Mary Jane Watson has been one of the most significant characters in the world of Spider-Man since her debut and has grown far beyond the standard girlfriend or damsel in distress stock figure that was common in comics at the time of her inception in the 1960s. Her greatest comic book stories have shown her to be one of the most independent and courageous characters in the Marvel Universe.
Michelle Jones (MJ) isn't exactly Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man: No Way Home or the previous MCU Spider-Man movies, but with so much of MJ's past and future unexplored on-screen, it's likely Mary Jane's most essential comic book stories from the last five decades will inform some of what fans see in the new movie and beyond.
Face It, Tiger...
One of the most essential Mary Jane Watson stories is her first appearance. Mary Jane made her proper debut in The Amazing Spider-Man #42 after being teased in earlier stories going back so far as issue #15. Issue #42 ends with one of the most iconic entrances in all of comics, and Mary Jane delivers her now-classic line "Face it, tiger, you've just hit the jackpot."
This early story and the issues immediately following helped to define Mary Jane as more than just competition for Gwen Stacy. She quickly became one of the best non-superhero characters in Spider-Man comics.
The Death Standard
Mary Jane Watson is Spider-Man's greatest love interest in the comics and every other medium, but Mary Jane isn't without her rivals. One of her best stories is "The Death Standard" from The Amazing Spider-Man #331. In this story, Mary Jane has to contend with the anger and jealousy of Black Cat, who can't believe Peter Parker married Mary Jane.
Black Cat has just returned from an extended absence overseas and didn't know about the wedding. In this comic and the story that follows, Mary Jane holds her own against Felicia Hardy with grace and dignity, helping further define her character.
Fun And Games
"Fun And Games" is the main story in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #19, in which Mary Jane gets to prove herself as a hero. The cover is iconic, though a bit misleading. Mary Jane doesn't don the Spider-Man costume in the comic itself, but she does play a pivotal role in taking down the son of the Spider-Slayer, one of Spider-Man's most obscure villains.
Her bravery against Smythe, armed with an advanced robotic vehicle, goes a long way in saving the lives of others and eventually leading to the Spider-Slayer's defeat and capture.
Spider-Island
Mary Jane Watson properly becomes a superhero in the Spider-Island storyline, where all of New York City is infected with a virus that gives people Spider-Man-like abilities. The story leads to some iconic moments with Mary Jane being a superhero but is essential for other reasons as well.
Spider-Island comes a few years after the events of One More Day, where Spider-Man and Mary Jane's wedding was erased from continuity by Mephisto. The end of this story sees the two beginning to come back together as friends and allies.
Parallel Lives
Parallel Lives is a standout graphic novel featuring Mary Jane that recontextualizes much of her backstory and relationship with Peter Parker. This 2012 story written by Gerry Conway is a great jumping-on point for new readers and rewarding for longtime fans as well.
The story reveals that Mary Jane knew that Peter Parker was Spider-Man from the night of Uncle Ben's murder, after seeing Peter sneaking out of his window. Before, Mary Jane had just simply said she always knew the truth without even really explaining how.
The Wedding
"The Wedding," the main story of The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 is essential in understanding Mary Jane's journey in Marvel Comics. It has become even more important after the events of One More Day, which erased the marriage from existence. It also erased much of Mary Jane's character development, making this issue important for fans.
At the time, Mary Jane is reticent about the marriage for a number of reasons. She fears for Peter's safety but also has a somewhat immature reluctance to give up going out and partying. Her growth and maturity lead to this monumental moment and later informed many of the depictions of Mary Jane in other comics and media.
All My Pasts Remembered
Peter Parker's first impression of Mary Jane was likely similar to the readers. She was beautiful but a little shallow. That changed dramatically in one of her most essential stories. The Amazing Spider-Man #259 is devoted to exploring Mary Jane's backstory in real detail for the first time, and also gives readers insight into how she came to be the person she was.
Her party girl persona is just that, a coping mechanism she developed while growing up in an abusive household. Mary Jane makes no excuses and does genuinely seek joy in life, with her spirit a huge reason Peter loves her so much.
Renew Your Vows
The family Peter Parker and Mary Jane started in The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 was written over by One More Day, but in Renew Your Vows Mary Jane takes the driver's seat in becoming both a mother and a superhero.
Following the events of the 2015 Secret Wars, this pocket reality showcases Mary Jane fighting to save her family. She wrestles the Venom symbiote under control, dons a superhero costume, and designs one for her daughter, Annie.
"The Night Gwen Stacy Died"
The Amazing Spider-Man #122 is one of the most iconic comics of all time, and certainly one of the best Spider-Man issues of the '70s. Though it's primarily known for the deaths of Gwen Stacy and the Green Goblin, it ends with one of the most essential moments in Mary Jane's relationship with Peter Parker.
A grieving Peter lashes out at her as she tries to console him, and asks her to leave. In a single panel that encapsulates her character and their entire comic book relationship, she closes the door but remains inside with him.
Confessions
"Confessions," from Ultimate Spider-Man #13, is one of the best Mary Jane stories in any universe. Peter Parker reveals the truth about his identity to her, an enormous sign of trust that wasn't evident for much of the Earth-616 relationship between the two. Mary Jane's supportive nature is on full display here, as is her faith and confidence in the heroism of her friend.
The Mary Jane of the Ultimate Comics universe is substantially different from her Earth-616 counterpart, being an equally brilliant student as Peter Parker and his close friend from the beginning. This essential story brings them even closer together.