The classic 1994 Spider-Man animated series is back in comic book form! Here's the scoop via ign.com:
"Spider-Man '94 is a four-issue limited series that picks up where the show's infamous cliffhanger ending left off in 1998. The series brings Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson back to New York and promises to pit the wall-crawler against two iconic villains who will be making their debuts in this animated universe. The series is written by long-time Spidey veteran (and a writer on the original animated series) J.M. DeMatteis, with art by Jim Towe (Spider-Verse vs. Venomverse) and covers by Nick Bradshaw, Ron Lim, and John Tyler Christopher." (I should also mention that the fantastic color work is by Jim Campbell.)
You can read the whole story here. Spider-Man '94 will be out in September!
And while I have your attention: I only share a newsletter a few times a year and I just unleashed the latest. You can read it (and subscribe) by clicking this link.
(By the way: the Vonnegut quote in the newsletter came from Eliot Rosewater, not Kilgore Trout. There was clearly a glitch in the mental matrix when I wrote it. (And if you've never read God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater—do it now.))
(By the way: the Vonnegut quote in the newsletter came from Eliot Rosewater, not Kilgore Trout. There was clearly a glitch in the mental matrix when I wrote it. (And if you've never read God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater—do it now.))
Congrats Dematties! I've always loved your writing! How would you describe the tone of this series is it similar to shadow of the green goblin or the latest ben reilly? Can't wait and please state that this Spider-Man is married and is actually older, we need more older Spider-Man stories!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm aiming for the flavor of the show merged with a comic book sensibility. Less heavy narration (as is my wont; although Peter will be doing his "voice overs," as he did in the cartoon), more dialogue driven.
DeleteAnd, yes, Peter and MJ are very much a married couple!
Is Peter going to be narrating this story decades later or will he narrate it in the present, I loved the narration you gave him in shadow of the green goblin.
DeleteHow old is Peter in this story by the way? I noticed in the press release it stated you are using Morlun in the story, what's your opinion of j michael straczynski run on Spider-Man (Morlun appeared in his run), I'm asking because its another grown up take on Spider-Man.
Best wishes sir see you soon and I can't wait to see Kaine as well (did you read his tenure as the Scarlet Spider in 616 by Christopher Yost? I've always wanted to know your opinion on it)!
It will be first-person, present-day narration, the same as the animated series. And Peter is pretty much the same age as the show. It's just a little while after the events of the last episode.
DeleteStraczynski is a great writer. I first encountered him many years ago when I wrote an episode of the REAL GHOSTBUSTERS cartoon...and he was the story editor!
What drew you to this project by the way? You don't really write a lot of alternate Spider-Man stories do you, was the fascination because (lets be honest here) this Spider-Man adaptation is only one that feels more like the comic or did you enjoy new unique spins on the characters like the fact that Peter is older at the beginning of the series, Hobgoblin came before the Green Goblin or the fact that this show a version of reality of the Clone saga because lets be honest we probably won't see it on film (laughs!).
DeleteAlways a great pleasure talking to you dematties your work lifted me up in dark times and it still does.
What drew me to the project? I love working with my Spidey editor, Danny Khazem, and I love writing Spider-Man. Put those two together and I couldn't say no. Simple as that!
DeleteSpider-Man TAS couldn't be in better hands with you Mister J. The marriage being a part of the book will be interesting, as the real MJ never had a say in marrying Peter, it was her clone Peter married. I can't imagine what it's like coming home to the knowledge you suddenly now have to share your life with someone else, it'll make for a captivating story thast touches on all sorts of emotions, of course we know MJ loves Peter very much, but is the real MJ prepared for that life? That could be the journey to take us on!
DeleteThank you, Zarius. And, yes, there are some major issues Pete and MJ have to deal with in this series! Hope you enjoy the story.
DeleteI am torn.
ReplyDeleteON one hand, I DO approve of J.M. Dematteis's writing.
ON the other hand, I don's approve of nostalgia.
I will probably just buy it and hate myself for it. Self-loathing is my generation's M.O.
