The most recent Spider-Man books have marked a significant shift for Mary Jane Watson, bringing an end to one of Marvel's most divisive partnerships in recent years. After years of fan angst, Mary Jane Watson has formally ended her relationship with Paul Rabin, reshaping her destiny and having huge ramifications for Peter Parker. This important event also sees MJ take on a powerful new role as a Venom host, ushering in a new era for the character.
The Tumultuous History of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson
Before Paul, the Legacy of 'One More Day'
Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson have one of the most long-lasting and difficult relationships in comic books. Their story began in 1966, with The Amazing Spider-Man #42, and progressed from a playful relationship to a strong, lifelong bond. Their marriage in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 in 1987 established their status as Marvel's preeminent pair, spanning two decades of comic book history.
However, this union was controversially dissolved in the 2007 narrative 'One More Day'. In this case, Peter and Mary Jane struck a pact with the demon Mephisto to spare Aunt May's life, so preventing their marriage and its history from continuing. Then-Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada notoriously claimed that a married Spider-Man was undesirable to younger readers and limited the character's dramatic potential. Quesada noted, "As a single character, Peter was always open to meeting new people. Now, if you make him consider a new relationship, he will become the most disliked character in comic book history; he is a married guy and Peter Parker." This editing decision generated great indignation among long-time fans, who thought the characters' development was sacrificed for the sake of maintaining the perceived status quo.
Despite 'One More Day', Peter and MJ's relationship remained a persistent undertone. There were various hints of reconciliation, even during the Superior Spider-Man era, when Doctor Octopus inhabited Peter's body. They temporarily revived their romance in 2018's The Amazing Spider-Man #1 and again in 2021, but their journey to a solid relationship constantly appeared to run into new challenges.
Paul's Introduction and the Multiverse Twist
The most recent major disturbance arrived with Paul Rabin. After Peter and Mary Jane appeared to be reconciled at the close of The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 5, Vol. 6 abruptly split them, introducing Paul as Mary Jane's new companion, complete with adopted children. This abrupt turn bewildered and upset many readers.
The explanation came later: Peter and Mary Jane had become trapped in an other universe where time moved differently. While Peter eventually escaped, Mary Jane remained in this world for four years, becoming close to Paul and raising two children. When she returned to Earth-616, it seemed like only a moment had passed. Though the children were brutally killed by Paul's wicked father, Mary Jane and Paul remained a marriage, despite their obvious unresolved conflict with Peter Parker.
Who is Paul Rabin, and why did fans hate him?
Paul's Character flaws and Fan Frustration
For many Spider-Man fans, Paul Rabin was a figure established primarily to keep Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson apart. His presence felt like an artificial impediment to the reconciliation that many readers sought. This assumption inspired much of the vitriol directed at him.
Beyond his narrative role, Paul's representation did little to persuade critics. Critics frequently cited a "tell, don't show" approach to his depiction; readers were informed he was a decent person, and even Peter liked him, yet his actions rarely revealed anything outstanding. He lacked distinguishing personality qualities beyond being a vegetarian who enjoyed cooking, and was frequently reduced to the traditional "entitled hipster" image with his man-bun and beard. In one narrative, he was even portrayed as susceptible to anti-mutant propaganda.
The creators themselves acknowledged the character's reception. Al Ewing, the creator of All-New Venom, publicly suggested that Paul and MJ should not be together. "I am saying it, Carlos [Gomez, All-New Venom artist] is saying it, and we are all saying it." Many readers agreed with this sentiment.
Finally! The Paul era is ended! Bring back Peter and MJ, Marvel! You cowards!
My heart hurts for Paul. He was simply a victim of poor writing and fan hostility. #JusticeForPaul
Paul's role in Mary Jane's superhero persona as Jackpot also received criticism. The Jackpot alias had already been used to tease supporters about MJ becoming a hero, making the gimmick appear stale. The "glyph math/magic" powers Paul gave her were deemed absurd, and the possibility that they would kill her was swiftly reduced, only to be reinstated later as a forced catalyst for her bonding with Venom.
Mary Jane's Transformation: Partner to Venom Host
Mary Jane's Powers: Jackpot
Mary Jane was once known as Jackpot before becoming Venom. Paul Rabin served as her "man in the chair," using his expertise of "glyph math" to assist her in controlling her abilities. During this time, MJ attempted to establish her own heroic personality by moving out of Peter's shadow in a fresh way.
Venom Symbiote Connection
Mary Jane's adventure took a dark turn when she became the new host of the Venom symbiote. This abrupt adjustment was prompted in part by the dangers of her Jackpot talents, which threatened her life. Bonding with the Venom symbiote provided an additional source of strength and defense. This change also drew her closer to Dylan Brock, the former Venom host, who became a foster child under her and Paul's supervision. Mary Jane originally kept her new symbiotic identity hidden from Paul, adding another layer of deception to an already troubled relationship.
