"Spider-Man '94 (2025 Mini-Series)" Comic Talkback (Spoilers)

[James Harvey]

The hit '90s animated series returns as Spider-Man '94 takes us back to the world of one of the most popular cartoons ever!

SPIDER-MAN '94 #1 (of 5)



Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Artist: Jim Towe
Main Cover by: Nick Bradshaw

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! Legendary Spider-Scribe J.M. DeMatteis and rising star artist Jim Towe bring you the return you've all been waiting thirty years for! And you're never going to expect the twists and turns ahead for your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!

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!

Rate and discuss Spider-Man '94 right here!

Related:
Spider-Man '94 Comic News & Discussion Thread (Spoilers)
The World's Finest Special Spider-Man: The Animated Series Subsite

 

[Breakfast Master]

Read the full thing now. The art starts out dodgy (especially on Peter), but actually does get better, the story is a bit all over the place, but in a fun way.

Spoiler

Ezekiel Simms is an A.I hologram generated by Morlun, he is addressing people in a conference call when he is shortened out by Morlun awakening. Morlon contacts Kaine and tells him to find Peter. Peter and MJ touch down in New York after a spot of web swinging, MJ proposes marriage to Peter after they kiss but Peter is hesitant, they're already married but he's afraid he might lose her again. MJ is annoyed and storms off, Peter is being observed by Kaine.

Kaine returns to his 'father' Morlun where he frees him from his cocoon of webbing. Vermin randomly appears but Morlon kills him and feasts on his energies. Morlun rambles on about spider-totems and Peter's importance.

Mary Jane returns to Peter, storming into his bedroom, ripping the bedsheets off of him and demanding answers. Peter admits he's fearful of the future, but MJ tells him they can make their way through it all. She proposes a second time and Peter says 'yes'.

Spidey battles Mark Raxton, aka the Molten Man, very strategic feat here. Peter and MJ arrange a dinner with their Aunts. Aunt Anna seems to have put on a few pounds. She still hates Peter just like in the cartoon. Peter says the marriage still feels 'brand new' to him (hur hur). Peter's looking into getting into teaching.

Suddenly, Kaine attacks. He and Peter clash outside, Peter holds his own against Kaine for a bit, but ultimately Kaine gets the upper hand and nearly defeats Peter, but is defeated when he senses just how strong Peter's love for MJ actually is. He flees.

Peter returns to MJ, Aunt May and Anna. Anna chews Peter out for his connection to Spider-Man, and MJ sticks up for him, arguing with Anna and telling her to get out of the house. When Anna complies and storms of, MJ looks regretful
Kaine returns to Morlun, but Morlun turns on Kaine and destroys him, feeding off his energy also. Morlun then enters a lab containing cloning pods and begins growing another Kaine

Now, how authentic is it to the show we all grew up with?

This is...difficult to answer, since it's in uncharted territory and largely adapting elements from other corners of the Clone Saga as well as the JMS run in the 2000s, which the animated series never covered. I can't give you a good handle on what JMD is doing with the other two surprise villains (besides Kaine and Morlun), because they are his vanity selections and they're 'new' to the show, i.e the show never dealt with them prior.

But some elements of the show are familiar, Aunt May looks and acts the same, as does Aunt Anna, who's as unlikeable as ever, I can sort of read Barnes' voice in Peter's narration, and MJ is as theatrical as she often in that show when it comes to line delivery...just wish they'd used Bruce the Gargoyle.

 

[Spider-Man]

The story is pretty good here which isn't a surprise given its DeMatties who tends to be really solid but boy is the art just not the best. The artist clearly knows the show this comic is based on but outside of putting some characters into the clothes they wore in the cartoon there's not much else done to make it feel like an extension of the cartoon. The art just isn't all that great and the story is good but the awkward misstep of not picking up right when the show ended (I'm of the mind the story didn't end on a cliffhanger just a 'and the adventure continues' note) is hard to overlook. It's the only story fans of the old cartoon want to see resolved, not this stuff with Kaine and Morlun.

The increase in violence is also glaring and awkward too. It sticks out like a sore thumb. This comic also does what Batman The Adventure Continues did and introduced characters who weren't around when the show originally aired which just doesn't work. I plan to stick around since its just five issues but it's gonna need to do a lot of work to end up being worth the investment.

 

[M.O.D.O.K.]

