The final issue of Spider-Man '94 comes out this week. Here's the hype, straight from Marvel:
TIL 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!
Hope everyone enjoys our finale. You can see some preview art below.
Mr DeMatteis, I believe you are missing one page of the preview, according to other sites.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what happened to Kaine here, but his new look reminds me a lot of DC's Swamp Thing. Wouldn't this get you into troubles with the competition or something?
I really REALLY hope this won't be the last we see of this comic, because it's too good. This story would be worthy to become an official animated episode if the series makes a comeback like "X-Men '97".
I suppose this issue should end with the official wedding between Peter and the REAL Mary Jane, but how are they going to get married without making people suspicious? I mean, nobody knows the whole thing of MJ being replaced with a water clone, so everyone will wonder why Peter and MJ are getting married... Again.
How are they going to get married? Good question! Read the story and you'll find out.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for more '94 in the future. Write to Marvel and tell them you'd like to see the series continue. It matters.
And thanks for your enthusiasm!
Which is the right email to write Marvel about this, please?
DeleteCheck the letters page in SPIDEY '94. The address should be there.
DeleteMr DeMatties, I have finally read the last issue after a very VERY bad day for me; and I have to say.... It was shocking!!! And not in the bad way. You really got the spirit of the 90s animated series: It's influenced in the original comics, but it is it's own thing.
ReplyDelete- May I ask, why was the thing with Kaine as the Black Suit Spider-Man? I don't get it.
- So... Kaine, Morlun and Ezekiel Sims are all one and the same here now? Not going to lie, but after years reading their stories in comics, this is confusing. However, I find this much more acceptable that the nightmare stories around he relentlessly hunting down Peter Parker. Nice job!
- You also gave Kraven the Hunter a peaceful way to prepare for his end, breaking the sad ending from "Kraven's Last Hunt" variants. I'm feeling bad for him losing Mariah/Calypso, however.
- Aunt May knowing Peter's secret in this continuity is quite a shock, especially when she acted so scared of Spider-Man in some episodes like "The Wedding" back then. Well, honestly, this certainly will be interesting to see how it develops. It's like the time when Peter, MJ and Aunt May were living in the New Avengers' tower (and we had that cute romance between Aunt May and Jarvis).
- I always hated Anna Watson AND Jameson in this series for their never-ending attacks to Peter and Spider-Man, and I even wanted to puch Anna many times. I think it was a little easy to solve her damn issues with Peter here, but I'm not going to complain. Thank you for putting an end to something it always got on my nerves in this series!
- And above everything else, I deeply thank you for solving the whole problem around Peter and Mary Jane's marriage here! Bad enough is Marvel not letting 616's Spider-Man finding happiness, so this certainly cheer me up. If they bring back Spider-Man '94 the same way the brought back "X-Men '97", they better adapt THIS story of yours, because I won't accept any other ending around Peter and MJ!!
Nothing else to add, except that I don't want this comic to end here! There are too many things you MUST tell here (like how exactly did Peter find Mary Jane) and too many things you CAN tell here (with Kingpin being Mayor of New York).
Please, we old fans have waited 30 years to have answers about our favourite version of Spider-Man. Don't let us hanged here!
So glad you enjoyed it! The end sequence, with Pete, MJ, Anna, and May, was probably my favorite part of the issue. Here's hoping there's more to come.
ReplyDeleteRe: the black costume. It was Kaine's way of mocking Spider-Man by mirroring him; but, if you want to delve deeper, it was also the result of their psyches being so entwined by that point. He was already picking up the best of Peter without even consciously realizing it!
Deep thanks for your enthusiastic support of this project.
My please, Mr DeMatteis.
DeleteI really hope there will be more of this!
Re: So, even without being a clone of Peter Parker in this continuity, you are telling me that Kaine/Morlun has like a part of Peter Parker inside him now? Well, I guess it's a way to keep him as "a part of Peter Parker" without being a clone. This could certainly lead to several good stories, like MAYBE Sims Foundation becoming Parker Industries in the future.
The part with Peter, MJ, Anna and May at the end was my favourite part too. I never thought this version of Aunt May would want to experience a webslinging back then. :D
By the way, I believe you were one of the creators of Spidercide and Stunner (Angelina Brancale), right? Because I believe you could perfectly find them roles in this continuity for future Spider-Adventures.
