He may be calledSpider-Man, but one comic book icon has just confirmed why Marvel Comics refuses to let the hero age too much, and fans aren’t going to be happy. Peter Parker has been a crucial partthe Marvel Universe’s successfor decades, and yet, it seems like the thing holding him back more than anything is his publisher.
Fans everywhere love Spider-Man, but one thing fans haven’t loved is seeing Peter lack meaningful progress in his life in the main Marvel Universe. Ever since the infamous “One More Day” storyline disrupted hisiconic romance with Mary Jane, it seems like Marvel has done everything to keep the hero stagnant. According Donny Cates (Venom, Hulk), that’s no accident. Per an interview withPopverse, Cates discussed how Marvel Comics fears Spider-Man having a family and being aged or suffering some other kind of dramatic twist or turn that will ultimately ‘taint’ the Spider-Man property.
Marvel Comics Fears Spider-Man Changing Too Much
Donny Cates Confirms Marvel Wants to Stay the Course with Spider-Man
While Spider-Man struggles to find any sense of progress in his life on Earth-616, things have arguably worked out for him in the brand-new Ultimate Universe. This alternate world presents an older Peter Parker who was never bitten by the spider that granted him powers, but grew up to marry the love of his life. Not only are Peter and MJ married, but they have two kids as well. Butwhy is it that Spider-Man was able to get everything he wanted on this world and not the traditional Marvel Universe?
Follow Ultimate Peter Parker and his family’s adventures inUltimate Spider-Man!
Writer Donny Cates, the writer originally tapped to writeUltimate Spider-Manbefore his car accident in 2022, spoke with Popverse to discuss his original vision for the series. Cates confirmed thatthe book was originally pitched as a book starring Spider-Man and MJ, who are married with children, claiming that older fans were ready and willing to accept a version of Spider-Manwho had more adult issues and responsibilities. Cates also noted that he wanted to do something completely different from the MCU and mainline Spider-Men, referring to them as ‘kids’.
Cates also noted that he wanted to do something completely different from the MCU and mainline Spider-Men, referring to them as ‘kids’.
The writer acknowledged that there was a bit of meta commentary withUltimate Spider-Mangiven how reluctant Marvel Comics has been about aging Peter. Cates even reflected on his previous discussions with Marvel insiders about why the publisher doesn’t want Spider-Man having a wife or kids. According to Cates, Marvel believes that if Peter has kids, “eventually what’s gonna happen is either he’s gonna have adult kids and you have a grandfather as Spider-Man, or he’s gonna lose a child, or he’s gonna get a divorce.”.Cates even goes so far as to say Marvel fears ‘tainting’ Spider-Man over time.
Marvel Comics Can Make Spider-Man Progress Without Tainting Him
Other Characters Have Proved Development is Possible
It’s honestly wild that Marvel Comics has stuck to its guns for so long given “One More Day” is nearly two decades old at this point. But what’s even more impressive is that fans are still clamoring for Peter and MJ to get together.It’s understandable that Marvel has a vision in mind for Spider-Man, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have any meaningful change. Hell, Superman has gotten married and had kids (several, in fact), and few fans, if any, would say the hero is tainted.
It doesn’t do Spider-Man any favors to keep him down for the sake of consistency…
Fans clearly like seeing Spider-Man with MJ and in a different phase of his life. The sales even prove it, withUltimate Spider-Manoutselling the mainSpider-Mantitle for the last several months. As much as Marvel wants to stay committed to its particular vision for Peter, the publisher should consider making some changes. It doesn’t do Spider-Man any favors to keep him down for the sake of consistency, and it robs the fans of stories they’re clearly eager to read. Hopefully, one day, Marvel will loosen the reins and letSpider-Mangrow up a bit in the main universe.
