“One More Day” is widely considered Spider-Man’s most disliked story. It involves Spider-Man making a deal with the devil to save Aunt May, but the cost is erasing his marriage to Mary Jane. Many fans felt this change disregarded years of established history and demonstrated a tendency to keep Peter Parker isolated and unhappy. While the story is largely seen as damaging to Spider-Man’s narrative, and many fans want Peter and MJ to reunite, even in this controversial plotline, there are some redeeming qualities.
The controversial storyline “One More Day” still sparks debate among fans, with many wishing it never happened. But undoing it would also mean losing many great stories that developed as a result. Since it’s unlikely to be changed, let’s focus on five fantastic stories that wouldn’t exist without “One More Day,” and see how even a disliked event can have positive outcomes.
5) Nick Spencer’s Amazing Spider-Man
Nick Spencer’s seventy-three issue run on *The Amazing Spider-Man* (2018) is widely considered a highlight of the series, and it likely wouldn’t have happened without the events of “One More Day.” While a major strength was reuniting Peter Parker and MJ and initially exploring a way to reverse the effects of “One More Day,” the run offered much more. A particularly positive aspect was resolving the problematic storyline where Norman Osborn and Gwen Stacy were depicted as having an affair, and Norman killed Gwen to hide her pregnancy. Spencer’s run cleverly revealed that the affair never actually happened, and was instead a manipulative scheme created by Harry Osborn.
The groundwork for this twist was laid before Harry’s death in *The Spectacular Spider-Man* #200. It involved creating a clone of Spider-Man to take his place and even become a friend to Peter, making the eventual reveal of the deception much more impactful. This clever rewrite of Spider-Man’s history, which fixed a particularly disliked storyline, wouldn’t have been possible without Harry’s return, a return made possible by the “One More Day” storyline that reset certain events.
4) Superior Spider-Man
When Otto Octavius first took control of Peter Parker’s body, it was a risky move that divided fans. Now, however, many appreciate the storyline for its originality. Otto didn’t just inhabit Peter’s body – he completely reshaped his life, establishing Parker Industries and becoming a much more ruthless hero. This transformation was possible because Peter’s life was already vulnerable; he’d distanced himself from his friends and allies. Had Peter and Mary Jane remained together, Otto wouldn’t have been able to so easily take over.
MJ didn’t realize Peter had changed because they weren’t very close back then. However, if they’d been married, she definitely would have noticed something was different. She would have uncovered Otto’s deception, completely altering the course of the *Superior Spider-Man* storyline. The story relies on Peter being isolated, something he wouldn’t have been if MJ had been in his life.
3) All-New Venom
Mary Jane’s journey to becoming Venom’s host wouldn’t have happened if she were still married to Peter Parker. She only bonded with Venom to survive an accident caused by a malfunctioning superpower bracelet given to her by her boyfriend, Paul. Had she remained Peter’s wife, she wouldn’t have become the superhero Jackpot, and therefore wouldn’t have needed Venom’s help. This storyline relies on Mary Jane and Peter being separated, as it focuses on the personal growth and challenges she’s faced since their divorce.
This comic focuses on MJ and Venom beginning to heal and forgive each other – and themselves – for past errors. MJ’s personal growth wouldn’t have been as effective if she were in a stable, loving relationship with someone like Peter Parker, because she constantly measures herself against his high standard of heroism.
2) “Spider-Island”
The story arc running from *The Amazing Spider-Man* #666 to #673 is considered one of Spider-Man’s strongest in the last twenty years. A villain called the Jackal unleashed a wave of chaos across Manhattan, giving countless people Spider-Man’s powers. This created widespread panic, and made it nearly impossible for Peter Parker to intervene – with so many Spider-powered individuals running around, the other heroes couldn’t distinguish him from the villains. Peter ultimately found a solution by removing his mask and posing as an ordinary citizen who had unexpectedly gained powers and wanted to protect the city. This act of selflessness inspired the people of New York to join the fight.
This powerful and moving scene was only possible because the world collectively forgot Spider-Man’s true identity after the events of “One More Day.” The idea of multiple Spider-Men and Peter inspiring others wouldn’t have been believable if everyone knew who was behind the mask. Also, Carlie Cooper’s involvement was crucial, and her character wouldn’t have existed if Peter and Mary Jane hadn’t gotten divorced.
1) Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man by Tom Taylor
This heartwarming series focused on Spider-Man dealing with everyday problems in his neighborhood. A central storyline throughout the show was Aunt May’s battle with cancer and her treatment. This difficult experience deepened the bond between May and Peter as they faced the emotional challenges together. It explored the heart of their relationship, revealing how much they mean to each other and showing their vulnerability. Ultimately, it was a relatable and deeply human story.
This storyline heavily relies on the events of “One More Day.” Without Aunt May being alive – which “One More Day” ensured – she wouldn’t have developed cancer, and this whole story wouldn’t be possible. Because of her continued presence, we got memorable scenes like Peter swinging through the city with a child who was ill and a funny misunderstanding where Johnny Storm briefly thought Peter’s orange-colored companions were his kids while he was babysitting. None of these moments would have occurred if “One More Day” hadn’t happened.
As I mentioned earlier, the storyline “One More Day” is widely considered one of the worst decisions ever made in Spider-Man comics. It drastically changed things in a way many fans still haven’t accepted, and I personally still dislike it. However, despite this problematic retcon, Spider-Man has continued to deliver many excellent stories. While it’s easy to complain about something that happened almost twenty years ago, it won’t change the past. As fans, we need to acknowledge that “One More Day” occurred and is unlikely to be reversed. We can hope for a different outcome, but even if it never happens, Spider-Man’s legacy proves the character isn’t ruined.
Even in difficult situations, there are often positive aspects to be found. What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments below and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-10-06 18:13