Amazing Mary Jane #6: Another Ruined Date Night

Amazing Mary Jane #6 seems to build off of the energy of the last issue’s confrontation with the Savage Six without losing the more everywoman vibe Leah Williams had established for the series so far. Even more impressive is that this vibe follows through even with the setting of a talk show guest spot. Mary Jane is no more or less than she had been for the past five issues, but with the faster pace of this issue, her strength of character is able to shine brighter. Her selfishness, calm under pressure, and quick thinking are all on display this issue.

Mary Jane seamlessly transitions from coming face to face with the real-life director that Mysterio has been impersonating to witness a murder by a masked assailant. Leah Williams’s use of fakeouts only works to further emphasis Mary Jane. First, with Spider-man not coming to save her. Then later, when Mary Jane makes the choice to not run to her superhero boyfriend, but instead to the cops to report the murder. Throughout it all, Mary Jane bears it all in a way that only someone who has witnessed costumed calamity on the regular could.

The art by Carlos Gómez, Zé Carlos, and Annapaola Martello and colors by Carlos Lopez work well with the narrative. They provide depth to the characters and their reactions, be they major characters like Mary Jane or minor gimmicks like Mike from Jersey. These seemingly small details, like the over-enthusiasm from Jersey Mike, help sell the story being told.