Sometimes you get an e-mail that begins with hyperbole, but I'm going to give Marvel this one. We have been waiting years to see just what the heck is going to go on with Peter and Mary Jane Parker.

Their initial breakup seemed more like editorial fiat and a John Byrne fiasco than a natural progression in the storyline, but J. Michael Straczynski has done a good job of making it believable. And now, maybe, just maybe, he'll bring them back together.

As an added bonus, Marvel sent along an image from issue #51 -- is it a clue?

From the desk of Michael Doran:

For years faithful Spider-Man fans have been waiting for the reconciliation of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson Parker ... or if not reconciliation, at least a sense of closure to the estranged relationship.

The time has come for one of those paths to be chosen. February's AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #50, by the fan-favorite and award-winning creative team of J. Michael Straczynski and John Romita Jr., promises to finally reveal the eagerly-anticipated turning point in the lives of Marvel's first couple.

"Does absence really make the heart grow fonder?" asks editor Axel Alonso. "It's been two years since MJ walked out of Peter's life. Can she fit Peter back into her life? Can he do the same? Find out it one of the most anticipated stories of the year."

Not only do Peter and Mary Jane finally say all the relationship things they've been waiting years to say, they'll do it with the help of a very famous doctor ...

No, not Dr. Phil ... Doctor Doom makes a special guest appearance along with Captain America in a 22-page wall-to-wall action/adventure.

"Peter and MJ's relationship has always had its periodic ... distractions," added Alonso. "Why should this story be any different?"

Although readers will have to wait for AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #50 for the answers, the following one-page preview excerpt from Straczynski's script gives readers a sense of the pivotal questions being asked.

PAGE ELEVEN

PANEL ONE
Closer on the two of them.

MJ

No, seriously. Over the years, there are times I've felt more like your mistress than your wife because when you're...on the job...you have to deny knowing me. You'll walk right past me. You won't even meet my eyes.

SPIDER-MAN
Look at my mask, MJ, I don't HAVE any eyes--

MJ
Don't quibble. You know what I'm talking about.

PANEL TWO
Another angle on the conversation.

MJ
I know you do it to protect me. I know it's necessary.
But there's what the mind knows and what the heart feels.

PANEL THREE
Close on MJ in some distress.

MJ
I've never wanted or expected you to set me above what you do.
I know why you do it, and I'd never try to interfere with that.

(second balloon)

What I haven't been able to work out is where I fit in with it all.
I want to work it out, Peter, I really do. I just...don't know how.

PANEL FOUR
Now favoring Spidey.

SPIDER-MAN
You fit in because I love you. Isn't that enough?

PANEL FIVE
On MJ considering this, then --

PANEL SIX
She looks away.

MJ
No. No, it's not.
Too often, "I love you" is something people say when they want
to get something out of you, orcontrol you.
It doesn't HAVE to mean that, but --

SPIDER-MAN
But MJ, what's left?

MJ
That's what I'm --

And that's where Michael Doran's e-mail ends...argh...

Amazing Spider-Man #50 will go on sale February 19th (hey, just five days after Daredevil opens!). So as always, save your shekels now.

Derek McCaw