Spider-Man has captivated audiences for decades, yet his comic series, Amazing Spider-Man, has faced a wave of criticism in recent years. Our pal Spidey might still be a fan favorite, but there’s a whirlpool of dissatisfaction swirling particularly around one character: Paul Rabin. Paul arguably holds the title of the most disliked character in the Marvel universe right now.
Rabin was introduced in 2022 as a shocking twist to Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson’s reunion. This re-emergence of their romance was a sore topic since the “One More Day” storyline in 2007, which saw Mephisto erase their marriage after making a deal to save Aunt May’s life. Paul is revealed to be the son of a villain called the Emissary from the alternate world of Earth-23321.
During a multiversal journey, Mary Jane had to send Peter back to Earth-616 without her. When they finally reunited, she had spent four years with Paul, during which they adopted two children and fell deeply in love. This development reignited fan outrage, as Paul returned to Earth-616 and became an integral part of MJ’s life.
On another front, MJ’s story has also taken an unexpected turn; she has recently become the newest host for the Venom symbiote, starring in Al Ewing, Carlos Gomez, and Frank D’Armata’s ongoing series, All-New Venom. Speculation swirled over whether Paul would take on the Venom mantle, but he seemed to only exist to bolster MJ’s story without any compelling plotlines of his own. Many fans view him as merely a barrier keeping Peter and MJ from reuniting.
This week’s climax in All-New Venom #9 features a tense chat between MJ and Paul. With MJ’s life becoming chaotic as Venom, they delve into the complexities of their relationship, with Paul expressing his love for her. However, MJ decisively states she is ready to end things, marking a split between the two.
But the drama doesn’t stop there. Meanwhile, in Amazing Spider-Man #9, Peter faces his own emotional turmoil. After being defeated by a mysterious armored figure named Hellgate, Peter has distanced himself from his loved ones and his responsibilities as Spider-Man. Rather than engaging in heroic deeds, he finds himself consumed by work at Rand Enterprises, leaving Aunt May and his girlfriend, Shay Marken, worried about his well-being.
Just as All-New Venom did, this issue culminates in another difficult conversation between MJ and Peter. Arriving at Peter’s apartment, MJ informs him about her role as the new Venom. Surprisingly, instead of surprise or concern, Peter reacts coldly, shutting the door in her face and saying she deserves Venom.
So what’s next for Spider-Man fans? It appears that the longed-for reunion between MJ and Peter isn’t happening anytime soon. While we await further developments, it’s evident that relationship drama will continue to stymie resolutions in Peter’s world for a while. Keep your eyes peeled for more twists and turns in the web of Spider-Man.
What is the current status of Spider-Man and Mary Jane’s relationship? As it stands now, Peter and MJ are more distant than ever, with personal challenges pulling them apart.
Why do fans dislike Paul Rabin? Many fans feel he undermines the romantic chemistry between Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson, viewing him as an unnecessary obstacle.
How has MJ’s character evolved in recent comics? MJ has taken on a new role as the host of the Venom symbiote, which adds layers to her character and storylines.
What can we expect from the future of Spider-Man comics? The relationships in Peter Parker’s life are likely to remain complicated, with ongoing tensions affecting his dynamics with other characters.
For those who want to delve deeper into the web of Spider-Man’s universe and keep up with the latest comic book happenings, explore more at Moyens I/O.