John "J." Jonah Jameson is a recurring character in the Marvel's Spider-Man series. Infamously known as a newspaper publisher at the Daily Bugle, he hosts the radio show Just the Facts in New York City, in which he reports news and takes calls. Jameson appears to have a genuine love for New York City, but is blinded by irrational hatred for the Spider-Men, whom he notoriously slanders on his show whilst spreading conspiracy theories.
Jameson originally employed a young Peter Parker as a photographer for the Daily Bugle prior to the events of Marvel's Spider-Man series, but later stepped away from it to focus on his podcast. In his podcasts, he airs uncensored, unsubstantiated, personal views on what he feels is wrong with the city. As of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, he had regained ownership of the Daily Bugle, and thus became the boss of Mary Jane Watson and other employees.
Throughout the games, Jameson's Just the Facts podcasts are heard while Spider-Man is swinging through New York, commenting on recently completed missions and side missions. Introduced in Miles Morales is a competing podcast by Danika Hart, who offers the opposite perspective to Jameson.
History[]
Early history[]
Jameson's portrait
Jameson spent much of his career building the Daily Bugle into the premiere New York City newspaper,[1] with his first big bylines covering the Maggia crime families.[2] He was known for publishing hard-hitting news that was more gutsy than competing papers,[1] and his compelling journalism made him a two-time Pullitzer award winner[3] and earned him a prestigious book deal.[1] Over the years, Jameson slandered Spider-Man in the press, turning many New Yorkers against him.[a] Jameson's coverage of Mayor Norman Osborn in the Daily Bugle was described by the mayor as "tough, but fair".[10]
Jameson stepped down after decades of leading the newspaper to turn his attention to podcasts, vowing to "continue delivering his trademarked brand of gutsy news" to the citizens of New York.[1] Jameson's podcast listeners called themselves "brush-heads".[11] He had an assistant named Jared, who he often berated on-air.[7][12] Jameson's podcasts often blamed Spider-Man for the increasing crime in New York City, believing Spider-Man cared only for publicity and not for public safety,[3] and among his conspiracy theories were a suspicion that Spider-Man was in cahoots with the supervillains to this end.[5]
Jameson has a son named John Jameson,[13] who served in the Air Force[14] and found work as an astronaut. Unlike Jameson, John does not find anything wrong with Spider-Man, and is even a bit happy upon discovering his father finally praising Spider-Man, as shown in social media.[13]
Jameson banroklled the experiment that turned Mac Gargan into Scorpion, in order to create an anti-Spider-Man. When Gargan sued Jameson from the Raft, Jameson defended himself by claiming he had no idea Gargan was a "psycho with a poisoning fetish",[15] and later deflected blame onto the "ivory-tower elite scientist" who did not take precautions due to being "hungry for my money" (while simultaneously calling himself the strongest believer in personal responsibility).[16]
Marvel's Spider-Man[]
The logo of Just the Facts with J. Jonah Jameson
Jameson was unimpressed with Spider-Man following Wilson Fisk's arrest. In an episode in which he condescended to a plumber calling in praising Spider-Man's arrest of Fisk due to being able to get copper pipes without kickbacks, Jameson predicted a gang war in the streets and claimed Spider-Man did not care about the ensuing fallout from Fisk's arrest and was only concerned about getting on TV.[3]
Jameson had conflicting thoughts on Mayor Osborn. He approved of many of Osborn's initiatives including reduction of red tape, but believed the police and entrepeneurs deserved the credit for the improved safety and economy that Osborn was claiming credit for.[17] Jameson later interviewed Osborn after the City Hall bombing when Osborn announced the arrival of Sable International.[10] Jameson was initially receptive to them, and told New Yorkers that Sable worked for them and were there to keep the city safe.[18]
After Devil's Breath was released, Jameson soured on Oscorp and Sable. In particular, he uestioned if Osborn had actually stepped back from running Oscorp after electing it, and if Osborn had endangered the city.[19] He similarly soured on Sable when they did not let him investigate the Sable Outposts,[20] describing them as behaving like an "occupying army"[21] and taking calls from those detained by them.[21][20]
After the Devil's Breath incident ended and Doctor Octopus was stopped, Jameson begrudingly praised Spider-Man's actions and believed Spider-Man was listening to the show and had learned from Jameson and improved himself, but refused to apologize to him.[22] After publishing an episode criticizing people for praising Spider-Man (while still claiming credit),[23] he then retracted his words and said Spider-Man stopping the plague was a "stopped clock moment"[24] and demanded that he unmask and join the police academy before Jameson would ever respect him.[25]
The City That Never Sleeps[]
During "The Heist", as well as recalling his own stories covering the Maggia,[2][26] Jameson's coverage focused on harsh and sexist criticism of the Black Cat. He noted that in following her father Walter Hardy's footsteps she was an example of how "like everything else these days, they had to reboot it with a woman",[27] and claimed Spider-Man was inequipped to be objective due to her attractiveness.[28][29][30]
In "Turf Wars", Jameson showed some sympathy to Hammerhead's desire to return New York to earlier times when the Maggia were feared,[31] but strongly disapproved his methods.[32][33] In "Silver Lining", Jameson celebrated Hammerhead's downfall and briefly praised Spider-Man and Silver Sable for defeating him but then blamed them for allowing Hammerhead to get as far as he did.[34] Around this time, Jameson almost suffered a heart attack upon learning about the new Spider-Man (Miles Morales).[35]
Around this time, Jameson fired his producer Jared, before begrudingly re-hiring him and giving him a raise.[36]
Miles Morales[]
