members of the Invaders (a UsefulNotes/WorldWarII-era group consisting of [[ComicBook/SubMariner Namor the Sub-Mariner]], the original Human Torch, and ComicBook/CaptainAmerica) are true companions. They might not always like each other, they may be on different sides of a fight sometimes, but they have a bond that can't be broken.
** Way back in the almost-prehistoric days of the [[ComicBook/AvengersDefendersWar Avengers/Defenders War]] (which may be the first big Marvel crossover), it is the bond between Captain America and Namor that brings the two teams to cease hostilities. Interesting to note that this occured ''prior'' to the creation of the Invaders series and its subsequent {{Retcon}}.
** Several of the Avengers members are related by blood, marriage or through more complex links. For example, Hank Pym has been married to Wasp and has had romantic relationships with both Tigra and Firebird. He is also the creator of Ultron, with Vision, Jocasta and Alkhema as de facto grandchildren. All three being artificial versions of other Avengers: Wonder Man, Wasp and Mockingbird.
** Thunderbolts usually subverts this. Jolt joined the team thinking she had found a second family after her parents were kiled. Turns out they're super villains who try to take over the world. Then they turn on each other and try to kill each other. Even when the individual members of the team admit the team is like a family they still betray the team later.
* The ComicBook/YoungAvengers started referring to themselves as a family soon after the death of [[spoiler: Teddy's adoptive mother]]. The ''Children's Crusade'' miniseries seems to be cementing this.

* The Filipino newspaper and web comic ''[[http://www.beerkada.net/ Beerkada]]'' follows the hijinks of a group of young Filipino adults who are true companions. In fact, the title of the comic is a portmanteau of "beer" and "barkada," which is essentially the Filipino equivalent of true companions.
* The long-running Italian series "Comandante Mark" (1965-1999) by Giovanni Sinchetto, Dario Guzzon and Pietro Sartoris, featured a basic unit. The series takes place during the American Revolutionary War. Comantante Mark is a French-American captain of a revolutionary group. His group includes main love interest Elizabeth "Betty" Gray, his right-hand men Mister Bluff and Gufo Triste (Sad Owl), and the hound Flok. Mark and Betty are in their 20s, the other two are middle-aged. Mark and Betty often argue, particularly due to his tendency to be overly affectionate with other women. Mister Bluff is a lifelong adventurer, former pirate, womanizer and eternal optimist. Gufo Triste is a Native American warrior, proud of his cunning and a couple of rarely used magical skills. He tends to be pessimistic, cynical and openly disdainful of women (with a soft spot for African-American women). They are best friends but constantly argue on their belief systems. Flok is extremely loyal to Bluf and loathes Gufo Triste. Yet throughout the series and despite their near-constant arguments, the characters consistently risk life and limb for each other.
* In one ''ComicStrip/KnightsOfTheDinnerTable'' storyline, Sara temporarily joins her boyfriend's gaming group, only to get constantly sidelined and then overhear that they only wanted her for a mixed-gender bonus at an upcoming tournament and planned to get rid of her afterwards. Later, the guys show her pictures of the HumiliationConga they inflicted on the other group in retaliation -- behavior that would normally appall Sara, but which she instead finds touching because it's a sign that she's fully "one of the guys" (and because she's understandably ticked off at her ''ex''-boyfriend).
* ''ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica'':
** The four statesmen of the team (Hawkman, Wildcat, Flash I and Green Lantern I) have all lost children or otherwise had problems being fathers, as elaborated upon in the "Princes of Darkness" arc. Many other characters have parental issues, such as Jesse Quick/Liberty Belle II (dead father), Hourman II (absentee father returned from the dead), Stargirl (stepfather is crimefighting partner, father is a dead criminal) and Damage (son of the original Atom, created by Vandal Savage). Ma Hunkel, the original Red Tornado, is the [[TeamMom maternal]] [[TheHeart glue]] keeping the team together.
** The Injustice Society, especially as written by Jen Van Meter, is a rare villainous example. Their actuall respect and willingness to put their lives on the line for one another are a stark contrast to [[LegionOfDoom The Secret Society of Supervillains.]]
** In addition to the Secret Society, there is their opposition in the ComicBook/SecretSix whom have formed such a strong family bond that, even after Mockingbird leaves them, they still stay a family.

