During the post-Civil War, pre-Secret Invasion era, Spider-Man comics went under the Back in Black banner to capitalize on the hype of Spider-Man 3. As the Peter Parker of the movies donned a black costume for the first time, the Peter Parker of the comics would swing in those fan-favorite dark tights once again. Story-wise, this was brought upon by Peter Parker's elderly Aunt May being shot as fallout from the Civil War event. With such tragedy befalling Spider-Man's world, not to mention the fact that he was on the wrong side of the law and on the run, he would enter a "darker" phase of his life and would reflect that change in his outfit, so that everyone would know that Spidey's had enough and isn't going to take anymore crap.
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Amidst all of this supposed gloom, Marvel published Sensational Spider-Man Annual #1 a one-shot with a story by writer Matt Fraction and artist Salvador Larocca called To Have and To Hold which focused on the relationship between the then-married* Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson. As mentioned earlier, because of Peter's actions in the Civil War event, he must go to ground and stay one step ahead of the law even as his elderly aunt clings to her life. This is compounded by the fact that the whole world now knows that Peter Parker and Spider-Man are one and the same.** It is a stressful period in the Parker family's life and the book catches up with Peter and Mary Jane while they are apart. Each is in a coffee shop talking to a member of the law, with the end of these conversations potentially having drastic implications on the fate of their family. What follows is a sincere examination on what had been a twenty-year marriage (real life years) and an exercise on the meaning of a loving, committed relationship.
I do not intend to spoil the rest of the comic -- you can probably tell that it has a happy ending -- but to let you know that this comic is worth a read -- actually, worth a buy. In terms of story, Mary Jane and Peter both get into conversations with lawmen and are forced to reflect on their relationship, and how it has led them to this particularly point in their lives, seemingly the lowest. This is supported by flashbacks to scenes of their past through the eyes of both characters. Essentially, we get to see them at various points in their relationship: before they were a couple, the early stages of that relationship, their first kiss and where they are now. And the story shows us how much the characters mean to each other, and how special they find their love to be. It shows the loyalty and devotion of one woman to a man who feels like the world has conspired to get him (and in this case, is) and the responsibility one man feels to the woman he loves, empowering him to do right by her.
It's a love story. Some might say it's a really sappy,
overly-sentimental love story, and they'd be right, but it's also an
amazing comic with both stellar writing and art. And I love it. By the book's end, you'll be swept off your feet and suddenly realize you've got a goofy smile on your face. Though there isn't much in the way of fisticuffs, the tale will keep you on the edge of your seat as each page fills in the blanks until you finally reach the last page and discover that like all good love stories, it really isn't the end.***
The book itself has got great art by Salvador Larocca and the rest of the art team. They manage to render near-perfect interpretations of the silver age giving the story a timeless feel, all the while portraying a story focusing on two lovers first before the superheroics are mixed in. The dialogue and characterizations are spot-on, and is the main reason why fans of Spider-Man and Matt Fraction point to this story when the possibility of the writer penning a run on the main book is brought up. And these two forces sync up beautifully, as they combine to tell a very powerful and engaging love story. The last scene of course being the climax of the Spider-marriage is not actually the issue's best moment. For me, that comes earlier, when Peter and MJ finally meet up in the book in a very dramatic way.
I realize that extolling the virtues of this particular book, this back issue is not the best way to get you to stand up and seek a copy of the story, but it's the least I can do for a story so perfectly made for fans of Spider-Man and romance. The cop out would be to tell you to get it just because, but like all great love, it is better to experience it than to be lectured on it. It is clear that a lot of love was poured into this by all involved, and you will not be disappointed if you happen to find a copy.
*Really long story really short, Watson and Parker are no longer married in the comics because of magic. To get into THAT is another thing entirely. Just Google it.
**Again, this too was wiped from continuity. (Now only half the world knows.)
***The fact that a little while later came the One More Day story which nullified the marriage doesn't take a way from this comic.
P.S.
The single issue itself is hard to find, but it's included in the Peter Parker Spider-Man: Back In Black collections.
P.P.S.
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