During "Hold Onto Your Web-Shooters", Jameson was in inside the mall on the set for his podcast dressed as Santa Claus. While trying to find a creative way to call Spider-Man a menace, Rhino burst through as the two Spider-Men zipped through.[37] Jameson later claimed that whoever was responsible for Rhino's escape had targeted him personally and intended Spider-Man to kill him.[38]
Jameson initially praised and defended Roxxon as an example of "American ingenuity at its finest".[39] He also interviewed Simon Krieger and encouraged him to be harsher in response to criticism from Rio Morales.[40] Despite disliking that Roxxon security were behaving almost like a police force, he defended them as an example of Roxxon protecting its interests.[41] He later soured on Roxxon after learning that Nuform endangered the city.[42]
Around this time, Danika Hart's podcast began to gain popularity. Jameson demanded Danika debate him, which she was nervous about, but that she agreed to.[43] During the debate, Jameson scolded her for a "lame" intro, blasted her criticism of Roxxon and praise for Spider-Man, and ultimately blew a fuse at her and called her too emotional to debate before signing off.[44] In response to Danika's interviewing Rio Morales, Jameson begrudingly set up his own interview with her once she was elected as councilwoman, and before getting into a debate over Spider-Man, conceded that Rio's approval ratings were too high for him to criticize her too harshly.[42]
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (comic)[]
Jameson interviews Mary Jane on his Just The Facts podcast about her new book on Symkaria, with MJ getting increasingly angry at him, before the two Spider-Men and Tarantula burst in. At the end of the comic, Jameson meets with the Daily Bugle saying he's selling his podcast and is interested in buying the Bugle back. The Bugle agrees and shakes hands with Jameson, who happily tells Jared they're "moving uptown".[45]
Marvel's Spider-Man 2[]
With Jameson's return to lead Bugle once again, it also put Mary Jane in dismay. He also continues his podcasts about slandering the Spider-Men.
Jonah is also got caught in Sandman's rampage at Financial District riding with his limo. Once Sandman was stopped by Spider-Men, Miles found Jameson's wrecked limo, where he is knocked unconscious, and bringing him out. As Miles took him to the hospital, all the while, Jonah woke up and begin to shout that the Spider-Men were kidnapping him, and refuse to even go into the hospital, despite being taken in by the doctors.
Eventually, after Jameson praised her story about the first Spider-Man's rampage under the Venom symbiote's corruption, and her own experience with one as Scream caused by Harry Osborn-infected Venom, Mary Jane quit on him, telling him to "kiss [her] ass".
Characteristics[]
Appearance[]
While not physically in the first game, part of Jameson's upper body can be seen when his radio show comes on, as well as on billboards around the city including mocking graffiti art of him as a baby. He appears to have a gray-and-white flattop haircut with a dark gray mustache.
Personality[]
Folks, I know you're scared. But when I hear reports of looting, of fights over food or medicine, I say to myself: We are better than this. You are better than this. I've known you my whole life. I am proud to be a member of this community. Don't give in to fear. Help each other. Stand up for those who need it. I've always hated hearing Spider-Man called a hero, because real heroes are the people who get up every day, with no special powers, and do the right thing simply because it is the right thing. So I'm asking you now... be the heroes I know you all are. J. Jonah Jameson believes in you.
J. Jonah Jameson, Marvel's Spider-Man § "I Believe in You"
Jameson is short-tempered, paranoid, and very passionate. Jameson believes strongly in defending police, institutions, and successful businessmen, while being skeptical of politicians and vigilantes. While holding strong convictions, he is hard-headed and slow to change his mind when facts do not suit his narrative.[b][c] In his outspoken criticism, Jameson's anger has led to a high blood pressure of 140/95,[50] and almost led to a heart attack on-air.[35] At times, his anger is sometimes directed unfairly to subordinates.[d]
J. Jonah Jameson staunchly prioritzes the safety of New Yorkers, and dislikes those he perceives as lacking accountability. His irrational hatred of Spider-Man[b] stems from this, as he has stated he would support Spider-Man were he to unmask and join the police academy.[25] Jameson ascribes ill intent to Spider-Man, claiming he is motivated only by glory for himself,[3][5] and believes he creates more problems than heIt. Is implied that the reason Jameson hates Spider-Men is because he is jealous of them. solves.[51][52][3] To this end, he makes unfounded and bizarre claims against Spider-Man, including accusing him of stealing toys,[53] speculating if he eats pigeons,[54] and being in cahoots with the supervillains.[5] Jameson maintains this principle in his dislike of Roxxon[41] and Sable.[20][c]
In Jameson's pursuit of his sense of justice, he exudes a strong sense of self-importance, believing that he holds the singular truth necessary to prepare people.[55][56][57] Jameson displays no self-awareness, claiming to pride himself on truth and integiry[58] and to despise conspiracy theories[59] despite admitting he can get away with spreading unfounded claims against Spider-Man due to the hero's lack inability to afford legal defense.[60] Beneath these flaws, Jameson's actions stem from sincere love of New York,[61] and a desire to see people around him succeed.[d]
Jameson's coverage is shaped by other beliefs forming his worldview. He has a disdain for the younger generation,[38] criticizing internet culture from a place of ignorance.[62][63] He ties this to his dislike of Spider-Man,[64] and displays partial respect for Hammerhead's desire to return to the old days.[31] Jameson staunchly supports the Constitution, thus objecting to the "Orwellian" crime monitoring system[65] and to Sable's methods.[20] His hatred of criminals leads him to believe that his tax dollars are wasted on treating those in prison.[66]
Original appearance[]