* [[Franchise/SpiderMan Peter Parker]] always had allies in ''ComicBook/UltimateSpiderMan'' but it wasn't until near the end of the first comic's run did he gain True Companions in the sense detailed here. Fellow super heroes [[ComicBook/UltimateFantasticFour Johnny Storm]] (the Human Torch) and [[ComicBook/UltimateXMen Bobby Drake]] (Iceman) moved in him with him and went to his school. Even all of his ex-girlfriends, ComicBook/MaryJaneWatson, Gwen Stacy, ComicBook/KittyPryde (Shadowcat), put their differences aside and became great friends. Peter's Aunt May was part of the group, too! (After all, she was letting all of the kids live her house.) They worked, lived, and fought together. They were together until the [[TonightSomeoneDies bitter end...]]
* ComicBook/{{Tintin}}, Haddock, Calculus, Thompson, and Thomson would all qualify - as well as the various side characters they meet in stories, such as Chan.
* The village of indomitable Gauls in ''ComicBook/{{Asterix}}'' are all True Companions. In many comics, it seems that all of Gaul is that way.
* The Anti-Megalosaurus Force in ''ComicBook/GodzillaTheHalfCenturyWar'', espeically Ota, Kentaro, and Colonel Schooler, who are all present from the first issue. By issue three, they've been through nearly 20 years of life-threatening combat together and are practically family to each other. Kentaro in particular makes the choice to stay in the AMF instead of pursuing a safer line of work just so he can have Ota's back.

* The Guardians of Kandrakar in ''ComicBook/{{WITCH}}'', both in the comic and the animated adaptation. Takes them a while, but by the time of the third saga they're practically family.

* In ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'' comic ''ComicBook/{{Bloodquest}}'', members of Captain Leonatos' Exiles considered themselves as this even Lysandar and Cloten refused to give up by going back and find him again.

* ''ComicBook/HerculesTheThracianWars'': Hercules's crew may only stay together because of Hercules, but they always look out for each other.

* [[Franchise/{{Batman}} The Batfamily.]] [[PapaWolf Batman]] has adopted [[CircusBrat the]] [[StreetUrchin first]] [[AscendedFanboy three]] Comicbook/{{Robin}}s and the [[WaifFu third Batgirl]], [[GeniusCripple Oracle]] (the original Batgirl) is part mother figure, part sister figure, part former lover (to ComicBook/{{Nightwing}}), Nightwing (the first Robin) grew to take the role of a BigBrotherMentor figure to the [[ComicBook/RobinSeries third Robin]] and to the fifth Robin (himself Batman's [[LukeYouAreMyFather biological son]]), the [[PluckyGirl fourth Robin and fourth Batgirl]] is the third Robin's ex-girlfriend and the third Batgirl's best friend, and at least half responsible for the fifth Robin being more human, Huntress [[TheUnfavourite herself]] is definitely part of the gang through Oracle (and in a lesser measure, [[WellDoneSonGuy her conflictual relationship to Batman]]), Catwoman [[DatingCatwoman skirts along the edges]], and Alfred, of course, is [[TeamMom Team Dad]].

** Within the organization, there are some stronger bonds among specific teammates. Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are especially close (at this point multiple mainstream incarnations of Franchise/{{Superman}} and Franchise/WonderWoman have been romantically involved, with numerous alternate universes having them marry and even have children, on the other hand). Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) and Flash (Barry Allen) are close friends as are Green Arrow and Green Lantern.
** The core members of ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInternational sometimes fall into this category. The perception of them as jokes or rip offs of more popular heroes by the rest of the outside world helped forge a bond between them that has lasted long after the team broke up, highlighted in issues of ''ComicBook/BlueBeetle'' and ''ComicBook/BoosterGold''. They have gotten back together in ''ComicBook/JusticeLeagueGenerationLost''.
* [=Superman/Clark=], Lois, Perry, and Jimmy. This has the somewhat odd aspect that the others all assume Supes and Clark are two separate people.

* ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'': The Autobot special forces team known as the Wreckers, particularly concerning its seven core members (Springer, Broadside, Sandstorm, Twin Twist, Topspin, Roadbuster and Whirl). Possibly the Insecticons as well, in that they're a trio of freaks despised by both Autobot and Decepticon and are really only loyal to each other.
* ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}'': Rorschach and Nite Owl II have this sort of bond. In fact, it could be argued that Rorschach sees all masked superheroes as true companions, given that he warns them about a potential mask killer at the beginning of the book, even though he doesn't much care for most of them on a personal level.
--->"An attack on one is an attack on all of us."

** As Andrew Wheeler puts it in [[http://comicsalliance.com/mutant-proud-xmen-lgbt-rights-family-community-identity/ an article on mutants as a LGBT metaphor]]:
-->Most of these characters were orphans, exiles, and outcasts. The X-Men became their surrogate tribe. That they did not look like a natural family served to underline the idea that these people ''chose'' each other.

