Devotees of the “Spider-Man” films know Peter Parker’s iconic romances with Gwen Stacy and Mary Jane (MJ) Watson, but his comic book romantic escapades extend beyond these well-known names. Some of these relationships make perfect sense, while others veer into the unusual—thanks in part to the use of spider pheromones. One relationship, however, remains particularly contentious among fans: Carlie Cooper. She emerges as a forensic scientist for the New York City Police Department during the “Brand New Day” storyline, where she meets Peter through work and the two embark on a brief romance.
The introduction of Carlie Cooper was seen by some as an attempt to replace MJ, driven by an editorial decision to keep Peter and MJ unmarried. According to Reddit user Key-Strain-1394, “Carlie Cooper was primarily meant to be MJ’s replacement due to the editorial staff’s idiotic grudge against Peter and MJ being married.” The “One More Day” arc had previously established a timeline where Peter and MJ were never wed, allowing them to remain friends and paving the way for a new love interest. Carlie’s relationship with Peter ultimately ends when she discovers his secret identity as Spider-Man.
Despite the backlash, some fans believe Carlie was a suitable alternative to MJ. Reddit user duldi commented, “Carlie Cooper for me, was the girlfriend that still had great chemistry with Peter. If it wasn’t gonna be MJ, it had to be Carlie for me.”
Frustration among fans extends beyond Carlie’s role as MJ’s stand-in. Many were disappointed that her character seemed poised for greater development, only for her storyline to conclude abruptly after her break-up with Peter. As noted by Reddit user Key-Strain-1394, “She could have been a bigger and better character if she wasn’t just meant to be MJ’s fill in.”
Carlie’s narrative takes a darker turn when the Green Goblin tortures her, seeking Spider-Man’s true identity. Refusing to betray Peter, she is transformed into a creature called Monster after exposure to the Goblin formula, forcing her into the Goblin Army. Although she is eventually rescued, the ordeal prompts her to cut ties with Spider-Man, though she does find solace in a support group for those close to superheroes.
Carlie Cooper divides the fans in many ways
Marvel Comics/Michele Bandini
While opinions on Carlie Cooper vary, she’s remembered as one of the more notable characters from the “Brand New Day” era, despite not reaching her full potential. Reddit user MJM_Stillanerd remarked, “As bland as she was, she was actually way more memorable and less of a footnote compared to some of the other Brand New Day characters.” Regardless of personal opinions on the character, Carlie’s relationship with Peter remains a controversial topic among Spider-Man enthusiasts.
Cooper is tortured by Green Goblin, who wants to know Spider-Man’s identity, but when she doesn’t give that information up, she becomes a creature known as Monster, with her true personality subsumed. Specifically, in an effort to get her to share what she knows, Goblin sprays the Goblin formula on her, which results her in becoming a member of the Goblin Army. While she is eventually saved, it also causes her to remove Spider-Man from her life, though she does join a support group for superhero loved ones and friends.
Some argue that she is one of the new characters they do remember, even if she wasn’t used to her full potential, with Reddit user MJM_Stillanerd writing that “as bland as she was, was actually way more memorable and less of a footnote compared to some of the other Brand New Day characters.” That said, no matter how you feel about the character, Carlie’s romance with Parker still causes controversy among fans today.
