How Stan Lee Rewrote Spider-Man’s Most Hated Storyline of All Time

 

On Dec. 28, 2007, Amazing Spider-Man #545 (by J. Michael Straczynski and Joe Quesada) was released to the horror of fans everywhere. The issue culminated an otherwise acclaimed run that included some of the most memorable and infamous moments in Spider-Man history. Of course, that was part of the great tragedy of Amazing Spider-Man #545.

It wasn't just that the issue brought the hotly-debated "One More Day" storyline to a close, nor that it irrevocably altered Peter Parker's life in the future. Instead, the most egregious sin the issue committed was rewriting entire decades' worth of history with one single, arguably selfish decision. And, while the impact of "One More Day" continues to be felt in the primary Marvel Universe to this very day, the legendary Stan Lee took it upon himself to ensure that at least one Spider-Man comic never had to deal with that same fallout.

 

The Road to Spider-Man's Most Infamous Storyline - Explained

Spider-Man's "One More Day" Was Everything Fans Never Wanted

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The chain of events that led to Marvel Comics' "Brand New Day" began nearly two years prior in the pages of 2006's Amazing Spider-Man #529 (by J. Michael Straczynski and Rob Garney). This issue saw Peter Parker officially side with Tony Stark in the then-budding Superhuman Civil War. Before long, the two were headed to Washington, D.C. to spread their message and attempt to take control of the chaos brewing around them.

In one of the most unexpected developments of all time, Peter openly unmasked himself for the entire world to see, all to prove that moves such as the Superhuman Registration Act could be for the better rather than standing as a testament to the power of a surveillance state. Unsurprisingly, it was only a matter of time before Spider-Man's enemies lashed out at him, nor until one of the most beloved people in Peter's life paid the price for his optimism.

 

2007's Amazing Spider-Man #538 (by J. Michael Straczynski and Ron Garney) marked the turning point in Peter's life that would ultimately change the course of the entire Marvel Universe. In a brazen attempt to assassinate Spider-Man, Wilson Fisk sent a sniper to attack Peter in his own home. Instead, the bullet hit Aunt May, who was left on the verge of death for months afterward.

Peter went on a rampage unlike any fans had ever seen, even going so far as to break into prison just for the chance to very nearly beat the Kingpin to death in front of his fellow inmates. After a long and storied search for any possible way of saving Aunt May, Peter and Mary Jane were approached by the last person they could have expected in the form of the Devil himself - Mephisto.

 

The Fallout of Marvel's "One More Day" Was Bigger Than Anyone Expected

How a Single Storyline Rewrote Decades of Marvel Comics History With a Single "Brand New Day"

 

In a last-ditch effort to save Aunt May, Mary Jane and Peter decided to take Mephisto up on his offer to turn back the clock on her injuries in exchange for the couple's marriage. This strange request seemed like it would be simple enough to the couple in question, yet erasing Peter and Mary Jane's marriage meant more than just rewriting their lives specifically. Instead, undoing their marriage involved altering the course of history as it should have played out.

For Mephisto, the most important part of this exchange was ensuring there would never be another May Parker, the daughter of Peter and Mary Jane, who would go on to dethrone him from his place on Earth and in Hell for the very last time. This revelation was more heartbreaking for Peter and Mary Jane than any other aspect of their deal with Mephisto. Yet, it was far from the most immediate consequences that the entire world would face because of their decision.

 

Just as the future as it would have otherwise been was altered in demonstrable ways by this shift in historical events, so too were other moments in the past. Not only did Peter and Mary Jane's relationship dissolve early on, but their deal with Mephisto brought Harry Osborn back into their lives when he should have been absent entirely. This shift in history also altered the aftermath of the Superhero Civil War, albeit in less overtly noticeable ways.

2021's Amazing Spider-Man #74 brought the controversial Kindred Saga storyline to a close, and the events of "One More Day" and "Brand New Day" were finally dealt with meaningfully. Mephisto outright stated his concerns over May Parker's eventual rise as Spider-Woman and Doctor Strange stepping in to help undo the damage that had been done a decade before. After everything, even this was a less-than-satisfactory conclusion to the most contested Spider-Man story ever. Yet, it wasn't one that fans of newspaper comic strips ever had to wait for.

How Stan Lee Fixed Spider-Man's Worst Storyline Outside of Comic Books

Comic Strip Readers Got to See Peter Parker Live a Better Life Without a "Brand New Day"

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Barely a decade after Peter Parker first graced the pages of Marvel Comics, he took to the center stage of his ongoing syndicated newspaper comic strip - The Amazing Spider-Man. This series, which was written by Stan Lee for nearly its entire run, featured the same iconic cast of characters as the Marvel Comics series.

Where the two differed was in their overall content, with the comic strip taking a more episodic, soap opera-style approach to its storytelling as a whole and, more importantly, in the kind of stories it told. While the main comics came to be defined by grim and gritty action over the years, the comic strip maintained a far more lighthearted, if melodramatic, tone. And, when it came time for the comic strip to adapt "One More Day," it didn't shy away from warning readers that things were about to change seriously.

Thankfully, The Amazing Spider-Man was saved from the same fate as his primary counterpart by none other than Stan Lee, who sided with fans in regards to "One More Day" and its follow-up. Rather than having Peter and Mary Jane make the same deal with Mephisto all over again and damn themselves and the rest of their fellow comic strip stars to years of angry fan letters, Lee employed the most tried-and-true soap opera tactic of all time - The dream sequence.

With a single edition and the revelation that Peter had simply been slumbering away the past few weeks' worth of comics, Lee allowed Peter and Mary Jane to avoid their "Brand New Day" altogether. Instead of having their lives and histories irrevocably altered, the cast of The Amazing Spider-Man could get back to business as usual, with none of them ever having any clue how bad things almost were.

 

Spider-Man

 

Since his first appearance in 1962, Spider-Man has almost always been Marvel Comics' most popular character. Known for his sense of humor and bad luck as well as his selflessness and super-strength, Spider-Man has helmed countless titles over the years, Spider-Man's most prominent comics include The Amazing Spider-Man, Web of Spider-Man, and Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man.

Peter Parker was the original Spider-Man but the Spider-Verse has become an important part of the character's lore in recent years. Multiversal and future Spider-Men include Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, Miguel O'Hara and Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider-Ham. This provided the premise for the popular Spider-Verse film trilogy, which makes Miles its primary hero.

Spider-Man is also the basis of several live-action film franchises and numerous animated television series. He is one of the most recognizable characters in the world. While he's changed a lot over the decades, Steve Ditko and Stan Lee gave the world an unforgettable hero when they created Spider-Man.

 

Marvel

 

Marvel is a multimedia powerhouse encompassing comic books, movies, TV shows, and more, captivating audiences with its iconic characters, thrilling narratives, and diverse worlds. From the legendary Avengers to the street-level heroes like Daredevil, Marvel's universe is vast and ever-expanding.