* Some versions of the Brotherhood would qualify, specifically Mystique's group. With the exception of Blob, they are all good friends that look out for one another, and show unswerving loyalty to Mystique.
* The various Comicbook/TeenTitans teams in the comics are just as much a surrogate family as the animated version. This is especially true of two teams: the "original 5" (Robin/Nightwing, Wonder Girl/Troia, Kid Flash/Flash, Speedy/Arsenal/Red Arrow, and Aqualad/Tempest) and writer Dan Jurgens' team (almost all of whom were [[HalfHumanHybrid the children of women impregnated by an alien species]], the H'san N'atall). Arsenal's late daughter Lian constantly referred to the various Teen Titans as "Aunt ____" or "Uncle ____" just to illustrate how close they are, but she also had the privilege of knowing all her "godparents" '''REAL NAMES'''.
* This is how the ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica is set up as well. The four statesmen of the team (Hawkman, Wildcat, Flash I and Green Lantern I) have all lost children or otherwise had problems being fathers, as elaborated upon in the "Princes of Darkness" arc. Many other characters have parental issues, such as Jesse Quick/Liberty Belle II (dead father), Hourman II (absentee father returned from the dead), Stargirl (stepfather is crimefighting partner, father is a dead criminal) and Damage (son of the original Atom, created by Vandal Savage). Ma Hunkel, the original Red Tornado, is the [[TeamMom maternal]] [[TheHeart glue]] keeping the team together.

** Then The end goes and ruins that.

* In a rather unique exception to all the strictly superhero teams in comics, the core staff of the ''[[Franchise/{{Superman}} Daily Planet]]'' — especially the foursome of Perry White, Lois Lane, Clark Kent, and Jimmy Olsen — consider themselves to be like family to each other. Of course, Clark is also part of the group that forms the group of JLA members that joined up before the new recruits/replacements but after the founding members, which just separates his two identities even more.
* ''ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica'': The Injustice Society, especially as written by Jen Van Meter, is a rare villainous example. Their actuall respect and willingness to put their lives on the line for one another are a stark contrast to [[LegionOfDoom The Secret Society of Supervillains.]]

* Peter Parker always had allies in ''ComicBook/UltimateSpiderMan'' but it wasn't until near the end of the first comic's run did he gain True Companions in the sense detailed here. Fellow super heroes [[ComicBook/UltimateFantasticFour Johnny Storm]] (the Human Torch) and [[ComicBook/UltimateXMen Bobby Drake]] (Iceman) moved in him with him and went to his school. Even all of his ex-girlfriends, Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, ComicBook/KittyPryde (Shadowcat), put their differences aside and became great friends. Peter's Aunt May was part of the group, too! (After all, she was letting all of the kids live her house.) They worked, lived, and fought together. They were together until the [[TonightSomeoneDies bitter end...]]

* In ''ComicBook/HelOnEarth'', H'el was like family to Superman's birth parents, Jor-El and Lara-El. The day before he was sent into space, they gave him a copy of the family crest; making him an honorary member of the House of El. Subverted in the ''H'el'' one shot leading into ''Comicbook/KryptonReturns'', which reveals [[spoiler: this is completely untrue, and is simply something failed science experiment H'el convinced himself of to give his life meaning.]]
* The HoloBrothers are members of three different alien races. They were all orphaned too young to remember their birth parents, and grew up together in an orphanage. Now adults, they still consider each other brothers and act as if they were actually members of a single family.
* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersRobotsInDisguise'': Soundwave and most of his cassettes are close. Soundwave was found, a lone mentally ill derelict out on the street, by Buzzsaw Laserbeak and Ravage. They taught him to control his super senses which were causing SensoryOverload, and he treated them as equals, even though they, both as data discs and animalistic bots, should be lower than him. When Rumble and Frenzy were refitted to work with him, they joined the fold, sticking with him in the present, and even displaying the nobody get's left behind mindset back in ''ComicBook/TheTransformersAutocracy''.

* The "core four" first four members of ''ComicBook/YoungJustice'', [[Comicbook/RobinSeries Robin]], ComicBook/{{Superboy}}, ComicBook/{{Impulse}}, and ComicBook/WonderGirl.

* [[Franchise/{{Batman}} The Batfamily.]] [[PapaWolf Batman]] has adopted [[CircusBrat the]] [[StreetUrchin first]] [[AscendedFanboy three]] Comicbook/{{Robin}}s and the [[WaifFu third Batgirl]], [[GeniusCripple Oracle]] (the original Batgirl) is part mother figure, part sister figure, part former lover (to ComicBook/{{Nightwing}}), Nightwing (the first Robin) grew to take the role of a BigBrotherMentor figure to the [[ComicBook/RobinSeries third Robin]] and to the fifth Robin (himself Batman's [[LukeYouAreMyFather biological son]]), the [[PluckyGirl fourth Robin and fourth Batgirl]] is the third Robin's ex-girlfriend and the third Batgirl's best friend, and at least half responsible for the fifth Robin being more human, Huntress [[TheUnfavourite herself]] is definitely part of the gang through Oracle (and in a lesser measure, [[WellDoneSonGuy her conflictual relationship to Batman]]), Catwoman [[DatingCatwoman skirts along the edges]], and Alfred, of course, is [[TeamMom Team Dad]].