Jack
I guess the key isn't to look at it as nostalgia. Just look at it as a new Spider-Man story. I hope that folks with little to no familiarity with the show will be able to enjoy it.
DeleteThat is fair enough, but the larger point is Marvel almost assuredly doing this project in hopes of nostalgia driving up sales.
DeleteSpeaking of animated series, I went to the Detroit Historical Society last weekend.
They were having a special exhibit on Detroit's history with comics. AS you might expect, Dwayne McDuffie and Milestone were mentioned. But his time on the JLU was also represented.
Jack
Dwayne was so young when he left us. Can you imagine all the amazing work he would have done if he was still around? What a loss.
DeleteThe first comic McDfuffie wrote that really drew my attention was his Fantastic Four run. I say comic, because I had already seen Static Shock and JLU... even if I was unaware of his name, given the style of the media.
DeleteWhen he wrote Fantastic Four, Reed and Sue were gone, and replaced by Black Panther and Storm. Given McDuffie's actual history with science, writing a T'Challlla or Reed Richard seems natural.
it is not hard to imagine a world where when the Black Panther movie became the biggest thing in the world, they handed him the reigns to punch him to being a bigger presence in the comics. Given the type of stories he wrote at Milestone, ot would have been a natural fit.
Of course, I would have also loved to see his take on Iron Man. Given his noted view on corporate America... shown in his own armored character Hardware... it would have if nothing else would have been interesting.
Who knows, he may even have helped steer DC animation ino taking more risks, and partnering wit Adult Swim.
I will always personally regret that I did not read Milestone until after he died.
But if you want to get jazzed up for that new F.F. movie, and you have not read his run, it is worth a check. It is also only 12 issues, so not too hard to fit it into a reading schedule
Jack
Thanks for the recommendation. I'm sure it's great!
DeleteHey Dematties I'd like to put in my vote for a story involving Peter, Ben and Kaine, you said in previous interviews that you would like to do this one day! Any plans for that to come into fruition?
DeleteI'd write that in a heartbeat (and include Spidercide in the mix, too, since he's one of the "brothers") but, unfortunately, I don't make those decisions. If only I did!
DeleteWell, that fellow may be waiting for a Ben, Peter, and Kaine story, but before you get to that the LAyla;s grandfather series is not going to write itself. And that Sunshine Max-series is sitting on the back burner.
DeleteWrite your spider-people small print books on your own time, stick to Sunshine and Layla; grandfather for the time being.
You need to make some money.
Jack
You should really take your comedy act on the road, Jack. : )
DeleteIs the reason for no mini with Peter, Ben, Kaine and Spidercide is because Marvel still does not like the Clone Saga, I would have thought they embraced it in recent years.
DeleteIts ok if you don't say why you are still a great writer thanks for the wonderful Spider-Man memories.
I don't know how "Marvel" feels, but my Spidey editor, Danny Khazem, loves the Clone Era.
DeleteA writer rarely knows exactly why a certain storyline doesn't fly. And I've often seen stories rejected multiple times...and then suddenly accepted. So you never know!
And: You're VERY welcome!
Sir, I once asked you about the Nightmare and you replied that in your next comic you will try to add it. Spider-Man '94 is the exception or this demon will appear there?
ReplyDeleteThis isn't the kind of story that would suit the character. So no Nightmare this time around.
DeleteBesides the S-M, do you have any other story to write?
DeleteWorking on a bunch of different things: comics, animation, prose.
DeleteMr DeMatteis, as an old fan of "Spider-Man: The Animated Series", I want to thank you for your role in this project that finally resolves the big cliffhanger that tormented me for 30 years! I have to say, however, that it makes me angry they didn't make it animated just like they did with "X-Men '97"; although I don't lose hope yet. There are a few things I want to comment:
ReplyDelete1º) I have always been a fan of the "Spider-Marriage", so I hated when Marvel erased it in the comics with "One More Day". This series was the first (and only one until now) that adapted the wedding between Peter and MJ (sorta). The drama of the revelation the MJ that Peter married was actually a clone was something that always bothered me, but I truly hope this story will be a ble to solve this somehow. I want the "Spider-Marriage" to survive, so maybe Beyonder could fix this as a way to pay Peter for saving all reality? I think he owes that to him.
