Published Jul 2, 2026, 12:55 PM EDT
Annie Banks is a Rotten Tomatoes–approved critic, and CBR editor and writer specializing in anime, comics, and superheroes. Her work has also appeared in Collider and The Mary Sue, where she covered pop culture, fandoms, and entertainment trends. A lifelong fan whose love for storytelling began with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Annie blends critical insight with genuine passion for geek culture, from sci-fi to K-pop.
Face it, Tiger, Spider-Man's most divisive love interest, is back to celebrate 60 years of playing with Peter Parker's heart. Marvel Comics readers can get a first look at Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1, which showcases different glimpses of the pair's relationship from different perspectives.
Marvel Comics' Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1 explores unique stories centering around MJ Watson and Peter Parker, each introducing a unique plotline from standalone artist-writer teams. An official press release from Marvel Comics explains that Story A by J.M. DeMatteis and Andrea Broccardo "deals with the aftermath of DeMatteis’ Spectacular Spider-Man #245 where MJ fights Chameleon." Other artists lean more into MJ's canonical career as a model and actress, with Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1's Story B tying Spider-Man's superheroics to MJ's work life. "While filming a new horror movie, MJ is attacked on set by a villain Spider-Man is chasing," the brief solicit for the story by Ann Nocenti and Alina Yerofieieva reads.
Marvel's official solicits go on to explain that Story C by J. Michael Straczynski and Luigi Zagaria takes place many years in the future, and that Story D by Ashley Allen and Phil Noto sets up MJ’s next era. While these individual stories are yet to be named, it's expected that Marvel will reveal thrilling titles that will make celebrating MJ's presence in Spider-Man comics for six decades all the more memorable. Spider-Man's romantic partners offer a more grounded and human element to Peter Parker, being incredibly relatable.
Arriving in August 2026, the official synopsis for Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1 reads, "SIXTY YEARS AGO, WE ALL HIT THE JACKPOT! Back in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #42, we all got our first real look at MARY JANE WATSON, and sixty years later, we're all still reeling. In that time, she's been a party girl, OTP, and even VENOM! To celebrate MJ's storied run, we present three stories of three different MJ eras and an epilogue that points toward the future of the inimitable MJW!"
Mary Jane Watson's Importance In Marvel, Explained
Image via Marvel ComicsWhen examining MJ's greater importance as a superhero comic book character, it's important to acknowledge that she's completely necessary to Peter's story, greatly influencing his acts of selflessness as Spider-Man. After making her proper debut in 1966, MJ was granted an undeniable sense of confidence that aligns with her fun-loving nature story over story.
Marvel Comics has reminded readers that MJ is more than just a love interest, giving her a sense of self while facing her own challenges in a universe filled with heroes, villains, and those in between. She's established herself as a counterbalance to others' suffering, encouraging Peter to continue to embrace his alter-ego as Spider-Man, and has offered emotional solace. Outside of her relationship with Peter, MJ has proven herself to be driven as a model and actress, doubling as a determined businesswoman while changing how women are represented as civilians in the superhero genre.
Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger #1 releases on Aug. 5. wherever comics are sold.
Comic The Amazing Spider-Man
First Film Spider-Man
English (US) · 