Marvel Is Reversing A 19-Year-Old Spider-Man Mistake, But There's A Dark Catch
The bargain that reset Peter’s life
In One More Day, a bullet aimed at Peter Parker after his public unmasking during Civil War hit Aunt May instead. She was critically injured, and Mephisto offered to save her in exchange for erasing Peter and Mary Jane Watson’s marriage, their shared memories and the child they were expected to have.
Peter and Mary Jane accepted. Peter’s secret identity returned, and his life in the comics shifted back toward a less settled status quo. The bargain also carried a lasting effect: Peter would sense what he had surrendered, despite losing his memories of it.
Mephisto’s contracts come undone
In tie-in issues to Avengers: Armageddon, Doctor Doom overthrew Mephisto’s rule in the underworld with help from Steve Rogers. Doom then declared the demon lord’s contracts null and void, raising questions about the people whose lives had been changed by those deals.
In Avengers: Armageddon #5, Tony Stark used a device once owned by Doom to view a likely future. He saw Mephisto apparently killing Spider-Man, hinting at a connection to the old bargain.
Peter faces a dangerous reversal
Avengers #1, by Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto, shows Mephisto’s agreements being undone around the world. Among those affected is Paige Howley, whose parents made an unknown deal on her behalf. Angel-like beings give her a sentient book, which leads her to Spider-Man.
Peter is confused at first, but feels that he once made a deal with the devil. The issue ends with angelic warriors circling above Aunt May. The reversal could restore what Peter lost, but the story leaves open whether May’s life will be the price.
Key points
- Mephisto’s bargain erased Peter and Mary Jane’s marriage, memories and expected child.
- Doctor Doom declared Mephisto’s contracts null and void after taking control of the underworld.
- Avengers #1 confirms Peter’s deal is among those being reversed.
- The issue ends with angelic warriors circling above Aunt May.