Most villains have a notable costume, but in J. Jonah Jameson’s case, he has an iconic flat-top haircut, mustache, and hatred for Spider-Man. In Marvel Comics, Jameson’s character is explored past the comedic tones of his anger issues and hatred for Spider-Man seen in the animated shows, Marvel films, and video games.
Marvel Comics fleshes out Jameson’s character a great deal, and there’s a rich history to the character. Many times in the comics, Jameson has moved past his hatred for Spider-Man, and proved that underneath his hard exterior, he’s a compassionate and fair man.
8 Has An Astronaut Son
There is nothing that J. Jonah Jameson loves more than his son. The pride that Jameson feels for his son, John Jonah Jameson the Third, is due to his status as the youngest applicant to be accepted into NASA’s astronaut program. John has gone on many missions for the government into space and has encountered a few issues on his space missions, from a virus that increases strength, to becoming a werewolf.
When embarking on a secret mission to the Moon, John Jameson returned to Earth with a red gem as a pendant, which would turn him into an uncontrollable Man-Wolf when the moon was full.
7 Helped Create Scorpion
Jameson’s hatred for Spider-Man has made him do some regrettable things. It’s one thing to hate a superhero, but it’s another thing entirely to fund their demise. Jameson hates Spider-Man so much that he spent his finances on developing a tech suit that could be used to slay Spider-Man.
The person chosen to test this new suit was a criminal known as Mac Gargan, who soon became Scorpion. Jameson’s finance and overseeing of the project failed, as Gargan ended up being trapped in the suit, thus creating a new villain.
6 Supporter Of Peter Parker
In one of the more popular and wholesome moments of Jameson’s career, he is seen in the Spectacular Spider-Man comic as helping Peter Parker from behind the scenes. When Peter was seeking a job in his teen years, Robbie wanted to reject Peter due to his amateur photos. However, Jameson insisted on Peter’s hiring.
After reminiscing on a Daily Bugle article about the death of Ben Parker, Jameson insists that Peter Parker just needs some help to get moving, and thus, hires him as a photographer for The Daily Bugle. Jameson has also tried to financially support Parker throughout the years.
5 The Mayor Of New York City
When Jameson lost The Daily Bugle, he dedicated his newfound time and resources to his campaign to become the Mayor of New York City. Jameson has always declared his love for New York, and as Mayor, he can express that love in politics.
Sadly, Jameson abused his power as the mayor and drained the city’s budget, all in his desire to destroy Spider-Man. He almost destroyed the city he loved due to focusing on Spider-Man, and had to resign in disgrace.
4 His Father Married Aunt May
Jameson’s family is quite the mystery, but when J. Jonah Jameson’s father showed up in the comics, many, including Peter Parker, were surprised to see the difference between the two men. Jameson’s father liked what Spider-Man did as a hero, and tried to get his mayor son to stop his vendetta.
Eventually, Jay Jameson and May Parker fell in love and married, making J. Jonah Jameson and Peter Parker are relatives by marriage. If Jameson knew by law he was related to Spider-Man, he would probably have a heart attack.
3 Refused To Expose Miles Morales As Spider-Man
In the Ultimates universe, Peter Parker died after fighting a cabal of super-villains, all whilst maintaining a fatal gunshot wound whilst saving Captain America from The Punisher. With his death, Miles Morales knew he had to take the Spider-Man mantle, a new kid to protect New York City.
Betty Brant discovered Miles’ identity through investigative journalism, and Miles’ inexperience when it came to hiding his identity. When Betty came to Jameson with this information, he refused to print it, as he was done with hurting Spider-Man.
2 Blame Himself For His Wife’s Death
Jameson met Marla Madison and the two instantly fell in love. Before long, they were happily married, despite the disapproval, Marla had of Jameson’s cigars. The two truly cared and loved for one another, however, Jameson’s hatred of Spider-Man indirectly got Marla killed, thus leaving him widowed and alone.
Jameson commissioned a Spider-Slayers squad to eradicate Spider-Man, with one member being Alistaire Smythe. Smythe despised Jameson for what he had done and attempted to assassinate him. However, Jameson was pushed out of the way by Marla, who died due to her wounds, but not before telling Jameson that she loves him and that he should not waste his life on hate.
1 Knows Peter Parker’s Identity
There have been many occasions in which Jameson has found out that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. One such event comes from the Civil War storyline, in which Peter unveiled his identity to the world, thrusting Jameson into a difficult position considering he had paid Peter for selfies of himself.
Another more intimate reveal is when Spider-Man saw that Jameson had lost everything he had known and loved, and that to quell his hatred, would be the bigger man. Peter Parker was unmasked as Spider-Man, and thus, changed Jameson’s view of Spidey.
Spider-Man Remastered is available for PC on August 12, 2022.