Spider-Man has captured the hearts of fans for generations, but his main comic series, Amazing Spider-Man, has faced significant criticism in recent years. Fans have expressed their frustrations over various storylines and character developments, often pinpointing one character as the source of their discontent: Paul Rabin, a figure who has become notable for all the wrong reasons in the Marvel universe.
Paul Rabin was introduced in 2022 as a twist on Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson’s rekindled romance, which has been largely absent from Marvel’s main storyline since the controversial “One More Day” arc in 2007. This storyline saw Mephisto erase Peter and MJ’s marriage in exchange for Aunt May’s life, creating a rift that many fans feel has never healed. Paul is depicted as the son of a villain called the Emissary from another universe, which has stirred mixed feelings among readers.
As the story unfolded, Mary Jane found herself bonding with Paul during her adventures in the multiverse, leading to a complicated reunion with Peter where she had built a life with him, including two adopted children. This narrative twist left fans outraged, as they felt it obstructed any chance for Peter and MJ to reconnect.
Meanwhile, MJ’s life took an exciting but contentious turn when she became the latest host for the Venom symbiote, taking center stage in the ongoing title All-New Venom. Fans speculated about whether Paul could become Venom himself, but his character has received minimal development beyond his romantic ties to MJ. With rising tensions, many fans viewed Paul as an obstacle to the series’ beloved Peter-MJ dynamic, causing frustrations to reach a boiling point.
That brings us to the climactic All-New Venom #9, where MJ and Paul finally address the underlying issues in their relationship. Amidst the chaos of MJ’s life as Venom and their shared responsibilities, Paul attempts to apologize for the circumstances that led her to bond with the symbiote. However, MJ, feeling weary of their struggles, decisively ends the relationship, leaving readers stunned.
But the drama doesn’t stop there. Amazing Spider-Man #9, released concurrently, shows Peter Parker grappling with his own issues. Following a brutal encounter with a character called Hellgate, Peter becomes increasingly isolated, succumbing to the strain of his responsibilities. In a pivotal moment, MJ approaches him to reveal her new role as Venom, only for Peter to react coldly—turning his back on her. This rebuff signals that the Peter and MJ fanbase might be in for a longer wait for a reconciliation.
So, what’s next for our favorite web-slinger? As fans grapple with the entangled relationships in Spider-Man’s world, many are left wondering if MJ and Peter will ever reunite. While their stories continue to twist and turn, it seems unlikely that the classic romance will flourish anytime soon.
What are fans saying about Paul Rabin’s character? Many are asking if he’s among the most unliked characters in Marvel right now, and the consensus is that his role has indeed polarized audiences.
How has Paul impacted the MJ and Peter dynamic? Fans feel Paul complicates potential reconciliation between MJ and Spider-Man, adding layers that many view as unnecessary in a story that has traditionally been about their connection.
Will we see more from MJ as Venom in future titles? Given current trends, it’s likely that MJ’s journey as Venom will be a central focus, possibly sidelining her relationship with Peter for the foreseeable future.
If you’re intrigued by the ongoing drama in the Spider-Man universe, keep exploring the character dynamics and broader storytelling layers present in these titles. For further updates on Marvel, Spider-Man, and other franchises, check out Moyens I/O.