J. Jonah Jameson is one character who has evolved and changed over the years. Perhaps the most significant event is when he learned Peter was Spider-Man, as revealed in Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #6 from 2017. During an emotional interview, Peter chose to reveal himself to Jameson, therebyfundamentally transforming their relationship. With Spider-Man’s true identity revealed, Jameson began viewing the web-slinger through a different lens, adding depth and intimacy to their exchanges. While Jameson has since made efforts to back Spider-Man when possible, his abrasive personality continues to create friction between them.
However, at one time, things were quite different, and he was responsible for creating the Spidey Slayer. Well, Slayers, since they kept popping up over the years. The initial lineup of robots was conceived and constructed by Professor Spencer Smythe, funded by J. Jonah Jameson, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #25, published in June 1965.
In The Amazing Spider-Man #192, Spencer Smythe, nearing death due to radiation poisoning, was determined to exact revenge on J. Jonah Jameson. He abducted Jameson’s son, John, and controlled him to attack his father. When this attempt failed,and John disappeared, Smythe escalated his plans—he shackled Jameson and Spider-Man together, rigging them to a bomb set to explode in twenty-four hours. It’s intriguing to consider how Jameson’s attitude toward Spider-Man has evolved since then.He died and stayed head at the end of the issue! Yes, sometimes the dead do say dead in Marvel!
Over the years, more than 20 different versions have emerged. Initially engineered by Spencer Smythe and later refined by his son, Alistair Smythe, these robotic predators were specifically designed to hunt down and eliminate Spider-Man. Over the decades, the Spider-Slayer concept has evolved beyond the Smythe family. Other characters, such as Dr. Marla Madison and even Jameson himself, have contributed to new iterations. The robots have been reimagined as “Cyber-Slayers,” “Goblin-Slayers,” and even as wearable suits for anti-Spider squads. The Spider-Slayers have also appeared in alternate realities, such as the House of M storyline and various “What If” scenarios, further cementing their place in Spider-Man lore.
I think (but don’t quote me!) the last time Peter battled a Spidey Slayer was the Mark XIX version, back in Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 2, No. 20, from 2000. Other less-canon Slayers have appeared a few times—even Doc Ock fought one as Superior Spider-Man. The Spider-Slayers have expanded beyond the comic book pages, making appearances in animated series, video games, and various other media adaptations.
It would be interesting to see a Spidey Slayer return, especially in light of how J.J. and Peter’s relationship has evolved over the years since J.J. was always out to get Spider-Man. As for those many appearances of the Spidey Slayer—you should check some of them out and rediscover some fantastic reads and see how not only they changed over the years but also J.J. himself.While I don’t have too many quibbles with J.J. these days, I do miss some of the fun of the original Jameson.
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