2º) It has been revealed the debut of Kaine in the comic. It was obvious the debut of another colne considering the cliffhanger of the Miles Warren from the main reality. I have to say, however, I always expected Spidercide; as his ability to turn partially liquid could come from mixing Peter's DNA with Hydro-Man's DNA. But since this seems to be Kaine's original incarnation, does that means he's going to be a brutal killer like in the comics? The original series had a lot of censorship with these things (like with Carnage), so I kinda expect that part of the series' legacy to be respected. It also worries me if Kaine's face is going to be deformed as well.
3º) It was also revealed (thanks to a cover) the presence of Morlun in this comic. That really worries me, because Morlun is arguably Spider-Man's deadliest enemy ever faced. Since Kaine is going to be here too, I have a suspicion where this is possibly going to lead. Am I right to suspect his character had a lot of censorship as well.
I would appreciate if you could answer me these questions, please and thank you.
Thanks for your enthusiasm and your hopes for the new series. I'd prefer not to answer these questions because I want all our readers to be surprised as the story unfolds. We're all doing our best to create a story that honors the series and also moves on to new territory.
DeleteOne thing I will say is that Peter and MJ's marriage will be front and center. I'm a big fan of the marriage and I always enjoy writing that special relationship.
Hope you enjoy the book and thanks for checking in!
Thank you very much for your answer, Mr DeMatties!
DeleteI'm very happy to hear you are a fan of this marriage as well, so I keep my hopes high for this comic.
One detail that I would like to add is that just the moth before the last episode was aired (January 1998), it made her debut in comics one of the best creations Marvel ever had: May "Mayday" Parker, the daughter of Peter and Mary Jane and the Amazing Spider-Girl. I believe it would be great if Mayday could make a cameo in this comic somehow.
I have one last question, if you allow me. You see, since this series was made in the 90s, I believe its return (as more animated episodes) should be focus on plots of the same era. But at the same time, this series went ahead of its era as it was the first one to introduce the Spider-Verse. So I would want to know your opinion about if these two stories could actually fit in an animated return of the series:
- "Spider-Island": The original Clone Saga was already adapted for the last episodes of the series, so I believe adapting this story in the main reality would fit better. It could also be a way to introduce other Spider-Characters like Spider-Gwen and Miles Morales.
- "Mary Jane bonds with Venom": I have to say, I'm not sure about how Marvel has done this plot in recent comics; but on the other hand, they made it very good in "Renew Your Vows". And frankly, even for an animated return, Eddie Brock/Venom old role as a villain obsessed with destroying Spider-Man is already outdated.
Do you think these plots could fit in the return of the 90s series?
I think any comic book plot can be adapted for animation. I've worked in the animation field for decades and adapted a number of comic book stories. As long as you find the right approach, the sky's the limit.
DeleteSir, I have heard this comic is going to last only four issues. That's a real bummer, honestly. After 30 years in the cliffhanger, and with the return of "X-Men '97" in animation, this comic should have more issues. (Unless this is a "comic intro" for the return of the animated series like they did with "X-Men '97").
ReplyDeleteI highly doubt it because of the limited number of issues, but is there any chance Black Cat/Felicia Hardy will appear in this comic? One of the cliffhangers of the series was the fact that Peter and Felicia never learnt each other's identities as Spider-Man and Black Cat. I have been imagining for years the reactions of these two when they would find out, and I'm pretty sure it would be a laughing stock after they finally put two and two together.
Sorry, no Black Cat. And some of the info out there is incorrect. The series is five issues, not four.
DeleteIt's still very few issues.
DeleteAnyway, thanks for your reply. It called my attention why in one of the covers revealed for the first issue included Morbius, Black Cat and Kraven as villains when they didn't had that status in the series (at least, not most of the time). That's the same cover that revealed the presence of Morlun in the story.
Seriously, it worries me how violent things can get if that monster is going to appear.
Thanks for your interest. Hope you enjoy the series!
DeleteMr DeMatties, some interior art pages from the first issue has been revealed and there's something that shocked me: The Molten Man. This is a character/villain that never appeared back in the 90s series, not even as Mark Raxton.
