...and proves what a despicable scum he is.
In ASM #309, Mary Jane proves she's no "damsel in distress" taking down and escaping Ceasar and crew... and saving Spider-Man from Styx & Stone!
Last edited by Vortex85; 01-25-2022 at 07:42 PM.
Later at home, Peter thanks MJ for saving him, ashamed he wasn't the one protecting HER. MJ assures him her abduction wasn't his fault, as they share a kiss.
Great moments there, and while perhaps somewhat exaggerated for purposes of heightened drama, the arc with Jonathon Caesar and what he would go on to put Mary Jane through out of spite for her rejecting him and getting him locked up takes on a whole new resonance in light of the last five years of scandals concerning famous and powerful men in the entertainment biz and how they treat women in their orbit.
The spider is always on the hunt.
Yeah, I enjoyed the Jonathan Ceasar subplot, it allowed for some cute and comedic moments in his introduction and the resolution subverted expectations by building up to where you think Peter is going to save MJ but it's flipped on its head at the last minute when MJ escapes on her own and helps Peter in the nick of time! While Ceasar was quite the melodramatic super stalker, he fit in nicely with the tone of Michiliene's writing. Futher, Ceasar treats MJ like a new toy he can acquire, like his brother's train set, with an obsession started by simply seeing a photo of MJ on a magazine, and not a human being with real wants, desires, needs, etc. It's kind of like when certain people think of love interests as toys in a toybox and disregard MJ's history and marriage with Peter as something very meaningful and precious that should be respected.
Indeed! It's worthy to note Peter just assumes this was his fault, and some villain of his discovered his secret, but again the plot subverts expectations and shows this was something brewing completely independent of his being Spider-Man and would have happened to MJ regardless!
In Spectacular #143, Pete arrives late for dinner, and while he shares what's bothering him, MJ gives him some kisses and offers an early night to go home and snuggle in bed! Unfortunately, the news broadcast ends that, as Peter ditches dinner and MJ tries her best not to be too angry...
*Always love Sal Buscema's art, just look at his expressive faces of MJ here - from the joy of seeing Peter, to showing affection, to shock at Peter's reaction the news, to disgust of dealing with the creeps around her, and being upset about her predicament... good stuff!
Well, then, I guess Peter should be happy for once Mary Jane was married to him. I mean, this would have happened to MJ anyway, so it would have been a relief for Peter to have something for not blaming at himself. Honestly, although MJ did good by herself, I would have liked to see Spidey/Peter punching this jerk big time. Peter wouldn't kill him, but with his spider strength, that jerk will definitely wish to be dead.
In Spec. Annual #8, an apparent Gwen Stacy clone appears, causing fear and confusion for Mary Jane regarding Peter's feelings.
But Gwen's return gives Peter the opportunity to sort and express his feelings, assuring Mary Jane that while he will have love for Gwen, she is his past, and MJ is the woman he loves now and in the future.
In Spec #144-145, Peter vents about his terrible day out on his book tour, simply for MJ to say "I love you" and make him realize how much he misses his wife after just one day apart! Later MJ is surprised by Kristy Watson, her younger cousin, who announces her stay until April!
In ASM #310, MJ changes the locks after the "Ceasar incident" creating a close call for Peter sneaking in as Spider-Man! She promises Peter a date night and special "dessert" to celebrate his return to grad school!
Later, after their movie, Peter is distracted by trouble back at ESU and starts to lie to MJ to leave, but smartly comes clean!