Squandered Potential: Spider-Child

That Tom DeFalco interview got me thinking.

You see, I've always assumed that at some point, Mary Jane and Peter would have a baby. They've been married for as long as I've known them, it only makes sense that at some point, we would hear the pitter-patter of little Parker feet.

But this retcon puts a nail into the coffin of that potential growth. If Marvel's unwilling to allow Peter and Mary Jane to be married, there is no way they would ever even dream of letting them have a baby -- which is a real shame.

If this was a work of literature, the first act would revolve around Spider-Man's tragic origin. We would see the death of Uncle Ben and how that launches Peter down the path of heroism. Act 2 would be about Peter's heroics and the continual regret he has over the death of his uncle -- a death he could have prevented. He would be constantly reminded of Uncle Ben's maxims and creeds and they would define who he was. Act 3 (the act we have been robbed of) would be the Vindication of Peter: Him and MJ would have a child and Peter would be able to pass down everything he was taught. He would become the parent. He would teach his child all things Ben taught him . . . and finally, the ghost of Ben would be able to rest. Peter, in his child, would be able to see the man he has become. And he would know that Ben would be proud.

Since this is a comic, Act 3 wouldn't have to be the end of the story. Spider-Man could still swing through New York, along side his little Spider-Child. Spider-Man could and would become more iconic, his life more legendary, as he passed down his legacy.

But alas. It seems Marvel will forever keep him at that Just Post College Age forever -- which means there is no room for growth.