For fans of *Spider-Man: The Animated Series*, there's exciting news on the horizon. A new comic series titled *Spider-Man '94* is set to debut, offering a long-awaited continuation of the show’s dramatic cliffhanger ending. However, despite being the original creator and head writer of the beloved 1990s animated series, John Semper Jr. was not contacted by Marvel to participate in the project in any capacity.
Semper revealed the news directly to fans via X (formerly Twitter) on June 18, stating, “I got a text message this morning from my good friend, Matt Dunford, telling me that Marvel is ‘continuing’ my Spider-Man animated series in comic book form in a four-issue limited series called *Spider-Man '94*.” He further clarified, “Since I will no doubt be asked about it by fans of the series: NO, I am NOT involved with this comic book and no one at Marvel approached me to be involved in any way. Matt’s text message was the first I heard of it.”
Spider-Man '94 #1 Cover Art Gallery
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The original animated series aired from 1994 to 1998 and introduced what would later become a cornerstone of Spider-Man lore—the “Spider-Verse” storyline. In the show’s unforgettable finale, **spoiler alert** Madame Web sends Spider-Man into another dimension to locate the real Mary Jane Watson after she vanishes through a portal created by the Green Goblin. This unresolved cliffhanger has remained a talking point for fans over the years, yet Semper was not consulted or invited to contribute to the new comic adaptation.
Despite his absence from the project, Semper acknowledged the talent behind the upcoming comic, praising writer J.M. DeMatteis. “His amazing body of work over the years in both animation and comic books speaks for itself, and I’m positive this new comic is in great hands,” Semper noted. “Where he now chooses to take the series story-wise is entirely his decision. But, for the record, they are NOT my creative choices, nor do they represent any oversight by me.”
He also expressed mild disappointment that Marvel did not reach out as a gesture of respect. “Yes, it would have been nice (some might even say, respectful) if Marvel had reached out to me at some point as a courtesy. But I have long ago abandoned all expectation that Marvel would acknowledge any of my contributions to the Marvel universe – like, for instance, my creation of what is now known as the ‘Spider-Verse.’”
The *Spider-Verse* concept has since grown into a major franchise, inspiring acclaimed films such as *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* (2018), *Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse* (2023), and the upcoming *Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse*, scheduled for release in 2027.
Semper ended his statement on a positive note, writing, “I wish them well and encourage us all to celebrate with good cheer this 30th anniversary year of *SPIDER-MAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES.*” He also teased that he plans to “launch my own celebration of my series in the very near future” through his personal social media channels.
Fans can look forward to the release of *Spider-Man '94 #1* on September 3, 2025.
