After the success of the X-Men ’97 revival, rumors have been circulating that the same approach would be taken with the ’90s Spider-Man: The Animated Series. Though not an animated series, as announced earlier today at IGN, fans will be able to revisit Spider-Man: The Animated Series this September in Spider-Man ’94, a five-issue limited series will be written by legendary Spider-Scribe J.M. DeMatteis and drawn by artist Jim Towe.
As Spider-Man: TAS are well aware, the fifth and final season ended with the promise of the titular hero being reunited with Mary-Jane Watson. As the saying goes, good things comes to those who wait. Moreover, according to the press release, this limited series will introduce the characters of Kaine and Morlun to the Spider-Man: TAS universe.
Premiering in 1994 and running for five seasons, Spider-Man: The Animated Series is considered one the most popular animated comic book adaptions of all time. The hit series ended with Spider-Man entering the multiverse to save Mary Jane. Now, nearly thirty years later, this cliffhanger is officially resolved as the SPIDER-MAN ’94 comic book series continues with storytelling set after the dramatic final episode. The saga will also introduce the animated universe’s versions of comic book characters that never appeared in the original series.
After searching to the ends of the Multiverse, PETER PARKER – the AMAZING, the SPECTACULAR, the RADIOACTIVE Web-Head himself – A.K.A. SPIDER-MAN, swings back into the streets of New York City with his beloved Mary Jane Watson in tow! But what’s this? One of these villains is not like the others: Witness this universe’s debut of not one, but TWO of Spider-Man’s greatest villains from the comics—MORLUN and KAINE! Break out your action figures, and post up in front of the TV as we bring you back to the greatest era of animated super hero television in history! You’re never going to expect the twists and turns ahead for your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!
Original Spider-Man: TAS producer John Semper hasn’t been shy about his series pretty much played with the concept of the “Spider-Verse” long before the comics or movies. Though Semper isn’t involved in this comic series, writer DeMatteis hoped to honor the original series. As he told told IGN:
“The 1990s Spider-Man animated series has become a beloved part of Spidey lore—it was the introduction to Peter Parker and his universe for an entire generation—and I’m delighted to be diving back into that universe. We’re treating this as the next season of the show, which means introducing new villains, new challenges, new adventures for Peter—while doing our best to remain true to the creative spirit that John Semper and company established with the original show.”
Arriving September 3, the first issue will feature a main cover by Nick Bradshaw along with variant covers by Ron Lim and John Tyler Christopher.
