J. Jonah Jameson’s hatred of Spider-Man made his election as New York’s mayor unlikely, but the ex-Daily Bugle editor found a second life in politics.
Historically, J. Jonah Jameson has been Spider-Man’s most notorious public opponent. He has crucified the Web-Slinger in the media, while hounding Peter Parker for more pictures of his alter-ego. It’s surprising, then, that the people of New York once elected Jameson as their mayor.
Before this point, Jonah was at a very low period in his life. In Amazing Spider-Man #546, by Dan Slott and Steve McNiven, Jameson suffered a serious heart attack. To alleviate the stress in his life, Jonah’s wife, Marla, sold the Daily Bugle to his rival, Dexter Bennett. Additionally, Marla and Jonah separated, due to his constant rage and childish outbursts.
Jonah was left to pick up the pieces of his old life, going to therapy and taking tai chi classes. After many months, however, Jonah’s life turned around. In Amazing Spider-Man #591, by Slott, Barry Kitson, and Dale Eaglesham, Spider-Man returned to New York after two weeks in the macro-verse with the Fantastic Four. As soon as he got back, the wall-crawler was horrified to witness the election of Jameson as New York’s next mayor. One of Jameson’s first acts of business was to assemble an “Anti-Spider Squad” for the sole purpose of hunting Spider-Man.
In response, Peter began working overtime, practically acting as Spider-Man 24/7. Clearly, the rivalry between the web-head and Jonah didn’t change no matter what career Jameson had. Of course, Jonah did use his time as mayor for some good. For example, in Amazing Spider-Man #600, by Slott and John Romita Jr., Jonah used his power to marry Aunt May to his father, J. Jonah Jameson Sr. Jonah was also quite ethical when he needed to be. In Amazing Spider-Man #624, by Waid, Tom Peyer, Paul Azaceta, and Javier Rodriguez, Peter doctored photos to make Jonah look more heroic against the new Vulture. Furious with his photographer, Jonah fired Peter from his job and exposed him to the public. As mayor, Jonah also had his fair share of enemies. Alistaire Smythe, the Spider-Slayer, continued to pursue his vendetta against Jameson.
Smythe’s schemes took a dark turn in Amazing Spider-Man #654, by Slott and Stefano Caselli, when he murdered Marla. After his wife’s death, Jonah took a much harsher stance on crime, even supporting the death penalty. During the events of “Spider-Island,” Jonah briefly developed spider-powers, along with the rest of Manhattan, before becoming a giant spider. Later, when Doctor Octopus took over Spider-Man’s body, Jameson became a staunch advocate for the Wall-Crawler. Since Octavius killed his enemies and generally delivered a harsher brand of justice, Jameson began to warm up to his old foe. Yet this partnership was not to last. In Superior Spider-Man #13, by Slott and Giuseppe Camuncoli, Octavius blackmailed Jameson into serving him unquestionably, threatening to release a tape of Jameson ordering Spider-Man to kill Smythe. Jameson grew more resentful towards Spider-Man than ever before, developing new spider-slayers. When the Green Goblin invaded New York, he took over these killing machines, calling them “Goblin Slayers.” After his poor response to the Goblin’s attack, Jonah resigned from his office as mayor.
Once more, Jameson was caught in a rut. Jonah tried out several new careers, including TV news and radio broadcasting. Yet his grudge against Spider-Man always stood in the way. Eventually, in Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #6, by Chip Zdarsky and Michael Walsh, Jonah completely broke down during an interview with the Webhead, consumed by his failures.
As a comfort, Peter revealed his secret identity to Jonah. From this point forwards, Jonah has been a close ally to Spider-Man. Their partnership hasn’t been perfect, and Jonah has made some glaring mistakes along the way, yet Jameson finally seems to be on the right path once again.
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