Spider-Man fans are notoriously hard to please, though the wall-crawler is arguably the world's most popular and iconic superhero. When it comes to Peter Parker's comic book adventures, one creative decision - made way back in 2007 - remains a real sticking point.
We are, of course, referring to the end of his and Mary Jane Watson-Parker's marriage during the controversial Amazing Spider-Man "One More Day" storyline.
To save his Aunt May, Peter was forced to do a deal with Mephisto; in exchange for his and MJ's marriage, she would be saved (and the world would forget his secret identity). MJ agreed and both she and Peter were shown a glimpse of the daughter that might have been had they refused the devil's offer.
While that also upset readers, the idea was to make Spider-Man more relatable by having him be young, free, and single. For the majority of fans, this was a step back which kept the web-slinger swinging in place and simply not growing up.
Marvel Comics executives have said repeatedly that the marriage won't be restored and the recently launched Ultimate Spider-Man series has made a big change to Peter's status quo; gaining his powers in his mid-30s, Spidey is now married to MJ and has two children.
Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto's comic has been relatively slow-paced but, according to Bleeding Cool, it's already outselling Amazing Spider-Man. By a lot.
The data is compiled by over a hundred direct market comic stores from their sales from Tuesday to Friday and reveals that Ultimate Spider-Man #6 outsold Amazing Spider-Man #52 by 50%. The latter recently brought back the Green Goblin (and introduced the Spider-Goblin), leading to an increase in sales which saw the latest issue top Destro #1 and Batman #149.
Zeb Wells, Ed McGuinness, and Todd Nauck served as Amazing Spider-Man #52's creative team, though it was recently confirmed that Wells and John Romita Jr. will be leaving the series later this year.
Here's the full top 10 from last week's comic book sales.
1. Ultimate Spider-Man #6
2. Amazing Spider-Man #52
3. Destro #1
4. Batman #149
5. Uncle Scrooge and the Infinity Dime #1
6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II - Re-Evolution #2
7. Immortal Thor #12
8. Wonder Woman #10
9. Doctor Strange #16
10. Batman Superman Worlds Finest #28
THE SHOCKING CONCLUSION OF THE ULTIMATE OPENING ARC! Spider-Man must finally confront the head honcho himself: Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin! Kingpin, as owner and operator of the Daily Bugle, has been working with the Maker's Council to control the spread of information in their favor… Which means he's the first domino that must be toppled to end their regime! PLUS: Mary Jane holds her own. 'Nuff said!
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #6
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art & Cover by MARCO CHECCHETTO