Mary Jane - The first post

I say first cause I'm sure there will be more! :-D

While sitting around, I was reading my trade paperback "Son of the Green Goblin" and came across a few pages that I just have to share.

At the end of the day, I love Mary Jane Watson-Parker. Not because she is an attractive woman, not because she is sassy although it doesn't hurt, not because she is a model or an actress or any of that.

I love her because she is rarely paralyzed with fear. I love her because she is a fighter. I love her because, with no powers to her name except sheer determination, she has walked into the fray multiple times and managed to turn the tide, save herself and others and even her husband on occasion. I love her because she is a fast thinker, I love her because she is loyal and I love her because she fights with herself. Because she'll do what it takes to protect the people she loves, be it putting herself in physical danger or simply coming up with a fast story.

I love her because she isn't a crying, begging, damsel in distress...

And I love her because she is willing to walk into the demon's lair to try make things right.

There is no argument that the character is troubled - Mary Jane has a fear of commitment that could rival Superman's decades long 'will I, won't I' with Lois. She spent years hiding all of her feelings and worries deep within herself. She spent years running from caring and being cared about. She has hurts that she will never be able to let go of completely. Maybe that is why she understands the burden Peter carries when it comes to Gwyn - there are some things that even time and distance can't undo completely.

Despite all her flaws, this image, for me is Mary Jane. While everyone else around her is flipping out and in a state of panic, Mary Jane is busy getting the situation under control. Making a crack or two much like her webhead lover, she is taking care of business. Without super powers, without SHEILD training - just a redhead and a fire ax. It is a glorious thing.

I love the 'little guy'. The average Joe or Josephine who saves the day through sheer will, determination, and smarts. I'm not talking about the Bat family - sure I adore them but they all, including Bruce before he got started, had years of intensive training. I'm talking about someone with no prior interest, training, or preparation carrying the day because they have to. Because, to paraphrase the words of John McClain, they are that guy.

I find that fascinating and utterly irresistible. I think, if we were confronted with such an impossible situation, that we would all like to think that we would take action and not give in to a fear response. That we would all be brave for ourselves, for those around us, and for our loved ones. It's not easy to do though, not easy at all. This is one of the reasons why I have a lot of love for Mary Jane.