In the original series, Ben’s first notable romantic interest is , the granddaughter of Grandpa Max’s friend. Introduced in "Benwolf," their dynamic was initially built on Ben’s infatuation and Kai’s peculiar interest in his alien forms—specifically Blitzwolfer—rather than his human self.
[Generated AI] Publication: Journal of Media and Fandom Studies , Vol. 12, Issue 3
In the landscape of Western animated series, few tropes are as persistent or as polarizing as the romantic storyline involving the young male protagonist—colloquially termed the “Ben Cartoon” figure. From Ben Tennyson’s oscillating affections for Julie Yamamoto and Kai Green to Dipper Pines’ doomed crush on Wendy Corduroy, these narratives are often dismissed as filler. However, this paper posits that such relationships are structural keystones. They provide emotional stakes, facilitate character growth, and serve as a barometer for the show’s target audience maturing over time.
As the series progressed, the show's creators began to introduce more character-driven storylines, including relationships and romantic subplots. One of the earliest and most notable examples is the friendship between Ben and his cousin, Gwen Tennyson. Gwen, a teenager who joins Ben on his adventures, becomes a central character in the series and provides a more emotional and personal connection for Ben.