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Alright, let’s talk about romances in Spidey’s life.

Most notably are Mary Jane Watson and Gwen Stacy.

Sure, there is Black Cat as well who is a notable romance in Spidey’s life, but I’m talking about the two that made it into movies. The two everyone really debates about including the creator himself, Stan Lee.

As Stan Lee had decided long ago, that it would be Gwen Stacy who Peter would end up with until everything changed in issue #121 of The Amazing Spider-Man. When the writers had no idea what to do with Gwen, so they decided to kill her.

Something that changed comics forever.

Because up until then, the hero didn’t lose. Not like that. But that’s a story for another day!

Right now, we’re talking about Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane Watson. Arguably two of the most notable love interests in Peter Parker’s life and the ones most people would recognize as being his soulmate.

Most people would typically pick one or the other.

I don’t think anyone is picking Black Cat for that title.

Regardless, I’m talking about the blonde and the redhead this week.

Let’s settle this debate once and for all, who is the person Peter was meant to end up with?

Unlike Superman ending up with Lois Lane, there’s never truly been a clear-cut winner with these two.

Which is attributed, a lot to Gwen’s death in the comics.

Without the death, Peter and Gwen would have most likely ended up together given everything we know. Peter and Gwen were truly happy together and wanted to marry each other at some point. While MJ still had this party girl attitude and had little interest in settling down before the loss of Gwen.

As Gwen’s death triggered her growing up into the mature MJ that Peter falls in love with.

She also refused to leave Peter alone with his grief as Gwen was her best friend. They bonded over her death and mutual grief and love for her.

Which begs the question: Is MJ truly ever endgame?

I mean, in theory any world where Gwen isn’t dead should naturally void Mary Jane as an option for Peter, right?

Because in the main timeline, he would have chosen Gwen if he were able.

And Mary Jane wouldn’t have picked Peter either if she didn’t lose Gwen and decide to settle in some ways. Not that she settled for Peter, but moreover she decided she wanted something stable in her life and Peter happened to be what she fell in love with.

Which is fine.

But Gwen is a direct catalyst for their romance.

And in a world where there’s a Gwen, will Peter ever fall for Mary Jane?

Or does that matter? Is Gwen doomed to die no matter what?

What if we just take all that thought out of it? What if we just look at each relationship in all it’s forms and decide which would be ideal for Peter?

Let’s start with Gwen! After all, she technically came first.

One of the things I absolutely adore about this relationship is that they have a lot in common. Both of them are incredibly intelligent and have a lot to talk about. They’re close with their families. They enjoy school and mentally, they’re good fits for each other.

However, in the original comic version of Gwen, she hated Spider-Man and was often afraid of him. Which could put a huge damper on their relationship. One thing we did not get to see was what Gwen thought of Peter being Spider-Man given her feelings on the superhero. She died before she ever found out.

How the writers didn’t see that as a fun plot to explore instead of her death, I’ll never understand. But that’s just me.

On the flip side, in the comics we have Mary Jane who is of average intelligence and has no interest in Peter’s studies in the same way Gwen might. Though she’s not stupid by any means as she’s known for quite a long time that Peter’s Spider-Man and never said a word to anyone. Not even Peter.

She’s an accomplished actress with a thriving career and her more carefree nature is a help to Peter given his overly serious attitude towards everything. She’s incredibly loyal and kind and doesn’t mind that Peter is Spider-Man.

Does that give her an edge over Gwen? Yes.

But in the same way Gwen gets an edge for understanding Peter’s brain in a way MJ can’t.

So, I’d say they’re pretty equal.

I love that they each bring different things to the table.

Gwen brings brains.

MJ brings a lot of heart.

Now, let’s talk about the movies.

The Raimi Trilogy is a legendary set of movies, even with the third falling off in quality. And here, well, we have a wonderful illustration of what MJ doesn’t bring to the table. She’s often the damsel in distress and a less than active participant in her own life. I recently rewatched the first movie and I could not help but think her relationship to Harry was laughable. She didn’t even seem to like him most of the time.

Avoiding his kisses and affections at most turns. Very weird.

She’s kidnapped every movie and dangled as bait for Spider-Man.

She cheats in every movie.

And overall is a less than stellar character that MJ should be.

I want more substance and more moments when she tries to fight back. Like in the first movie when she realizes there’s a group of men coming for her, she fights back. Kicking several of them in the nuts and trying to escape. It’s a poor example of what MJ is truly capable of in the comics as she can defend herself pretty well.

But it’s something.

And the rain kiss is iconic, so points for that alone.

Overall, this MJ makes me wonder what her and Peter do when they’re not fighting bad guys. Do they watch movies? Do they have anything in common? What drew them together? Besides flowery words and how beautiful MJ is?

This relationship always lacked substance for me.

Then there’s the two Marc Webb movies.

