Some critics argue that Amazing Spider-Man #1000 gives Mary Jane Watson insufficient space and impact, leaving this commemorative special issue focused on Peter Parker's journey missing a key character. This issue brings together multiple artists to pay tribute to Spider-Man through stories from different eras; while Mary Jane is not absent, the reviewer believes she was not given adequate attention.
The review examines her placement in several stories one by one: "Still Standing" depicts Peter and Mary Jane married with children, but focuses primarily on Peter's feelings for Gwen Stacy; in "Requiem for a Goblin," Mary Jane has only a few lines of dialogue; and "Of Webs and Six-Guns" features her at the beginning and end without involving her in the core of the story.
The author therefore argues that the special issue uses Mary Jane's image without adequately telling her own story or exploring her relationship with Peter. The review also notes that Marvel has repeatedly brought her back into Spider-Man stories over the years, yet has struggled to define her role. Mary Jane's personal miniseries is upcoming; as for whether she will return to the main Spider-Man storyline afterward, there are currently no confirmed publishing plans.