Yes, they would be interesting additions to the sage! Thanks again!
DeleteNo wonder!
DeleteIn the 90s animated series, Doctor Octopus has one of his healthiest and strongest designs. It would be fitting for him to have a mate/partner/girlfriend like Stunner by his side. She could even be a female member in the Sinister Six.
Hello again, Mr. DeMatteis !
ReplyDeleteI wanted to share my emotions: the final issue made me feel pure childhood delight. It felt exactly like watching the conclusion of a cool new arc from my favorite animated series. You captured that atmosphere perfectly !
Your Morlun and Kaine are very good — they are crafted exactly in the spirit of that adaptation, and I can easily imagine them on screen. Honestly, your version of Morlun ended up being preferable to the original for me. The same goes for Kraven: I am so happy that you decided to stick to the characterization established by John Semper (even though it differed radically from canon, it was interesting and worthy) while skillfully adapting elements of your own iconic story.
This also applies to Aunt May. While she was pleasant in the animated series, she often reminded me of the early Stan Lee-era archetype, but a version closer to yours is much more appealing to me. And what you did with Aunt Anna is just wonderful. From the first issue, I was hoping you would finally bury the hatchet regarding Peter.
The entire ending gave me goosebumps — the way you handled the remarriage and gave us that final family web-swing. I couldn't imagine a better finale. This limited series is great not only as a sequel but as an exemplary standalone Spider-Man story.
By the way, did you see the Spider-Man or Captain America cameos in X-Men '97 ? The last time we saw Cap, he participated in the Secret Wars arc, where the Beyonder said everything would return to how it was originally — meaning Cap was returned to the time vortex. It would be interesting if you handled his return in a comic—perhaps weaving it into the story of how Peter found and saved Mj (I remember you mentioned having some ideas for that particular story). I really hope you are given the chance to write more limited series in this universe. The potential is huge, and I believe there is no one more trustworthy than you for the job (and I hope I’m not the only one who thinks so).
Lastly, I just want to say that I hope your work is respected and remains canon if the animated series is ever revived. Your ending combined with the X-Men '97 cameo allows for this easily — past events could simply be mentioned through exposition while telling new adventures. It would be great if they invited you to write an episode or an arc for a revived show, considering you’ve worked on so many iconic animated series. But let's live and see ! And lets hope that John Semper will be around to be involved as well.
So glad you enjoyed it, Muhammad! Deep thanks for your appreciation and enthusiasm. Here's to more '94 in the future!
ReplyDeleteHi, Mr DeMatteis.
ReplyDeleteYour comic has been great and I wish there will be more to come!!
I have a question, if you don't mind. In an episode from "X-Men '97", we had the debut of Cloak and Dagger in this reality, characters that never appeared back in the day. They were helping Daredevil against the invasion of the Sentinel Primes.
Wouldn't the debut of Cloak and Dagger be a good story for "Spider-Man '94"? This could also lead to the event of Silvermane becoming a cyborg (surely thanks to Alystair Smythe) and maybe Mr Negative.
At this point, I can't think about future storylines. I don't even know if there'll be another series; so there's no point in musing about it. That said, as soon as there's word about a future series (IF there's word about a future series), I'll absolutely announce it here!
DeleteI'll be burning in desires of news.
DeleteAnyway, it's not a bad idea to have plans ahead "just in case".
They have to grant you green light for more stories, or they will prove the don't deserve their jobs. All of us, fans from the 90s, have been waiting too long for this!!
Fingers crossed!
DeleteMr DeMatteis, as fan of the 90s animated series of Spider-Man, I thank you with all my heart for making this possible; and I hope Marvel will allow you to continue! I'm so happy Peter and the real MJ are back together after 30 years, but now I need to know HOW did he find her!!!
ReplyDeleteMadame Web was a quite interesting character in the series, acting like a mentor for Spidey; and she was voiced by the great Joan Lee (may she rest in peace alongside her husband). I suppose your comic proves that Madame Web kept her side of the bargain and helped Spider-Man find MJ. If the series continues (either by comic ar animated) it would be interesting to see her still acting like Spider-Man's mentor.
I suppose that, if they allow you to continue (which I hope), I suppose the return of the Green Goblin/Norman Osborn would be inevitable. Since this is the only animated version of Spider-Man who is currently married, this time for real, "The Night of the Goblin" could be a potential history to be adapted. I always wanted to see Peter becoming a father, probably having the counterpart of MC2's Mayday Parker.