This was a decent start for the series. While I grew up with it and it got me into the character, I don't think it has the same nostalgic hold other shows like B:TAS or Gargoyles had on me. So, I wasn't really urged for a continuation. Still, it's a good move to please fans, especially since I doubt an animated revival will happen while YFNSM is still on full steam.

J.M. DeMatteis really understands the voices of the characters and gets the drama down to a pat. I actually think MJ proposing to Peter and his own initial reluctance is a strong, interesting bit of fall out from the events of the last few seasons. Everyone felt authentic, even unfortunately Aunt Anna. MJ defending her man and calling her out was satisfying. I'm sure she's done that a couple of times in the series, but it's still satisfying here.

I don't mind that the "cliffhanger" was skipped over. Even as a kid, I never really thought it was a huge deal that we didn't see the reunion and the show doesn't treat it with urgency. I feel skipping that to Peter and MJ's new life was more interesting. Unfortunately, Marvel seems to be cashing in on that for a possible sequel, and I don't know. I feel we should be moving forward instead.

Regarding the villains, they're a mixed bag. Morlun feels too contemporary and he doesn't seem that impressive so far. Kaine actually fits the era of the show and could even be more organic if they tie in Miles Warren keeping Spidey's genetic sample from the show. Molten Man and Vermin also are right for the era, but feel more like fan-service. The former could've been any recurring goon and should've been saved for his own story, especially considering his connection to Liz Allan. The latter had a weirdly gruesome death. I hope Sandman appears, since he's the only other major Spidey villain that was missing from the show.

The comic's biggest weakness is the art. The fashion sense is correct, but everyone feels off, especially Peter. I'm surprised the panel where he looks really shriveled wasn't fixed or edited after the negative response. I'm disappointed Marvel didn't try to get an artist that matched the TV show's art style closer, especially considering the comic's high profile. Morlun and Kaine look decent, but that's the only part of the art I can praise.

 

[Frontier]

The '94 cartoon was my introduction to Spider-Man. It was what made me fall in love with the character, his stories, his supporting cast, and what Spidey stands for. I've been wanting a continuation of the series for so, so long and by one of my favorite writers in JM DeMatteis. Does it deliver?

I mean, first of all, the art issue has to be acknowledged. When your recap page art looks more like the show than the actual artist for a revival comic, then you're doing something wrong. And some of the faces...especially Peter...are super rough.

Considering all the talk about telling the story of Peter finally finding and bringing Mary Jane back...we just skip ahead to when he actually does it! I guess there's no time to waste here.

I missed 90's MJ being as loving as she is aggressive and forward. She wears her heart on her sleeve, is as fiery as her red hair, and she looks amazing in purple pants and cowboy boots. I only feel bad for her that she wants to marry Peter but can't have the wedding she wants because her water clone already did. Is it too early for a vow renewal?

I don't think DeMatteis quite captures 90's Spidey dialogue and Barnes' voice, but at least Spidey feels like himself and wins fights.

Honestly I'm more invested in seeing the TAS Bugle cast again than I am Peter becoming a teacher but that might just be because I'm just kind of over the whole "Peter as a teacher" job idea.

RIP TAS Vermin.

TAS Molten Man! Who apparently already existed, we just never saw him.

I honestly didn't need to see Morlun and making Kaine his clone servant is...a choice, but I'll give it a shot. I'm surprised they even acknowledged Ezekial even if he's just an AI construct.

Shouldn't MJ still be wanted by the police because her water clone had to steal a boat to escape Hydro-Man and then he busted into the station after she was arrested? I don't think they ever cleared that up.

Aunt Anna is still the worst but MJ FINALLY calls her out on it!

 

[RoyalRubble]

SPIDER-MAN ’94 #2 (OF 5)

Published: October 8, 2025
Written by: J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by: JIM TOWE
Cover by: NICK BRADSHAW

THE MARK OF KAINE!

After his first altercation with KAINE, Spider-Man is left with many unanswered questions. Where did Kaine come from, and what are his connections to the dreaded MORLUN? Brace yourselves and expect the unexpected as the lore of the hit animated series continues to expand in new and exciting ways!

Comments?

 

[Breakfast Master]

Issue Two out.

Kaine has a controversial origin tweek
Aunt Anna is a karma houdini
Peter sounds more like the Peter from JMD's 616 90s run
More characters who never appeared in the cartoon, and ones Peter is familiar with (and many some of us too)
Kraven has a lot of plot armour and knows more than the reader.

