AlMax

AlMax is the het ship between Albert Rothstein and Maxine Hunkel from the DC Comics and DC Extended Universe fandoms.

Canon
DCEU = Black Adam (2022)

Introduction
Albert Rothstein aka Atom Smasher (Age 20) and Maxine Hunkel aka Cyclone (Age 19) are both recruited into the Justice Society, led by Carter Hall aka Hawkman, and co-led by Kent Nelson aka Dr. Fate. They both are seen traveling to Hawkman's estate for their first mission and both meet for the first time in the council room. They exchange heartfelt excitement and shock with each-other over being a part of the Justice Society. Maxine tells him she has goosebumps and Albert breathes out a nervous but excited sound in agreement. They, alongside Carter and Kent, walk down a long walkway into the hangar where the Hawkjet is kept. Maxine asks Carter what the "op" or operation is and he tells the team that they are headed to Kahndaq to apprehend and contain a CLASS-A, rogue meta-human. Albert cuts in and says he didn't bring a passport with Kent replying that they don't need passports because they are the Justice Society. Maxine is seen briefly looking at Albert with a smile before turning to look at the Hawkjet.

Boarding the Hawkjet
They board the Hawkjet and Maxine asks if the jet is entirely made of Nth metal. Carter tells her that everything down to the screws is made of it and that it's completely indestructible. He tells the rest of the team that he'll be in the cockpit if they need him. Albert quickly says the ship is pretty cool and then abruptly jumps to asking Kent for snacks. Kent looks at him and walks away with Albert responding that it takes a lot of energy to smash atoms. He's left standing there alone and awkwardly rubbing the back of his head as the Hawkjet powers up. He looks up as the lights turn on and begins walking to the area where Maxine is situated. She's seen also watching the jet power up with shock and intrigue.

Albert walks into the room where Maxine is and drops his stuff off in the seating area, glancing at her a few times. It turns out that Maxine was listening to Albert the whole time. She tells him she has a snack and tosses it to him. He catches it, thanks her, and is visibly grateful. She gives a small smile and continues looking at the computer-table device. He introduces himself and tells her his name is Al. She looks down shyly, smiles, looks back up at him, and with a small laugh tells him her name is Maxine. She turns her attention back to the computer-table device and joyfully smiles as she turns it on with her nanobots. He watches as she does this, takes a bite out of his snack, and with a mouthful of food attempts to start a conversation with her. While chewing, he asks her what she does (referring to her powers) while using awkward, goofy hand motions. She smiles at him and responds with "wind", looks down, and back up at him. She then asks what he does with a look of curiosity. He nonchalantly and casually tells her he grows and seems unimpressed with his powers. She looks to the side while nodding her head and pondering his answer. She looks down and grins, telling him that his powers are cool while calmly fangirling with excitement.

Arriving in Kahndaq

 * -|Comics =

In DC Comics, Albert Rothstein and Maxine Hunkel are purely friends, teammates, and allies with Albert being 27 years old and Maxine being 19 years old. They are both members of the Justice Society. Albert is an old member and Maxine is a new member. Their ship/romantic pairing wasn't a concept that existed until the DCEU.

Fanon
There were many rumors among the DCEU fandom about their relationship. Fans suspected the two characters were going to be romantic interests when their involvement in Black Adam (2022) was announced.

Many moments they shared were shown in advertising and promotional material till Black Adam (2022)'s release. Many fans noticed how flirty, cute, touching, and romantic their interactions were and grew fond of them. It was very clear to fans that they had a crush on each other. This is what started the fandom's shipping of the pairing.

Post the film's release, fans pointed out how cute and wholesome they were in it, with many pleading to see more of them. Some fans were disappointed they didn't get together at the end or kiss. The former is partly due to them having little screentime as a whole in the film but also due to the fact that fans loved the potential their characters had individually and together. There is a slowly growing campaign for them to have a spinoff series together. This is an idea which was created and is strongly endorsed by Noah Centineo and Quintessa Swindell (the actors who play Albert and Maxine).

On A03, there are very few fanfics about them. However, there is a strong desire among AlMax's small shipping community to write fics about them (especially on tumblr).

Fandom
FAN FICTION

TUMBLR