For six decades, Mary Jane Watson has been more than just Spider-Man's love interest. From her iconic first words—"Face it, Tiger... you just hit the jackpot!"—to her evolution into a hero in her own right, MJ has carved out a legacy that rivals the Web-Head himself. Now, Marvel is honoring her with a special anthology comic, Mary Jane: Face It, Tiger, which collects three stories spanning her many eras and hints at what's next.
The issue, hitting shelves on August 5, showcases MJ in vastly different lights. The first tale, "Faces in the Crowd," penned by J.M. DeMatteis with art by Andrea Broccardo, finds Peter and MJ enjoying a quiet morning in Forest Hills—until Peter starts acting strangely. It turns out he's been replaced by the Chameleon, one of Spider-Man's oldest foes, putting MJ in immediate peril. It's a tense, action-packed opener that reminds readers why MJ is always a target.
Next, "Vamp #9" by Ann Nocenti and Alina Yerofieieva shifts to a more romantic tone. MJ is dressed for her small role in a vampire movie, and she and Peter share a supportive moment, each commiserating about their jobs. It's a sweet slice of life that highlights their partnership.
The anthology also includes "Soft Words at Sunset" by J. Michael Straczynski and Luigi Zagaria, which jumps to an older MJ reflecting on her life with Peter, visiting his grave and remembering how their bond shaped them. It's a poignant look at love and legacy.
Finally, "Redux" by Ashley Allen and Phil Noto brings things to the present day, showing MJ on a Halloween commercial set. She's a seasoned pro, fixing fog machines and advising a fellow actress on contracts and wardrobe. This story ties into her current run as Venom, so fans of Al Ewing's series will want to check it out.
The anthology also features a cover by Jim Cheung, known for his work on New Avengers. With such a stellar lineup of creators, this is a must-read for any MJ fan.
Mary Jane's journey has been anything but ordinary—she's been a model, an actress, a hero, and even a symbiote host. This anniversary celebration proves she's always been more than just Peter's girlfriend. For more on her latest adventures, check out our coverage of Spider-Man: Brand New Day and every live-action Spider-Man movie ranked.