The Breakup: All-New Venom #9 and Amazing Spider-Man #9.
The much-anticipated separation was ultimately revealed in All-New Venom #9, written by Al Ewing and illustrated by Carlos Gomez. The issue ends with Mary Jane telling Paul that their relationship "hasn't been working now for a long time." Paul tries to rescue the relationship by professing his love and offering to improve, but Mary Jane stands steadfast, claiming there is nothing left to fix. Fans reacted enthusiastically to this scene, which had leaked online before its release.
MJ as Venom's breakup with Paul is the character development we deserved. She is finally free!
Is this the start of a new chapter for Mary Jane? Venom host, single and potent. I'm ready for it!
The plot continued in Amazing Spider-Man #9, by Joe Kelly and Michael Dowling, when Mary Jane confronted Peter Parker. She approaches him, disclosing her new status as the Venom host and expressing her desire for him. Peter's reply, however, is unexpectedly frigid. He laughs dryly before walking away, telling her, "The way you were setting things up, I assumed you wanted to get back together. "You both deserve each other." This angry remark astounded many readers, especially given Peter's generally sensitive disposition.
Fan reactions include outrage, relief, and speculation.
The termination of the MJ/Paul relationship offered a sense of comfort to a fan base that had previously expressed dislike for the duo. Many saw it as a long-overdue correction. However, Peter's chilly dismissal of Mary Jane in Amazing Spider-Man #9 added a new level of complexity and anxiety. While the 'Paul era' has over, the way for Peter and MJ to reunite remains unclear, and Peter's behavior has raised fresh concerns.
The connection between Peter and MJ is nearly Shakespearean in complexity. This breakup simply adds another dimension.
Editorial Decisions: The Business of Comic Book Relationships.
The gap between Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson goes beyond 'One More Day'. Marvel Comics has a history of interfering in long-term relationships, frequently citing a wish for characters to be "relatable" or to sustain dramatic tension. The argument is frequently stated that having a single hero allows for more different romance tales and keeps the character in a constant state of young struggle, which is appealing to new readers.
This strategy is not exclusive to Spider-Man. Other well-known comic book couples have faced similar editorial interventions. Superman and Lois Lane, for example, have had their relationship status changed several times, including a brief period when Superman's secret identity was publicly exposed, only to be later reversed. Cyclops and Jean Grey, a founding X-Men couple, have been through deaths, resurrections, and other partnerships, with their friendship constantly tested and redefined by other storylines and parallel universes. These adjustments, while occasionally contentious, represent a greater industry trend of valuing narrative flexibility and perceived market appeal over long-term character stability.
What Happens Next for Spider-Man, MJ, and the Marvel Universe?
Peter Parker’s Cold Reaction
Peter Parker's strange behavior in Amazing Spider-Man #9 is a big topic of discussion. He is depicted hiding from friends and relatives, with a broken leg. His harsh words toward Mary Jane, particularly after she exposes her new Venom identity, are unusual. This shows that Peter isn't acting like himself, or that something else is going on.
The Two Spider-Man Theory
Marvel's new hints add to the intrigue surrounding Peter's actions. Beginning with The Amazing Spider-Man #11, Marvel has announced a storyline with "two Spider-Men," one on Earth and one in space, with the question, "Which is Peter Parker?! BOTH?" This suggests that Mary Jane was not speaking to the real Peter Parker in Amazing Spider-Man #9, or at least not the Peter she assumed she was. This recalls previous narratives, like as the Superior Spider-Man era, when Doctor Octopus impersonated Peter.
Peter is also seen talking on the phone with a new girlfriend, whose identity is unknown. These developments point to a purposeful effort to shake up Peter's personal life even further, maybe paving the way for a new romantic interest as MJ pursues her own path.
The Future of Peter and MJ's Romance
While the Paul Rabin era has ended, an immediate reconciliation between Peter and Mary Jane appears improbable. Mary Jane is now a Venom host, a strong new position that will definitely drive her down a solo road. This could allow her character to grow outside the limitations of a love connection, which many fans have voiced a wish to see.
This narrative has a tremendous long-term impact on the Spider-Man universe in general. It follows the practice of keeping Peter Parker's sexual life in flux, which has continually split fans. It remains to be seen whether this results in a more stable reunion for Peter and MJ, or if Mary Jane's new job as Venom marks a permanent departure from her customary supporting character status. The expanding story promises additional twists for Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson, cementing their connection as one of Marvel's most talked-about narratives.