Next month's Amazing Spider-Man #31 is described as an "over-sized spectacular" that sets up the next year of Zeb Wells and John Ronita Jr.'s current run.
In the issue, we can look forward to a dramatic wedding that could spell the end of Tombstone, Peter Parker and Kamala Khan's reunion after her resurrection, and a special tale by writer Celeste Bronfman and artist Alba Glez that launches Mary Jane Watson's exciting new era as Jackpot!
A superhero with that moniker - and MJ's striking red hair - debuted during Amazing Spider-Man's "Brand New Day" era but was later revealed to be someone else entirely. Now, Mary Jane is finally going to suit up.
Her new "jackpot" powers were recently explored in the pages of Jed MacKay and Vincenzo Carratu's Mary Jane & Black Cat limited series and now, she’s ready to show off her exciting abilities to the Marvel Universe at large as a bona fide superhero.
Bronfman and Glez's touching story will see MJ come to terms with the heartbreaking tragedy that occurred to her family in recent issues before taking to the streets to help others in need. Mary Jane’s journey as Jackpot will continue in upcoming issues of Amazing Spider-Man as well as a yet-to-be-announced new limited series.
Apparently, demand for the issue is already so high, we're getting a second printing on September 6 that puts MJ's new persona front and centre.
One will be a magazine-style pinup that pays tribute to MJ's fashion model days by superstar Spidey artist Humberto Ramos, the designer behind the new look. The other will be a homage to Todd McFarlane's iconic Amazing Spider-Man #300 cover by popular cover artist Skan.
This is definitely an interesting direction to take the character in, even if it isn't the reunion with Peter Parker we know many of you have been hoping for. Needless to say, we can't help but wonder whether Zendaya's MJ might one day also suit up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though we have previously heard Sony Pictures may have its own plans for Jackpot on screen.
Check out those Amazing Spider-Man #31 variant covers below.