If there’s one truth that is held self-evident, it’s that everyone hates Paul Rabin. From calling him “top-knot” to making fun of his meal choices, Mary Jane’s boyfriend has been a punching bag for everyone from the moment he was introduced… Except, of course, for Mary Jane. And except, of course, for this week’s All-New Venom #9, where — spoilers past this point — Mary Jane breaks up with Paul.
In the issue, several months of bubbling tension that’s been brewing since the beginning of the series finally come to a head. We already know that Mary Jane and Paul haven’t been intimate, and MJ has been wrestling with her new role as the host of Venom. But after finishing up an adventure with Doctor Octopus, Mary Jane returns to their shared apartment, ready to have a chat. Unfortunately for Paul, who reaffirms his commitment to the redhead, Mary Jane has other ideas. And on the last page, she puts it as plainly as possible:
“I’m sorry, Paul,” says MJ. “I’m breaking up with you.”
It’s followed by a classic “To Be Continued,” so more to come on that. And the solicit for All-New Venom #10 teases the fallout:
“VENOM VS. MARY JANE WATSON! After the events of last issue, MJ’s life is upside down… and there’s one symbiote to blame! It’s the argument of the century as the world’s strangest roommates air all their dirty laundry… but when the last word is said, will any relationship be left standing?”
That certainly raises the question of whether Venom is breaking up with Paul, or MJ is… But there’s a bit more on this front this very Wednesday. Specifically, as any fan’s thoughts may turn to, you might be wondering whether the end of Paul and Mary Jane means things are about to heat up again with Mary Jane and Peter Parker.
The answer, at least as presented in The Amazing Spider-Man #9, is: no. Peter and Mary Jane are definitely not getting back together, at least not this month.
After suffering a big defeat in ASM #8 at the hands of the new villain, Hellgate, there’s a bunch of weird stuff going on with Peter. He’s seemingly given up being Spider-Man, is dating a mystery woman, and is shunning everyone in his life. That’s when MJ approaches him at the behest of Aunt May to see if he’s doing okay, and reveals that she’s now bonded with Venom.
Peter bitterly explains, “The way you were teeing this up, I thought you wanted to get back together.” Then he says, “You two deserve each other,” and slams the door in MJ and Venom’s faces.
That’s the end of that, but it literally closes the door on further romance for Peter and Mary Jane. Also of note, MJ makes it clear she’s approaching him as a friend. So this is not the road to Peter/MJ wedding #2, it’s a speed bump. Or maybe a pile-up on the highway. Either way, Paul might be dunzo, but Spider-Man fans better hold on tight for whatever happens next.
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