Pete and MJ: Lovers in Arms

Chi-Town Spidey will have to pardon me stepping on ‘his turf’ for this one.

I think it’s fair to say the majority of contributors and frequenters of this website are fond of both Mary Jane and her relationship with Spider-Man.

A part of this is due to the strength of their connection. It was a connection forged through fire and in this way it’s comparable to war veterans.

In real life soldiers who fought side-by-side with one another (especially if the situation was very traumatic) forge an extremely potent mental/emotional bond. This is obviously accentuated if there was a pre-existing positive relationship; e.g. if they were friends or family.

A very good (albeit fictional example) would be the relationship between Captain America and Bucky in the MCU.

 For Peter and MJ, they already had a generally positive relationship before they began to fall in love in the 1970s. By the time they married they were clearly one another’s best friends and confidants. Even under Dan Slott’s pen they were each other’s closest companions prior to the ‘Superior Spider-Man’ storyline.

These bonds were strengthened through sharing tragedies and deeply personal experiences. These included sharing their respective origins with one another. These origins were mutually fraught with loss, guilt and shame over neglecting their responsibilities. Beyond their painful pasts though, they endured emotional pains and traumas together.

·       Gwen’s death, the catalyst for their romance.

·       ‘Kraven’s Last Hunt’, which forced the pair to confront their greatest fears in light of their new marriage.

·       The death of their child, a tragedy that often ends even the strongest of relationships. Yet Peter and MJ grew closer from the experience.

·       Living as fugitives following Peter unmasking to the world. Both Parkers had options to escaping the situation at the cost of their relationship. Instead reaffirmed their commitment to one another.

These are just some  of the testing life experiences Peter and MJ shared and helped one another through. When you look at the big picture the pattern of behaviour is clear. Emotionally or mentally traumatic situations made them grow closer.

And of course, let’s not underestimate the physical  dangers they’ve confronted.

There have been countless times the pair have had to risk life and limb to protect the other.

Peter of course is a superhero so making sacrifices and risking life and limb comes with the territory. But MJ is no stranger to this herself, at times sacrificing career opportunities or risking her life to safeguard her husband.

Perhaps more famously MJ’s presence in Peter’s life has acted as an empowering force for him, motivating him to fight harder and save himself.

Whilst most real life soldiers are not in love, like Peter and MJ they form potent bonds through protecting one another, fighting together and helping each other get through intensely trying situations.