J. Jonah Jameson was introduced in the first issue of the Amazing Spider-Man series (March 1963).
Notes[]
Annotations[]
- ↑ Jameson's reporting has left Spider-Man's reputation polarized. While many side with J. Jonah Jameson's critiques,[4] others defend his actions on Jameson's show.[5][6][7] Some officers buy into the conspiracy theories about Spider-Man leading them to blame him unfairly,[8] while other officers such as Yuriko Watanabe support him.[9]
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Jameson is unwavering in his belief that Spider-Man is a menace. This leads to confrontational interactions in which he often cuts callers off when they praise Spider-Man,[46][47][48] or simply dismissing their praise and deflecting.[49][42] When Jameson briefly begrudingly gave Spider-Man credit, it was brief, and quickly retracted.[24][34]
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Jameson initially respected Norman Osborn[17] and Simon Krieger,[39] until they became indefensible.[42][19] Notably, Jameson's mind changing on Sable International appeared to be driven by Sable not giving him access as a journalist.[20]
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Jameson heavily berated subordinates Peter Parker, Jared, and Mary Jane, but in each case helped them succeed. He gave Jared a raise after re-hiring him on-air begrudingly,[36] gave Mary Jane Watson a promotion after she impressed him, and when demanding more of Peter Parker, ultimately took his photos despite a slight lateness and continued to pay him for them. This suggests Jameson's intent to motivate them and give them opportunities to improve beneath the basic cruelty.
Citations[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Insomniac Games 2020
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Jonah-Sense"
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Meet Jonah"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "A Loop"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "They're in Cahoots!"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Hostage No More"
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Kidnapped!"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Error: File Not Found"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Blindsided"
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Very Special Guest"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Crime System"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "Bienvenidos Camila"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Fireball of Doom"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Anti-Menace"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Blameless"
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Keep Osborn Honest"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "What Can We Do?"
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Stepping Back?"
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Silver Tyrants"
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Occupiers"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "No Apology"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Dial It Back!"
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "I Was Wrong"
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Constructive Crit"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "So-Called "Code""
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Leopard Spots"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "It's a Metaphor"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Hornswoggled"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Ten Steps Ahead"
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Good Old Days"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Simpler Times"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Retraction"
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Credit"
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Coupon"
- ↑ 36.0 36.1 Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Jared's Revenge"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "Hold Onto Your Web-Shooters"
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 Miles Morales script § "Rhino Rant"
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 Miles Morales script § "Roxxon Plaza Caller"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "Krieger Interview"
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 Miles Morales script § "Breaking and Entering"
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 42.3 Miles Morales script § "Special Guest Rio Morales"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "Jameson Wants To Debate Me!"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "Debate Day with JJJ"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man 2 comic
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Prisoner Riot"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Sable's Heavy Hand"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "F.E.A.S.T. Pipes"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "By Popular Demand"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Witness Tampering"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "Harlem Subway"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Tour of Terror"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "The Season's Hottest Gift"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Pigeon Stalker"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "No Thanks Needed"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Rats on the Loose"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Under Assault"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "Mea Culpa"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "Conspiracy Theories"
- ↑ Miles Morales script § "F.E.A.S.T. Pipes"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "May from Queens"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Shipping"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Meme"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Blame the Internet"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "Crime System"
- ↑ Marvel's Spider-Man script § "The Way of Nature"
References[]
- Video games
- Insomniac Games (2018). Marvel's Spider-Man [Game]. Sony Interactive Entertainment. PlayStation 4.
- Insomniac Games (2018). Marvel's Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps [Game]. Sony Interactive Entertainment. PlayStation 4.
- Insomniac Games (2020). Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales [Game]. Sony Interactive Entertainment. PlayStation 5.
- Insomniac Games (2023). Marvel's Spider-Man 2 [Game]. Sony Interactive Entertainment. PlayStation 5.
- Books
- (2023). Marvel's Spider-Man 2 [Book]. Marvel Comics.
- Websites
- Insomniac Games (2020). "Daily Bugle #01". From PlayStation.com. Accessed April 18, 2020. Archived from the original on December 2 2023.