Mary Jane Watson’s Romantic Agency

There’s a conceit within superhero comics that it’s too dangerous for heroes to have romantic partners, which many stories underscore by having villains kill, kidnap, or maim them. But before her wedding to Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Mary Jane Watson shows her ability to hold her own. 1/13

The conceit invoked above is often sexist, since it’s usually women getting kidnapped & killed while male heroes brood over their loneliness and failure to live up to stereotypical obligations of masculinity saying they must be strong protectors, especially of the fairer/weaker sex. 2/13

Alternatively, the risk & distraction of romantic partners is presented as detrimental to the hero’s mission. This logic was invoked by former DC editor Dan Didio in 2013 to justify cancelling the wedding of Batwoman (which would have been the first lesbian wedding in mainstream comics). 3/13

The storyline where Peter Parker & Mary Jane Watson get married acknowledges these tropes. Peter is haunted by Gwen Stacy and has a nightmare where a room of villains attacks his bride. A frightened, imperiled MJ says to Peter, “You wouldn’t… let me be hurt in any way. Would you?” 4/13

But in the climactic battle with the Spider-Slayer that directly precedes the wedding issue, Mary Jane showcases her bravery & intelligence, following Spider-Man to the scene of the fight and hitting the Slayer with a bat to distract him long enough to drop Spidey, perhaps saving Peter’s life. 5/13

Mary Jane’s presence also proves pivotal in helping Spider-Man find the strength he needs to defeat the Spider-Slayer. It’s the sight of MJ in peril (following her actions to help him) that gives Spidey the adrenaline rush he needs to fight through the effects of the Slayer’s enervating gas. 6/13

Admittedly, this still plays into sexist tropes; being a strong male protector of vulnerable women remains Spider-Man’s primary mission. However, the Spider-Slayer fight does assert Peter & MJ are stronger together, and says MJ can support Spidery’s heroic mission rather than distract from it. 7/13

It’s also notable that Mary Jane is presented as a thoroughly independent character, with her own money, her own life, her own family, her own wealthy celebrity friends, and her own string of avid admirers beyond her soon-to-be husband. 8/13

Indeed, MJ’s character arc involves reckoning with the terms & boundaries of her ferocious independence and learning to appreciate the difference between independence & selfishness. Her central moment of growth is asking Peter for help & letting him become involved with her complicated family. 9/13

There are, once again, multiple ways to interpret the gender politics of this character arc. On the one hand, MJ is being asked to give up aspects of her independence, especially her sexual independence; she repeatedly turns down a mysterious wealthy suitor with what appears to be some regret. 10/13

On the other hand, MJ’s trust in Peter is rewarded, and her ability to let down her guard suggests Peter sees and brings out a more genuine side of her, separate from the glossy world of high fashion. It’s letting down her guard with Peter that allows MJ to reconnect with her sister. 11/13

And it’s ultimately Mary Jane who’s responsible for seeing justice served. In his thought bubble, Peter lays out a plan for nabbing MJ’s criminal father. But MJ is two steps ahead, coordinating with the police to secure her father’s confession, which (mostly) absolves her sister. 12/13

Mileage will vary on whether this storyline (or marrying Peter Parker in general) is good for Mary Jane’s character–whether it affirms her fundamental agency & independence or weakens it. But there is a definite attempt to present Peter & MJ’s wedding as a genuine partnership of equals. 13/13