Even DC’s Deadpool Hates Marvel’s Biggest Spider-Man Problem

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While Deadpool is known for breaking the fourth wall and commenting on the world around him, DC’s Superboy-Prime actually points out a major flaw in Spider-Man‘s stories – and he’s spot on. Like Deadpool, Superboy-Prime is disliked by most heroes in his universe and aware that he exists within a comic book. Though DC has other characters who acknowledge the audience, Superboy-Prime is the only one who directly addresses the fact that he is in a comic book.

If you haven’t been following the recent Superman comics, Superboy-Prime returned last year to help Superman when Darkseid attacked the DC Universe. While Superman was busy fighting in the DC K.O. tournament, Superboy-Prime worked with Lois Lane to try and reach him with a crucial message. Now, Superman is missing, leaving Metropolis unprotected. Luckily, Superboy-Prime has decided to stay and help out. He’s even found a job at a comic book store, and things are going about as you’d imagine.

Superboy-Prime Stans Spider-Man and Mary Jane’s Marriage

I just finished reading Superman #37, and it’s a really compelling issue. It focuses on Superboy-Prime, and we get a full rundown from him about everything he’s been up to since becoming a hero – battling incredibly powerful beings and even revisiting places he used to read about as a kid. But honestly, he’s clearly struggling. He’s constantly worried about the Justice League watching his every move, waiting for him to mess up, and it’s really weighing him down. It’s so affecting that even Martha and Jonathan Kent notice, and Martha gently encourages him to open up and share what’s really bothering him.

The story starts with Prime revisiting the previous Wednesday. He’s settling into his new job and is actually excelling at it, even catching the attention of one customer – though he’s too focused on work and his duties as a superhero to realize it. However, things aren’t perfect. His boss wants to discuss his performance, and despite his good work, Prime gets reprimanded for being consistently late and for occasionally arguing with customers.

We only see a small part of how passionate Prime gets with customers, but a flashback reveals a hilariously intense moment where he explodes, shouting “They should be married!” at someone in a comic book store. While it’s never stated directly, fans familiar with Marvel know he’s referring to Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson’s marriage, which was famously undone almost 20 years ago. Artist Dan Mora even hinted at this connection by responding to a fan question with spider and red-haired woman emojis.

Meta Characters Like Deadpool and Superboy-Prime Speak the Truth

It’s interesting how creative teams often use characters who are aware they’re in a comic book to express opinions on controversial storylines they can’t directly change. While it’s unclear if the current take on Spider-Man and Mary Jane reflects the creators’ personal views, it’s refreshing to see a character known as a huge fan express a preference for the classic relationship. It’s good to know someone in the story doesn’t support the ‘One More Day’ storyline and prefers the original dynamic.

This is really just a playful dig at Marvel. DC has teased its rival before, and will likely do so again. It’s amusing to see people still talking about Spider-Man and Mary Jane’s divorce after so many years. While Marvel keeps hinting at a possible reunion, most fans simply want to see them back together – perhaps not with the same intensity as one particularly devoted character, but the desire is definitely there.

I don’t think Superboy-Prime speaking out will really change anything, but I enjoy these small scenes. It’s always funny when characters acknowledge what comic book fans are thinking, and if Prime continues to do that, I’m happy to see it. Maybe he’ll even complain about the cancellation of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe next – that would be interesting!

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2026-04-24 23:10