It was a weak issue for MJ for sure, too forgiving, and worse, she ended up gaslit afterwards and had her faith in Peter shaken, at least May cheered her up and MJ wished she and Pete had known each other as kids. Nice appearance from young Pete and Uncle Ben in the home movies too.

I'd say it was a great ASM issue, but lacking anything that makes it Spidey TAS...other than, of all people, Anna. Also still no sigh of Jameson, Flash, Deborah etc. Actually, a lack of supporting cast does indeed make this feel like a true animated version of the JMS era where it was just a core group

 

[Spider-Man]

I'd say it was a great ASM issue, but lacking anything that makes it Spidey TAS...other than, of all people, Anna. Also still no sigh of Jameson, Flash, Deborah etc. Actually, a lack of supporting cast does indeed make this feel like a true animated version of the JMS era where it was just a core group

I think you nailed it on the head here. It doesn't feel like SpideyTAS but more like JMS' stuff or even the Spidey comics from right after the Clone Saga. Nothing really feels like it works as it should especially with the violence being a bit more heightened. And youre right, where is the TAS supporting cast? Its a shame because there does seem to be a good story in here and there are parts of the comic I like. I really want to like this comic but it's not putting in the same effort the cartoon titles from DC did.

But I also I don't think I can ever get over this:

 

[M.O.D.O.K.]

I liked the development with Aunt May. I never liked that she didn't know for so long, and I always found the whole "Loves Peter, hates that awful, awful Spider-Man" angle to be stupid. The Legion of Losers was also fun, though I'll be disappointed if we don't see the TAS version of Sandman before it's over. It's a much bigger priority to me than seeing Peter reunite MJ.

I don't like that Kaine isn't Peter's clone here, especially if it has potential differences compared to how they handled clones in the show. MJ was also weak, already apologizing to Aunt Anna.

 

[RoyalRubble]

SPIDER-MAN ’94 #3 (OF 5)

Published: November 12, 2025
Written by: J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by: JIM TOWE
Cover by: NICK BRADSHAW

WHO IS EZEKIEL SIMS?

While SPIDER-MAN tries to recover from the worst beatdown of his life, MORLUN continues his dark and twisted plans. Why is KAINE stalking the Parker Family? And what role does KRAVEN THE HUNTER play in all of this?

Comments?

 

[Breakfast Master]

Great issue of Spidey 94
Is Lokka an established place in 616?

A pity MJ is wearing a plain night shirt in bed, when she wore some really attractive night gowns in the actual show

Could Kaine be remembering the lives of Hydro Man if he is in love with MJ?

 

[Miyamoto Musashi]

I wonder if MJ will accept that the marriage of her and Peter is documented and licensed. She wants to be Mrs. Spider-Man as much as her Hydroclone did, so she already is married, even though the clone went through that motion and not her.

SPIDER-MAN ’94 #3 (OF 5)


View attachment 316374

Kinda looks like a Sal Buscema cover, which I like.

 

[RoyalRubble]

SPIDER-MAN ’94 #4 (OF 5)

Published: December 24, 2025
Written by: J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by: JIM TOWE
Cover by: NICK BRADSHAW

KRAVEN UNLEASHED!

What hidden connection does Kraven have to MORLUN? Will Peter be able to recover in time to save his loved ones? PLUS, you'll have to see it to believe it: the most twisted totemic beasts the world has ever seen!

Comments?

 

[Breakfast Master]

So is Kaine Man-Thing at the end?

And Fisk is Mayor now? Wasn't he arrested at the end of Six Forgotten Warriors? Don't suppose I should be too shocked given the real world's treatment of convicted politicians

 

[M.O.D.O.K.]

I was going to get very annoyed at Calypso suddenly dying like that, but I guess it's to set up the show's version of Kraven's Last Hunt. I feel mixed about that. I don't see why it's necessary and it feels too much like JMD playing his greatest hits, but at least they're doing it with a Kraven who has history with Spidey.

So is Kaine Peter's clone or not? He looks a lot like Peter and has his memories, but they keep insisting he's Morlun's clone and I feel this would've been the best time to pull off that reveal.

Wilson Fisk being mayor? Eh, not a huge deal, but I would've liked to see that arc play out instead of it suddenly happening off-panel.

 

[Frontier]

It wouldn't be TAS without Kingpin, and even in just a single page DeMatteis captures the late great Roscoe Lee Brown's voice well. Even if Kingpins' neck in the art is...something.

