Spider-Man: The Animated Series fans, rejoice: there’s a new comic book, Spider-Man '94, on the way that will finally expand upon the animated series’ major cliffhanger — but the show's original writer John Semper Jr. actually wasn’t asked to write the comic or be involved in any way.
“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," Semper explained to fans via X / Twitter on June 18.
He continued: "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."
Semper helmed the animated series, which ran from 1994 to 1998. It was here where the now mainstream and very much beloved “Spider-Verse” storyline originated, when — spoiler alert for the show’s finale — Madame Web transports Spider-Man into a new dimension to find the real Mary Jane after Green Goblin caused her to disappear through a portal. The cliffhanger is now a well-known element of the series, but for some reason, the folks behind the story still didn’t ask Semper to return.
That said, Semper did praise the comic’s writer, J.M. DeMatteis, in his post.
So, about that new SPIDER-MAN '94 comic book... pic.twitter.com/7yTN9h06vC
— John Semper Jr. (@johnsemper) June 18, 2025
“[DeMatteis’] 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 continued. “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 added: “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 referenced here includes successful animated Spider-Man films such as 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, 2023’s Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and the upcoming Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, which is set to arrive in 2027.
“I wish them well and encourage us all to celebrate with good cheer this 30th anniversary year of SPIDER-MAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES,” Semper concluded in his post, but not before adding that he’ll be “launching my own celebration of my series in the very near future” via his socials.
Spider-Man ‘94 #1 is set to be released on September 3, 2025.
Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic and a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @nikonamerica.
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