In recent decades, Paul and Mary Jane Watson have been Marvel’s most intensely disliked couple, and that is no overstatement. It’s challenging to conceive of any character who has persistently sparked such intense loathing from hardcore fans for so long while simultaneously achieving mainstream popularity as much as Paul has. An enigma, Paul’s existence has served as a painful jab to Spider-Man followers, symbolizing Peter Parker’s inability to find happiness. The animosity towards Paul was so profound that it seeped over onto MJ by association, with some fans resorting to character defamation against her. The relationship between Paul and MJ was a toxic, illogical concoction, but now they have parted ways, and fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Why We Hate Paul
Peter Parker (also known as Spidey) and Mary Jane Watson are renowned comic book characters whose romance is highly popular among fans. However, the storyline “One More Day” is often criticized for being controversial due to its portrayal of their separation, a breakup that fans had long anticipated but never expected to happen in such an unsatisfying manner. For nearly two decades, fans were left hoping for their reunion, only to find that their favorite comic books were veering away from the original essence.
In Nick Spencer’s “Amazing Spider-Man” run, Peter and MJ did reunite briefly, but their sudden separation at the beginning of Zeb Wells’s run was particularly heart-wrenching. Enter Paul, a character who seemingly appeared out of nowhere, causing trouble, and ultimately leading MJ to choose him over Spider-Man in a plot that left fans bewildered due to its illogical nature. This sequence was as confusing as using toothpaste with mud, leaving many fans questioning the direction of MJ’s character altogether.
The situation became even more infuriating when it was revealed that Paul served as a representation of Marvel Editorial expressing their disregard for fan opinions. To add insult to injury, Paul was an incredibly bland character, making everything about his relationship with MJ excruciatingly painful. As a result, numerous fans decided to abandon MJ’s character altogether during one of Spider-Man’s most challenging periods. Fortunately, it seems that this ordeal has now come to an end.
We’re Free From the Curse of Paul
In a departure from their typically flawless portrayal in other books, MJ and Peter (Paul) began to experience friction in Al Ewing’s “All-New Venom”. This shift occurred when MJ unwittingly became the host for Venom, a symbiote they kept hidden while also raising Dylan, who was left alone after his father passed away. Ironically, MJ formed a bond with the deteriorating symbiote only because she encountered it while dying herself. This encounter transpired due to a technical glitch in Paul’s Jackpot gear, designed to empower MJ as a superhero, which inexplicably included a “slow and painful death” option. When Venom bonded with MJ to save her life, Paul discovered that she had kept this from him, leading to anger and feelings of betrayal. Feeling distrustful, he distanced himself from MJ. Simultaneously, MJ was preoccupied with saving lives as the new Venom during this tumultuous period.
In issue #9 of the revamped Venom series, Venom, along with Rick Jones, Sleeper, and Toxin, aided by Agent Anti-Venom Flash Thompson, saved themselves from the clutches of S.C.A.R. Squad agents intent on capturing symbiotes. However, Doctor Octopus posed a greater challenge. He overpowered everyone and was about to deliver the decisive blow while boasting about his status as one of Spider-Man’s arch-nemesis, implying that they had no chance against him. Venom countered by suggesting that Spider-Man could handle this effortlessly, but he would do it gracefully. In response, Venom filled Octopus’ lungs with symbiote goo until he fainted, nearly giving in to her rage and killing him, but ultimately holding back at the last second. The group managed to escape, and MJ returned home.
MJ encountered Paul, who was waiting for her. They both decided it was necessary to have a serious conversation. Paul admitted that he had acted selfishly during the Venom incident, causing a blow-up, disregarding MJ’s feelings and his own responsibilities in the situation. He vowed to improve.
MJ confessed that she has spent much of her life avoiding difficult situations, choosing the easier path, believing she was fighting when she was actually fleeing. However, she can no longer continue down this path. She’s grown significantly over the past few years and if she wants to become a better person, a hero, she must face her challenges head-on instead of running away. This means acknowledging when she is evading responsibilities.
MJ admitted that she too had ignored issues in their relationship and wanted things to be different, but couldn’t pretend anymore. In the end, MJ decided to end the relationship with Paul, leaving them both with a sense of newfound freedom. MJ and Paul are now separated. We are finally free!
While we’re certainly rejoicing at this moment, it’s crucial not to ignore the fact that one swift action won’t instantly heal all the damage done to Mary Jane (MJ). Her character has faced significant blows over time, and for her to return to being the beloved MJ we remember, she has a long path of restoration ahead. If there’s any chance of MJ and Peter reuniting someday, they both need substantial healing. However, this is the world of superheroes, where hope always prevails. The initial step is always vital, and often the most challenging. So let’s save worrying about tomorrow for another day and focus on celebrating today – a day that marks the long-awaited departure of one of Marvel’s most notorious characters from a major role! Here’s to hoping we never see Paul in a significant comic role again!
All-New Venom #9 is on sale now!
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2025-08-07 22:17