Since his debut in 1962, Spider-Man has been one of Marvel Comics’ most popular characters. To this day, the character has had several live-action films, animated TV shows, and a heavy presence in other media and general pop culture. Spider-Man has always held an “every-man” type lifestyle that has made his character so appealing to so many. Part of this very lifestyle means that Peter Parker is always surrounded by the dramas of daily life, including the many women who have come to be a part of his history.
The most famous of these women are undoubtedly Mary Jane Watson and Gwen Stacy. No two characters have likely ever been closer to Peter or understood his struggles as Spider-Man better than these women. While many people like to debate who the better love for Peter truly is, a fair number of points can be made on either side.
10 10. MJ Marries Peter
No matter how strong the bond between Peter and Gwen was, it is undeniable that Peter and MJ got much farther into their own relationship. After much time had passed since Gwen’s death and a few failed proposals, Peter and MJ finally tied the knot and were married. For years Peter would struggle to find the balance to support his wife while maintaining his responsibilities as Spider-Man.
While the two are no longer married (thanks to the events of Civil War), they continue to have a strong bond and can’t seem to stay out of each other’s lives. Recently, Spider-Man writer Nick Spencer has teased MJ as being a major player in Peter’s life once again. At the moment, it is clear that even though they may not remarry, Peter and MJ will continue to develop their relationship.
9 9. Gwen Was There First
Though Peter and MJ eventually got married, Gwen Stacy still held the web-slinger’s heart before anyone else. This left a major mark in Peter’s life especially as Gwen was there for a lot of his early struggles as Spider-Man. Gwen was present at a time in Peter’s life where he was really coming to grips with the type of person he was destined to become.
Gwen would also continue to hold her role in Peter’s life all the way up to her death. As just about every comic fan knows. Gwen’s death would mark a major shift in tone in Spider-Man as well as the comic industry in general.
8 8. MJ Understands The Superhero Lifestyle
One major thing MJ had to come to terms with before marrying Peter was that his responsibilities as Spider-Man would forever play a factor in his life. With that in mind, MJ still made the courageous decision to stand by him.
Despite no longer being married, Mj’s understanding of the superhero world still holds true. Within the last few years, MJ established herself as CEO of Stark Industries following Tony Stark’s extended absence. Even before ascending to this position, MJ was very involved in the daily affairs of Tony Stark, meaning she got to witness firsthand some of the most intense superhero battles. Regardless of her relationship with Peter, MJ is no stranger to the daily trifles of a superhero making her the perfect person for Peter to share his struggles with.
7 7. Gwen Was Intellectually Equal To Peter
While MJ herself is not at all stupid, Peter and Gwen both outmatch her from an intellectual standpoint. Gwen was always Peter’s lab partner in the same high-level classes he was taking. This is such an important trait of Gwen’s that both live-action interpretations of her character saw her meet, if not ascend, Peter’s own academic level.
Furthermore, in most “what-if” scenarios where Gwen remains alive, she is often portrayed as a scientist herself, sometimes even going on to have a higher scientific standing than Peter. Even though her brains aren’t the only thing that makes her desirable to Peter, the fact that she can keep up with such a brainy personality is further proof that the two belong together.
6 6. Peter & MJ Eventually Have A Child
In several iterations, it is shown that Peter and MJ eventually come to have a daughter. Whether it be Mayday Parker or Annie-May Parker, the two are bound to have a Spiderling of their own at some point. At the moment, the two are still without a daughter, although the Renew Your Vows series does a great job of exploring what a Parker family dynamic would be like.
Seeing Peter as a father/mentor to his daughter is not only very heartwarming but fun. Furthermore, seeing MJ as a mom with all of her “mama-bear” moments add a great sense of humor and personality to the series while also emphasizing the need for Peter and MJ to be together.
5 5. Peter & MJ Couldn’t Work Without Gwen
While everyone knows of the impact that Gwen’s death had on Peter, many don’t realize how much it affected Mary Jane. At the time of her introduction, MJ was a typical party girl who often seemed without a care in the world. Gwen’s death marks the transition of MJ’s personality into a more mature version of her character.
On several occasions, MJ remarks how Gwen’s death acted as a sort of wake up call to her. She herself even agrees that she and Peter would never have worked as a couple until that moment. Gwen Stacy was such an important role in Peter’s life that she continued to impact it well after her death.
4 4. MJ Lightens Up Darker Moments In Peter’s Life
Through it all, MJ was always there to support Peter during some of his darker moments. Whatever the struggle may be, her former party girl lifestyle can make almost any situation seem lighter for Peter. She frequently reminds him of his limits as well of the fact that he is human. Despite Peter’s flaws and failures, MJ has stayed by his side through just about everything.
3 3. Peter & Gwen Have The Same Sense Of Morality
One thing that always united Peter and Gwen was their views on morality. They typically always agreed on what the right thing to do was. While this didn’t stop them from making their fair share of mistakes, it is definitely something for them to value in their relationship. This dynamic is played out especially during the Spider-Man Life Story mini-series.
Even looking at Spider-Gwen, it is evident that Gwen has a similar sense of right and wrong as Peter. While this version is placed in some similar situations as early-days Peter Parker, the fact that she turned out to have the same sense of morality further shows that the mindsets of these two characters is very similar.
2 2. MJ Has Many Day-To-Day Problems Of Her Own
As mentioned previously, part of what makes Peter Parker such an appealing character is watching him struggle with many daily aspects of life. MJ tends to struggle with a lot of the same problems. For example, she is constantly bouncing from one career to another, much like Peter. She has also been shown to run her own business as well as businesses that aren’t hers, also similarly to Peter.
Unfortunately for them, these two can’t seem to lock down any form of steady flow in their lives. However, the fact that they continue to be with each other despite such different lifestyles further proves that they truly belong together.
1 1. Gwen Stacy Is Always The One For Spider-Man
Whether it be Peter Parker or Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy has a knack for falling for Spider-Man and vice versa. In regards to Peter specifically, almost every "what-if" scenario where Gwen lives has him married to her. Be it House of M or Life Story, our favorite web head seems to undoubtedly be drawn towards Gwen.
In regards to Miles, both the comics and the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse movie have alluded to a romantic relationship between him and Gwen. The fact of the matter is, no matter how you spin Gwen Stacy, she will always and forever be number one to Spider-Man.