"Spider-Man '94 Writer Not Invited Back for New Series"

Exciting news for fans of *Spider-Man: The Animated Series* — a brand-new comic series titled *Spider-Man '94* is on the horizon, promising to finally continue the story from the show’s dramatic cliffhanger ending. However, despite being the original writer and producer of the beloved 1990s animated series, John Semper Jr. was not consulted or involved in the development of this new Marvel comic.

Semper shared his thoughts directly with fans via X (formerly Twitter) on June 18, 2025, revealing that he first learned about the project through a text message from a friend.

“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 went on to clarify:

“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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Semper was the creative force behind *Spider-Man: The Animated Series*, which originally aired from 1994 to 1998. His run on the show gave birth to what would later become the wildly popular “Spider-Verse” storyline. In the show’s final moments — **spoiler alert** — Madame Web sends Spider-Man into another dimension to find the real Mary Jane after she vanishes through a portal created by the Green Goblin. This unresolved cliffhanger has remained a talking point among fans for decades, yet Marvel chose not to bring Semper back to guide its continuation.

That said, Semper did express confidence in the creative direction of the new comic’s 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 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.”

Despite expressing support for the project and the creative team behind it, Semper noted that it would have been considerate for Marvel to reach out to him as part of a professional courtesy.

“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 expanded into major cinematic success, including the critically acclaimed films *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 hopeful note:

“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’ll soon be sharing his own celebration of the series through his personal social media channels.

Spider-Man '94 #1 is scheduled for release on September 3, 2025.