Peter Parker knows better than most that being Spider-Man comes with painful sacrifices. The death of Uncle Ben shaped him into the hero he became, while losing Gwen Stacy left a scar that never really faded. So when someone else he loved was on the verge of dying, Peter was desperate to find a way to prevent another heartbreaking loss. That search led him to make a deal with someone he should never have trusted.
That deal became the centre of One More Day, the controversial storyline in which Peter and Mary Jane gave up their marriage to Mephisto in exchange for saving Aunt May. The bargain changed Peter’s life and erased one of Marvel’s most iconic relationships. Now, a new Avengers series is bringing that decision back into the spotlight. In Avengers #1, Peter discovers that he and Aunt May could be facing death after Mephisto’s contracts are nullified. Written by Chip Zdarsky, with art by Marco Checchetto and colours by Matthew Wilson, the issue ends with Peter learning that the universe is coming to collect on those old bargains.
Spider-Man’s Deal With Mephisto Has Become a Threat to Aunt May
The trouble begins when Paige, a young woman carrying a mysterious book, seeks out Spider-Man. Peter saves her, and she explains that her parents made a bargain, but now all such deals have come to an end. Reality is starting to undo what those agreements changed, taking back everything that was promised. Peter initially struggles to understand what she is talking about. He asks who he made a deal with and what he received in return. But the moment Paige mentions Mephisto, the memories come rushing back. Peter knows exactly what she means and quickly realises who he saved through his own bargain.
The final page makes the danger even clearer. Peter names Aunt May as the person he saved, while a group of hunters gathers outside FEAST, where May is volunteering alongside the people who depend on its services. Suddenly, the threat feels very real. The woman Peter once made a deal with the devil to protect is now directly in danger.
The issue’s editorial pages also shed light on the bigger picture. Doctor Doom has taken control of Hell, driven Mephisto out and torn up his contracts. As a result, the new Avengers are dealing with consequences that go far beyond one demonic villain. Following the events of Avengers: Armageddon, Peter now has a personal reason to understand the damage Doom’s actions could cause.
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For now, the fate of Peter and Mary Jane’s erased marriage remains unclear. But one thing is certain: the deal that changed Peter’s life has fallen apart, and both he and Aunt May could pay the price. Peter once sacrificed his future with Mary Jane to save May. Now, he may have to face the consequences of that choice all over again.