Gwen Stacy is not only an active participant in her life but also her death and her choices are firmly her own.

Gwen is smart, formidable, and stands up for herself in both movies without needing Spider-Man to defend her.

Her death actually cheapened the movie, rather than making it sing. Because after all the talk about her life and choices and not protecting her, it’s actually what she needed. And that shouldn’t have been the message sent. It was a bad decision in the second movie.

But Peter and Gwen here are a formidable pair.

They respect each other to make their own choices. They fear for each other because they love each other, but they try so hard not to stand in each other’s way. So much so that Peter offers to go with Gwen so they can be together when she goes to Oxford.

Without Gwen, Peter would not have beaten either enemy in either movie. And they were a power couple, who firmly felt like they enjoyed each other’s presence beyond a superficial level.

I feel like when comparing these two together, Gwen wins.

I’m not talking about the MCU movies.

Firstly, because I can barely remember them as those Spider-Man movies are the least memorable in my opinion. So I cannot accurately argue about them.

Second, I’m still confused as to whether or not she’s actually based on MJ from the comics or if this is an entirely new character.

Regardless, I don’t care for those movies a great deal and cannot speak to them with great accuracy. Also, Zendaya’s character in that movie is the best character out of those movies by far, whoever she is, and I did enjoy it. I just don’t think it quite fits here.

Back to the main plot of this Superhero Sunday!

MJ VS. Gwen.

Who wins?

Well, what I really want to do, is pit my favorite MJ against my favorite Gwen.

This two are the top MJ Watson and Gwen Stacy as far as I’m concerned. Out of all the Spider-Man media I’ve consumed, these two take the cake for me!

Which I think makes these two perfect for a face-off.

Mary Jane from Marvel’s Spider-Man by Insomniac Games is a reporter. She’s fearless, brave, relentless in her pursuit of the truth, regardless of who or what stands in her way. She’s loyal, kind, smart, and brave

The Amazing Spider-Man’s Gwen Stacy is smart and won’t let anything stop her from getting what she wants. Whether that’s getting Peter himself or telling him to stuff it when she wants to fulfill her dreams or save the day her own damn self.

Each of them matches Peter step for step as a hero in their own right.

Often helping him save the day by providing information or back-up or some other type of help while he fights bad guys.

Neither of them blinks in the face of a terrifying superhero.

They both know that Peter is Spider-Man and don’t mind, though they love Peter Parker himself more than Spidey.

And they’re both annoyed by his need to protect them and the lengths he’ll go to do so. Both of which, call him on it. Albeit, in their own ways.

Both MJ and Gwen enjoy being with Peter outside of their looks and physical compatibly. They just enjoy each other’s company. Laughing together and being together no matter what they’re doing.

Whether it’s Coney Island or getting ice cream together.

Gwen and MJ are heroes.

Plain and simple.

While they’ve both been saved from danger by Peter, they save him just as much. They’re partners with him. They’re not damsels in distress or screaming every time they’re on screen for help. Often, they’re the help.

Backing up Peter in various ways.

Without them, I’m not sure Peter could stand on his own. Or would even want to, as both Peters fall into depression without their loves.

And for a first, both Peters are willing to put their romances first instead of Spider-Man. Which is often hard for heroes, not just Spider-Man to do.

But Peter in The Amazing Spider-Man was willing to leave his country and only home to follow Gwen.

Peter in the video game relinquishes Spider-Man to Miles to be around for MJ more as this was a source of contention for them both over the game.

When comparing these two side by side as how the characters should be portrayed, capturing the essence of each while evolving them, it’s hard to choose.

Almost impossible actually.

Because I think they’re exactly what each Peter needs.

I don’t think Gwen would fit in the video game with Peter nor would MJ fit in The Amazing Spider-Man.

Prior to playing the game, I would have said Gwen without hesitation.

But the MJ in the game makes that so much harder, because she fits so well with him. Especially, dropping the actress bit, and making her more of Spider-Man’s and Peter’s life by aligning their ideals. Also, giving him a non-genius perspective which he often lacks, while also infusing life into his world.

I think overall, comics, TV shows, movies, games, and so on considered, I think Mary Jane is the overall better fit for Peter.

However, you could not replace Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man movies and have it work with MJ. She’s the right fit in those movies for Peter.

But ultimately, I think MJ is the right mix of everything for Peter. And there’s a comic panel I can’t remember what comic it’s from, but Peter is having a terrible day. He’s missing MJ and having issues.

So MJ tells him right now, they’ll have a dance party. Even though he’s in a store and she’s in an apartment far away. They could do this together right now and be silly together, regardless of what the world thinks.

And he does and it lightens his mood.

I think that one panel, captures why MJ is perfect for him in a way no else is.

She sees the world so much differently than Peter and the same at the same time. I think she brings view into his world that he needs to have or he becomes too serious and sullen.

What do you think?

Vote and tell me who you think is his one true love!

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