* The "core four" first four members of ''ComicBook/YoungJustice'', [[Comicbook/RobinSeries Robin]], ComicBook/{{Superboy}}, ComicBook/{{Impulse}}, and ComicBook/WonderGirl.

* ''Franchise/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica''

* [[Franchise/{{Batman}} The Batfamily.]] [[PapaWolf Batman]] has adopted [[CircusBrat the]] [[StreetUrchin first]] [[AscendedFanboy three]] Comicbook/{{Robin}}s and the [[WaifFu third Batgirl]], [[GeniusCripple Oracle]] (the original Batgirl) is part mother figure, part sister figure, part former lover (to ComicBook/{{Nightwing}}), Nightwing (the first Robin) grew to take the role of a BigBrotherMentor figure to the third Robin and to the fifth Robin (himself Batman's [[LukeYouAreMyFather biological son]]), the [[PluckyGirl fourth Robin and fourth Batgirl]] is the third Robin's ex-girlfriend and the third Batgirl's best friend, and at least half responsible for the fifth Robin being more human, Huntress [[TheUnfavourite herself]] is definitely part of the gang through Oracle (and in a lesser measure, [[WellDoneSonGuy her conflictual relationship to Batman]]), Catwoman [[DatingCatwoman skirts along the edges]], and Alfred, of course, is [[TeamMom Team Dad]].

* The first four members of ''ComicBook/YoungJustice'', [[Comicbook/RobinSeries Robin]], ComicBook/{{Superboy}}, ComicBook/{{Impulse}}, and ComicBook/WonderGirl.

*** It's also why Thor is ''so fucking pissed'' at Tony when he finally does return. A man he considered at least as close as a brother not only turned on people they both called allies (especially Cap), but then ''cloned Thor without permission''. I doubt any of Loki's many betrayals hurt Thor as much as that did.

** The core members of ComicBook/JusticeLeagueInternational sometimes fall into this category. The perception of them as jokes or rip offs of more popular heroes by the rest of the outside world helped forge a bond between them that has lasted long after the team broke up, highlighted in issues of ''ComicBook/BlueBeetle'' and ''ComicBook/BoosterGold''. They have gotten back together in [[ComicBook/BrightestDay Justice League: Generation Lost.]]

* The ''Comicbook/FantasticFour'' would qualify as well, if three of its four charter members weren't already directly related by blood or marriage. The extended crew includes Main/{{Spider-Man}}, whose VitriolicBestBuds friendship with the Human Torch dates back to the character's first few issues. He's since become such a part of the family that he's considered Franklin's HonoraryUncle, and has taken Johnny's place on the team following his death (with Johnny hand-picking him for the spot via VideoWill).

** Within the organization, there are some stronger bonds among specific teammates. Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are especially close (at this point multiple mainstream incarnations of {{Superman}} and WonderWoman have been romantically involved, with numerous alternate universes having them marry and even have children, on the other hand). Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) and Flash (Barry Allen) are close friends as are Green Arrow and Green Lantern.

* In a rather unique exception to all the strictly superhero teams in comics, the core staff of the ''[[{{Superman}} Daily Planet]]'' — especially the foursome of Perry White, Lois Lane, Clark Kent, and Jimmy Olsen — consider themselves to be like family to each other. Of course, Clark is also part of the group that forms the group of JLA members that joined up before the new recruits/replacements but after the founding members, which just separates his two identities even more.

* TheFlash's RoguesGallery, the Rogues, are probably the closest knit collection of villains in comic book history. They aren't an official team (most of the time) but they all stay in touch, throw reunion parties, look out for each other when they can, and are generally as close as friends can be. After the death of Captain Boomerang, Captain Cold starts arranging his funeral immediately, and when a young punk starts mocking the late Captain Boomerang, Cold straight up decks him without warning.

* The YoungAvengers started referring to themselves as a family soon after the death of [[spoiler: Teddy's adoptive mother]]. The ''Children's Crusade'' miniseries seems to be cementing this.

* Hit-Girl with ''ComicBook/KickAss'', after [[spoiler:her dad died.]] He's pretty much the only person she opens up to at all, and cares dearly for his well-being. He's also her go-to sidekick in the second volume.

* [=Superman/Clark=], Lois, Perry, and Jimmy.