I suppose you wouldn't allow Peter and MJ lose her baby like in the comic, right? Peter and MJ always get the best babies, so it's unforgivable Marvel don't allow them to keep them in 616.
If we get another shot at the '94 universe, the story of how Peter found Mary Jane and brought her home will be our top priority. Time will tell!
DeleteI hope we don't have to wait much for a confirmation.
DeleteAnd after the story of MJ's rescue, I hope the stories won't stop there. It called my attention the fact that Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) is now mayor of New York; and that can give us HUGE stories.
It's out of our hands and up to the Powers That Be at Marvel, so keep your fingers crossed!
DeleteThank you so much for making this possible!!!
ReplyDeleteMay I ask... What would be your idea around Peter finding MJ? Would it involve Spider-Man and Madame Web traveling to other bizarre realities, like the one of the Armored Spider-Man in the series?
One thing is for sure, however it happened, it would have to involve the return of the Green Goblin (Norman Osborn). After all, both Osborn and MJ ended up trapped in the same dimensional limbo.
You can ask, but I can't answer. Sorry! ; )
DeleteHey Dematties I'm a big fan of yours I just wanted to ask is this your last Spider-Man project or is there more to come? I did enjoy your 94 series but I did not like the art so much no offense, but you did a memorable series that hit the right notes for 94 animated series continuation, take care of yourself and please if you can keep on returning to the spider verse! Make mine marvel! You and Sal were best combination on spectacular spiderman!
ReplyDeleteYes, there will be more Spidey to come this year. (Top secret, for now.)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed '94 and thanks for the kind words re: my collaboration with Sal. How lucky was I to work with him?
Mr DeMatteis, your ending for this comic was precious: Peter and MJ reunited, officially married, and now Aunt May is involved in the secret too. A happy new beginning for my favourite version of Spider-Man!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, however, this kinda reminds me the time when J. Michael Straczynski was in charge; which included Spidey's first battle with Morlun and Aunt May learning Peter's secret.
Is there any chance this could lead him to be invited into the Avengers (or more likely, the New Avengers) bringing MJ and Aunt May with him? Just by curiosity. In the animated series, Spider-Man kinda formed the Avengers during the Secret Wars' arc; recruiting Captain America, Iron Man, Storm (replacing Thor) and the Lizard (emulating Hulk).
For the record: I had Aunt May discover Peter's secret in AMAZING #400...and that's the story I was melding into the animated universe.
DeleteAs for future stories: I'm still waiting to see if there will be ANY, but, if we do get the chance to continue, it's going to be an epic about Peter rescuing Mary Jane. At least that's what I'm hoping. The ball is in Marvel's court.
Marvel better give you a thumb up to continue, because this is too good to stop here, and it's bad enough they keep torturing poor Peter on 616.
DeleteYou mentioned Amazing Spider-Man #400... That worries me. In that comic, that Aunt May was an impostor while Norman Osborn kept the real one kidnapped. I suppose this wouldn't be the same, right? It was quite painful back in the day when they decided to make Peter and MJ lose their baby and instead bring old Aunt May back, ignoring Peter's secret. I don't want to see that again.
As for future stories, there's no argument that the very first thing we need is the story about how Peter rescued Mary Jane and returned home. But if you eventually can go even beyond that... Nothing will make me happier.
Time will tell!
DeleteI owe you so big for making Peter and Mary Jane be together again here. Thank you very much!!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I have to say, although my vote is "Peter and MJ forever", I always wanted to see the reactions of Peter and Felicia of discovering their identities as Spider-Man and Black Cat. It would be a big drama for a plot!
Nowadays, Mary Jane and Felicia are good friends; but back in the 90s (like in "Amazing Spider-Man #331"), Felicia's jealousy caused quite troubles for Mary Jane.
Wouldn't be interesting to explore this unsolved cliffhanger from the animated series? During the Secret Wars' arc, with Spider-Man having lost Mary Jane because of the "water clone", he looked very vulnerable and opened to Black Cat again.
Since we don't know if SPIDEY '94 is even coming back, I think it's time to table the suggestions. That said, I genuinely appreciate your enthusiasm...and if the series returns, you'll find out about it is right here. Thanks again for being such a fan of John Semper's unique take on Spideyworld!
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