Venom’s Newest Romance Is the Last Thing Anyone Needs, Especially Spider-Man

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The connection between Spider-Man and Mary Jane Watson is legendary among comic book fans. Seeing them grow together, from young and uncertain to mature and inspiring, has been a highlight for many. However, their relationship was dramatically ended in the controversial “One More Day” story, and neither character has fully recovered since. Currently, Peter Parker has a series of short-lived romances, while Mary Jane has recently escaped a difficult relationship. While fans are hoping for a reconciliation, it seems a new romance is developing—one that isn’t the pairing everyone expected.

In the latest issue of Venom (#252), MJ joins forces with Venom, along with the new symbiote pair Rick Jones and Toxin, and Agent Anti-Venom, Flash Thompson. After months of working together to protect Venom and Dylan, Flash and MJ have become close, and Venom is encouraging them to become a couple. While their connection fits the storyline, MJ is already dealing with a lot and a romantic relationship is the last thing she needs right now.

A New Partnership Born of Teamwork

Throughout the All-New Venom series and the early issues of the Venom comic featuring MJ, Flash Thompson has been a reliable ally. He previously arranged a deal to keep Dylan out of prison and consistently put himself in danger to protect MJ’s secret identity. Most recently, in issue #252, Flash helped Venom and the new Captain Spider fight a reformed S.C.A.R., now led by Doctor Octopus. When Doc Ock had Captain Spider cornered, MJ realized they could defeat S.C.A.R. by winning over public opinion.

Once Venom and MJ realized their connection had always been about Peter Parker, they donned Spider-Man costumes and joined the battle. Because the public already favored Spider-Man and disliked Doctor Octopus, they quickly won the crowd over. Doc Ock repeatedly tried to reveal their true identities as Venom, but the arrival of Luke Cage and Agent Anti-Venom gave them the support they needed to ruin Octavius’s reputation. Flash Thompson then used Otto’s return to villainy as a chance to take charge of S.C.A.R. Afterwards, Venom thanked Flash, and hinted at wanting to get coffee with MJ, who playfully insisted it wasn’t a date, though they both agreed.

A Brand New Relationship, Same Old Problems

Considering how things have developed between MJ and Flash, it seems likely they’ll become a couple soon. The comic has built their connection well, and they clearly have chemistry. However, a relationship right now wouldn’t be good for MJ’s character arc. She used to be a fan favorite, but opinions are now quite divided, and a new romance would likely make that division even worse.

In the 2022 Amazing Spider-Man film, Mary Jane’s character was portrayed very negatively. She ended her relationship with Peter for Paul, a character most fans dislike. Many viewers haven’t gotten over her actions in that storyline, and while I believe the writers are more to blame than Mary Jane herself, it’s clear her character needs to be better developed before fans will accept her again.

Turning Mary Jane into Venom is a smart move to win back fans. It reconnects her with the Spider-Man universe and a hugely popular character, finally letting her experience what it’s like to be a hero after years on the sidelines. This offers a great opportunity for both MJ and Venom to evolve, forging a new, compelling partnership built on shared struggles. Overcoming those challenges will drive meaningful character growth, which is key to making fans truly connect with them.

If MJ starts a relationship with Flash before fully developing her skills as a hero, fans might focus on her continued distance from Peter, even after ending things with Paul. While her history with Peter is significant, MJ deserves to be seen as an independent character, and it’s been enjoyable watching her learn the ropes as a hero. Introducing a new romance, with its inevitable complications, could disrupt the progress she’s making with her own story and her connection to Venom. MJ still needs to find her footing, and getting involved with someone else while undergoing such a transformation could ultimately hinder her growth and affect those around her.

I’m open to seeing what Al Ewing does with this story, but I’m still a little worried about how MJ’s character will change. Ultimately, the most important thing is a good story with characters who feel true to themselves. Let’s hope that’s what we get.

Venom #252 is on sale now!

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2025-12-14 19:43