ReplyDeleteI'm always open to the introduction of new characters and unexpected surprises, but considering the backstory of the Molten Man (stepbrother of Liz Allan, Harry Osborn's wife), his cameo makes me think this character should have a proper introduction in the series with an origin story (like most of the other villains). Although all things considered, I don't think we will have it in this comic.
Can you tell me if there are going to be more new characters "popping out of nowhere"? I truly believe any new character needs a proper intro.
One more thing, Peter met Gwen Stacy on another dimension during the last chapter. Is there any chance Peter will meet the Gwen Stacy of his dimension in this comic? I don't expect a romance because it wouldn't have sense after finally finding Mary Jane, but I'm curious.
As delighted as I am by your enthusiasm, I really don't want to answer any of these questions. I want the readers to discover the stories as they come out. So let's wait for SPIDER-MAN '94 to arrive and then feel free to ask questions about each issue.
DeleteSo, here is a question Dematteis...
ReplyDeleteSome years ago, John Semper, the head-writer of the show, was trying to get an indie-go-go ....well, going... for a new animated series, with much of the same cast.
When of the tiers was a special audio drama giving the conclusion to the story.
He never made enough money to do that, which is a shame because that new animated series sounded great, but is seemed like he had a pretty definitive idea of what should happen.
Was there any conversation with Semper to kind of incoporate his ideas?
Your hero,
Jack
Sorry to say, John isn't involved with the comic. If the show gets a reboot, I have no doubt he'll get to do his story about Peter and Mary Jane. I look at our story as one possible version of what a new season would be—but if '94 is revived, it's all in John's hands. And that's the way it should be.
DeleteI don't deny John's role in case "Spider-Man: The Animated Series" returns would be needed. But I have to say, I have read the story that Semper planned for Peter finding MJ and it looked like too complicated. Personally, I think he should make some modifications in the script.
DeleteAnyway, I really wish this comic will be great, and in case the animated series returns, it could be adapted in the series. The waiting is going to be REALLY hard until the first issue comes out.
By any chance, is it possible you and your comic will be at this year's San Diego Comic Con, on a Marvel's panel about Spider-Man or something?
Yes, I will be at SDCC, but not on any Spider-Man panels. I'll post my schedule here as it gets closer to the event.
DeleteDematties did you watch all of the 94 series or did you see some episodes?
ReplyDeleteWhat was your favorite episode and why?
I've watched a lot, especially in preparation for this series, but not every episode. Don't have a particular favorite...although anything that focuses on Peter and MJ's relationship will alway move to the top of the list.
DeleteShouldn't your favorite episode of the '94 series be the one you wrote?
DeleteOr at least be n the running.
(wink)
JAck
Doesn't always work that way!
DeleteIt was just a joke Dematteis, based on the internet;s nature of endless self-promootion.
DeleteJack
It would actually be pretty boringif everyon;es favorite work was what they produced.
DeleteBUt in the age of teh internet and hustle culture, that is the impression many leave.
Jack
Yes, I saw the wink!
DeleteI was a kid when I saw the animated series back in the 90s, and I was horrified on the episode "The Return of Hydro-Man, Part 2" with the scene where MJ's clone evaporated and then Spider-Man's scream in despair. And I'm not ashamed to recognize it, I even cried.
ReplyDeleteWhatever you are planing in your comic, Mr DeMatties, I truly hope you will grant Peter and Mary Jane a happy ending here. It's bad enough Marvel keeps this sick game of torturing Peter in the comics and not allowing him to be happy, to do the same to this Peter would be inhuman.
Can't give anything away, but, rest assured, I'm a huge fan of the Pete-MJ marriage. And that's all I can say!
DeleteI'm glad to know. That scene where Spider-Man screamed in despair was truly heartbreaking, and I don't wish to see Peter suffering like that again.
DeleteAmazing, isn't it, how real these characters become to us?
DeleteAny chance of the scarlet spider making an appearance ?
DeleteI don't want to give anything away beyond what's already been revealed. You'll have to read the book to find out!
Delete