Writers: Celeste Bronfman
Artist: Joey Vazquez with Eric Gapstur
Colors: Edgar Delgado with Erick Arciniega
Letters: VC’s Ariana Maher
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date: January 17th, 2024
Mary Jane Watson returns as Jackpot just in time for the Gang War! In the one-shot Jackpot #1, Jackpot has a fierce battle with Electro (the Francine Frye version). Can Jackpot, whose power-generating device has been dampened, be able to take down Electro when she’s at full power? Also, Spider-Man and She-Hulk make an appearance in a battle against the Armadillo and Madame Masque’s AIM battalion rages in the streets!
If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Jackpot #1 Review.
The Story
Jackpot #1 is a blast! Despite the fact it’s one part of another monstrous Marvel crossover story (in this case, “Gang War”), it’s a fun romp full of action and great character interplay that felt like reading a comic from that magical era of the 1970’s and 80’s. I always felt it was inevitable that Mary Jane Watson, one of the greatest supporting characters in comics history, would eventually become a superhero herself. She’s dynamic, beautiful and tough enough to endure Peter Parker’s most sad sack days, always staying positive and high while pouty Peter opined about his tragic life being your friendly neighborhood Spider-Guy.
I’m not a huge fan of MJ’s powers, which are basically a twist on DC’s “Dial H for Hero” concept, with MJ wearing a gauntlet that, when activated, gives her random powers based on the three symbols that appear on it (similar to a slot machine). It’s an interesting idea but I feel it would have been better to give her a unique dependable power set she can learn and grow with. Still, the book’s incredibly fun, kicking off in the middle of the action as MJ battles Electro. I’m not too familiar with the Francine Frye version of Electro, but she seems even more savage and ruthless than Max Dillon, making their battle explode off the pages.
Spider-Man and She-Hulk simultaneously battle the Armadillo. It’s one of those great cameos that make the book feel like part of the bigger Marvel Universe. It’s reminiscent of the old Marvel Comics where Daredevil would pop into an issue of Power Man & Iron Fist to help them fight Stilt-Man or some other overpowered goon. We also get to see MJ and her husband Paul together doing something even more terrifying than Electro: couples therapy. Oh the horror! It’s a shame this is just a one-shot, because I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thankfully, a new miniseries will be coming out in the Spring with Jackpot and Black Cat. Hopefully, the miniseries will be as entertaining as this book.
The Art
Joey Vasquez and Eric Gapstur’s art on Jackpot #1 makes Mary Jane look fantastic, both in civilian garb and her Jackpot outfit. You never get lost in the chaos going on in the issue, as AIM and another gang fight in the streets as the heroes battle around them, trying to protect civilians while taking out the villains. MJ’s happy-go-lucky nature comes out in her scenes and the New York scenery serves always looks beautiful in the background.
Final Thoughts
Jackpot #1 is all-out action from beginning to end and feels like a classic Marvel comic, giving us a crossover with Spider-Man and She-Hulk (along with some great interaction between them), an explosive battle with a powerful villain and some quality downtime with MJ and Paul. What could have been just another book mired in the seemingly endless Gang War storyline turned out to be my favorite book of the week. Highly recommended.
10/10? Is this a joke? Perfect scores should be left for perfect books and this was objectively not, I’ve read hundreds of books that are better than this.
If this is the best thing you read this week I’d recommend expanding your read list.
It was horrible. 1 of of 10
This book was awful and a horrible debut with some of most stupid dad dad jokes it’s been my misfortune to read. The art was also choppy, pointing to Nick Lowe’s office being yet again highly unorganized with a second artist needing to finish the issue. Mary Jane’s powers were nonsensical and were just whatever writer Celeste Bronfman needed them to be, and Bronfman apparently can’t do even the most basic research because she turned MJ into a bad actress who couldn’t fool Francine even though MJ easily took down Francine during the Nick Spencer run with only her acting skills. Your reviewer also needs to brush up on their comic books: MJ and Paul aren’t married, and in this issue acted more like a woman and her gay bestie.
Jackpot? More like Hackpot.