WARNING: This article contains spoilers for The Amazing Mary Jane #1 by Leah Williams, Carlos Gomez, Carlos Lopez and VC's Joe Caramagna, on sale now.
Marvel has launched a new ongoing series starring the solo adventures of longtime Spider-Man paramour Mary Jane Watson, written by Leah Williams and illustrated by Carlos Gomez. Following the character as she makes her way back to the West Coast for another shot at hitting the big time in Hollywood, MJ quickly discovers she still can't quite escape Peter Parker's shadow as the finds herself face-to-face with several of Spider-Man's enemies. In doing so, a classic Marvel villain is seen at his lowest point, and only MJ to help him out.
As Mary Jane begins shooting what she hopes will be her breakout film, it's revealed to be a cinematic adaptation of Spider-Man. Interestingly, in this feature, the wall-crawler is more of a supporting character, while the true protagonist is iconic villain Mysterio, who's depicted in a more sympathetic light. That's likely a sly nod to his recent live-action debut in Spider-Man: Far From Home. And, in a surprise twist, the screenwriter and director is a disguised Quentin Beck, as part of his never-ending drive for public adoration.
Beck certainly had his own, dubious history in Hollywood before embracing a career in outright villainy. Before creating his Mysterio identity, was a special-effects expert and stuntman unable to make the transition as a full-time actor. Frustrated, Beck turned to crime by framing Spider-Man for a museum heist, aided by his extensive background in special effects and other gimmicks. Exposed and arrested, Mysterio harbored resentment for Spider-Man, and became a founding member of the Sinister Six.
Beck's poor acting abilities and even worse screenwriting tip off Mary Jane to the filmmaker's true identity. That leads him to reveal he has hit rock bottom, which is particularly impressive, considering the villain once apparently blew off his own head off after believing himself to have terminal cancer, and failed to take down Daredevil with him. The earlier storyline is subtly referenced in this issue, with an actor dressed as Daredevil seen studying a script.
Surprisingly, Mary Jane takes pity on Beck, and agrees to help him produce the film, on the condition that she contributes to the shaky script, especially in regard to making her own character more than just the token damsel in distress. However, before receiving Mary Jane's help, an overly emotional Beck has an on-set meltdown that's captured on video and shared online, where it goes viral. It's viewed by some of Spider-Man's other foes, who vow to cross the country to crash the production, feeling it portrays them in a negative light, in a reversal of Beck's own intention.
Beck's entire motivation comes from feelings inadequacy and a constant perceived lack of recognition for his work; it's why he put on the fishbowl helmet and ditched Hollywood in the first place all those years ago. His latest passion project isn't a nefarious one at all but rather a desperate attempt to portray himself in a sympathetic light by producing his own heavily biased biopic. With Mary Jane looking to break into the big time, Beck has gained his most unlikely ally but has unwittingly angered his usual partners in literal crime. And in trying to finally get a little respect, Mysterio might have burned the deadliest bridges in his life.