Mary Jane Watson and Peter Parker Break Up

In the world of Marvel Comics, specifically within the Ultimate Marvel universe, it might come as a surprise to discover that Mary Jane Watson and Peter Parker break up. This iconic power couple from the Ultimate Spider-Man comic series, created by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley, faces a dramatic turn in their relationship. The Spider-Man storyline takes an unexpected twist in issue 77 of this popular graphic novel series, where Peter dumps MJ for not heeding his warnings. She could have been injured, or even killed, but she chose to act on her own accord, resulting in the end of their relationship.

Ultimate Spider-Man 78, aptly titled “Dumped,” continues this comic book plot. Surprisingly, Spider-Man himself doesn’t make an appearance in this issue, which seems odd considering his name graces the cover. While Peter Parker sits in class at Midtown High School alongside Mary Jane, his alter ego is nowhere to be seen. This comic book issue focuses on how these Ultimate Spider-Man characters deal with the challenges of their recent breakup while still sharing the same school space in Queens, New York City.

Personally, I find Ultimate Spider-Man 78 to be somewhat of a letdown. It’s not necessarily a bad issue, but I believe a Spider-Man comic should feature Spider-Man. However, I must admit that the comic book plot realistically portrays teen relationships. Before Mary Jane Watson and Peter Parker broke up, their romance seemed idyllic, much like young love often does. You think you’ve found happiness, only to discover it’s short-lived, leaving your heart crushed for what feels like an eternity. The comic book art effectively captures MJ’s emotional state as she sits in the mall with her friend Liz Allan, tuning out the surrounding conversation. This scene perfectly illustrates the feeling of a broken heart, where one’s soul is shattered, and all focus is lost.

Issue 78 also introduces a new character, Mark Raxton, who quickly moves in on MJ. Of course, he’s portrayed as the stereotypical tall, dark, and handsome musician in a band. MJ attends one of his performances, and he offers her a ride home in his car (he’s a senior, naturally). Unbelievably, she falls for his charm. The comic suggests she has no qualms about moving from one relationship to another so quickly. They share a moment in the car, culminating in a kiss.

Despite its faults, this stand-alone story in the Ultimate Spider-Man series is still an enjoyable read with some impressive comic book art. The artist frequently uses close-ups of faces, which could be seen as a way to hide limitations in drawing other elements. However, this technique can be quite effective in conveying emotions, especially in a story focused on teenage relationships.

This series, rated T+ Suggested for Teens and Up, is an excellent introduction for those new to superhero comics, particularly if you’re trying to get your girlfriend interested in the medium. You can grab it now (Affiliate Link) and embark on a journey exploring lost loves, broken hearts, and the ups and downs of Mary Jane Watson and Peter Parker’s relationship in the Ultimate Marvel universe.

While this particular issue may not feature Spider-Man’s costume or showcase his powers, it offers a unique perspective on the personal life of Peter Parker. For those interested in exploring more of the Ultimate Spider-Man characters or delving deeper into the Ultimate Marvel universe, digital comics versions of these issues are widely available.

As the series progresses, readers can expect to encounter more familiar faces from the Spider-Man universe, such as Flash Thompson, and perhaps even crossovers with other Ultimate Marvel titles like Ultimate X-Men. The rich tapestry of characters and storylines created by Bendis and Bagley continues to captivate fans, making Ultimate Spider-Man a cornerstone of modern superhero comics.