It's funny how DeMatteis is writing the "nobler" version of Kraven but he still has to have him dying because DeMatteis feels like he's legally obligated to kill Kraven at this point.

DeMatties just HAD to write a scene with MJ and a baseball bat. It wouldn't be a true 90's comic without it. Also, on-point purple shorts MJ!

It's kind of surreal to see explicit sex depicted in the TAS universe...and for side characters.

Dang, RIP Mariah Crawford. Kind of sad to see a recurring character die like that. Peter didn't even really react to it. And also RIP Gulyadkin.

"Those Who Know Fear, Burn at the Touch of Kaine" - Which I guess was the logic behind transforming Kaine into Man-Thing.

 

[Spider-Man]

I'm reading this book to the end at this point but this book really doesn't feel all that much like a sequel to the 1990s Spider-Man cartoon. The story is good but this comic feels like a mash-up of the cartoon and the Spider-Man comics from around that time and not the cartoon itself and that didn't change in issue #4 even though I found it the best issue of the miniseries so far. The art could be a lot better though. Like with some of DC's cartoon comics I find that when a comic based on a cartoon gets too violent or characters swear and so on it really takes me out of it. Characters being killed or killing, Spidey's torn up suit and all of that just seems so out of place and really doesn't feel true to the cartoon. I wish these comics would follow what the comics established and play with that.

 

[RoyalRubble]

SPIDER-MAN ’94 #5 (OF 5)

Published: January 21, 2026
Written by: J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by: JIM TOWE
Cover by: NICK BRADSHAW

TIlL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!

It's the final battle between SPIDER-MAN and MORLUN - and you won't believe how it ends! Kraven, Kaine, Mary Jane - it all comes crashing down! PLUS: One of the most heartfelt endings you'll see all year!

Comments?

 

[Breakfast Master]

The finale felt very rushed sadly, Kaine did most of the heroics and Morlun's ultimate plan always felt it was lifted a bit from Highlander 2 (only instead of the shield, it's got something to do with mutating us through...sound?), then there was the very confusing ending where Kaine merges with Morlun and he just pops off to take control of his company. Project Lokka still kind of exists, it isn't dismantled, is that supposed to be a hook of some kind that Kaine will be tempted to turn bad? What if Morlun's influence takes over? Is Peter that willing to trust Kaine?

I liked that Kraven admited all these 'last hunts' are tiresome and that he should live to honour Mariah's memory, not look for a reason to join her in death.

Peter learning May knew he was Spidey was also super rushed, we got a nice little micro-version of JMS's famous conversation issue of ASM at least. I liked Aunt Anna's scene a lot more, with Anna revealing the reasons she disliked Peter was because she projected the failures of her own ex-husband onto him, I remember similar conversations in the mainline books in the late 90s when Anna took over briefly as the sole Aunt Peter and MJ had to rely on after the Clone Saga.

Peter and MJ renewing their vows with May officiating was nice, as was the end where Peter takes them both web swinging.

Overall, I think this would have made a better 616 marriage era story than an animated series follow up, it was far too different and it didn't remind me much at all about the show and I don't think it works as an entry point for new readers and viewers who might give the show a go on Disney+. All it really tells me here is that JMD should be writing the real books.

 

[Spider-Man]

I guess this book ends pretty ok, with Breakfast Master basically sharing the same sentiments as I for the most part. This still doesn't feel like a book based on the cartoon and more like a take on the mid/late 90s Spider-Man comics. There were some good points, especially with Kraven given a heroic ending, which actually works for the SpideyTAS version of the character. And how the Kaine/Morlun stuff ends feel's a little rushed and underdeveloped and I assume was left lingering for a potential sequel.

When it comes to Peter, MJ, Aunt May and Aunt Anna, I thought that was all pretty good even if too felt rushed. It's character work I would've loved to have seen in the cartoon at some point too, and it plays out well enough even if it's sped through quickly almost like an after thought. I really liked May officiating Peter and MJ renewing their vows and the book ending with all three of them webslinging was sweet.

Overall this feels like a mid-90s Spider-Man story unconvincingly jammed into the SpideyTAS world and it doesnt really work in the end. There's some good stuff but overall it just doesn't work as a sequel to the old cartoon. It could've I think with some more work but as it is it doesn't work. It really shoulda been one of those retro 616 minis that Marvel's been pumping instead. I hope the next attempt is more true to the source material.