Marvel Comics’ ‘The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21’
Spidey Finally Gets Hitched
Spider-Man’s popularity as a comic-book character endures not just because of his web-slinging heroics, colorful villains, and unforgettable storylines, but because of his immense relatability to readers as well. At the end of the day, despite all of his abilities, Peter Parker really is a normal guy just trying to make it in life.
Though he’s got incredible powers, he faces the same trials and tribulations as the rest of us — work, relationships, etc. His anxieties and doubts are universal; he’s one of us.
That’s why, when Peter was finally set to marry his beloved Mary Jane Watson in 1987 (in both the ongoing comic series and newspaper strip, a huge undertaking to pull off at the same time), it was a big deal. So much so that the moment was given a giant-sized annual issue and a real, live wedding ceremony at Shea Stadium, attended by 55,000 fans and officiated by none other than Stan Lee himself.
The Most Famous Wedding in Marvel Comics History
Ahead of his nuptials in Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 (a story titled “The Wedding!), Spider-Man battles Electro in the streets, then rushes off to sell some Spidey photos to the Daily Bugle, all while in deep, agonized thought about the wedding (overthinking heroes — they’re just like us!). As the day crawls closer, Peter (and MJ too, for that matter) is racked with so much doubt and uncertainty, you’d think he’d rather be out fighting Doc Ock than getting married.
It’s not that Peter doesn’t love Mary Jane, because he does more than anything, but his hesitation is born more out of a fear of being able to keep her safe. Spidey has one of the more tragic backstories in comics, and finding some sort of inner peace has always remained elusive for the wall crawler. If he brings Mary Jane in even closer, would he ever truly be able to protect her?
“I’ve faced costumed maniacs, hostile aliens, inhuman monsters,” Peter thinks to himself as he’s about to call off the wedding. “But nothing I’ve done has been as tough as this.”
In other words, our web-slinging hero is really fighting some inner demons. But just when you think Peter or MJ might not go through with it, there they are at the church at the end of the issue. Swapping out his black symbiote suit for something more wedding-appropriate, Peter Parker finally marries Mary Jane Watson, making even J. Jonah Jameson cry in the process.
Married in Front of the Mets Faithful
“I’m a little nervous, I was up pacing the ceiling last night. But it’s time, I’m in love, and it’s going to end happily ever after, right Stan?”
“I don’t know, I haven’t written that part yet.”
Those aren’t meta lines from the comic or newspaper strip, but a live TV interview Spidey, Mary Jane, and Stan Lee did prior to their real wedding ceremony in front of a sellout crowd at Shea Stadium on June 5, 1987, before the defending champion New York Mets would face the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Fans would come out of the event with a few souvenirs, including a commemorative bag featuring Spidey wearing a top hat and catching a ball, pin badge, and poster of Marvel’s heroes posing with the Mets players.
There were superhero luminaries in attendance, too. Captain America served as best man, with the Incredible Hulk, Iceman, and Firestar there to support their friend. Even the Green Goblin got an invite, putting aside his differences with Spidey for a day to celebrate the union.
“Do you, Spider-Man, being of sound mind and super body, take Mary Jane to be your lawfully wedded bride, forsaking all other superheroines?” Lee said. “Do you promise to never leave footprints on the walls or ceilings, or cobwebs in the corners? And do you agree to pinch-hit for the Mets if they ask you?”
Spider-Man — wearing a black tux (created by famed designer Willi Smith) over his traditional red-and-blue suit — and Mary Jane — wearing a gown also designed by Smith — took the plunge on a pulpit set up right at home plate.
“I thee web” instead of “I do” and it was official.
“Now, by the power invested in me by Marvel Comics,” Lee said. “I now pronounce you Spider-Man and wife!"
As far as publicity stunts go, this one was a huge success, with coverage on Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, and even in The New York Times.
The good times kept rolling that night, too, with an afterparty reception at NYC nightclub Tunnel, attended by all the heroes and, yes, the Green Goblin.
Was It Happily Ever After, Though?
As Spidey rode atop a limo along the warning track of Shea Stadium donning a Mets cap, celebrating his marriage with the fans, it sure felt like he was about to ride off into the sunset as happy as can be.
But that’s always been the million-dollar question when it comes to Spider-Man, isn’t it? When will Peter Parker finally get to experience happiness? Sometimes it seems like he might just be one of those heroes destined to be chasing better days and inner peace.
In the years since their wedding, the marriage was officially retconned through the “One More Day” storyline. However, you can find Peter and MJ still married in certain alternate timelines and adaptations. In some storylines, they’ve even had kids.
But in Spider-Man’s main continuity, he lives the bachelor life and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. So if you’re waiting for Spidey’s next nuptials to take place at Citi Field, you might not want to chill the champagne just yet.
