Written by: J.M. DeMatteis
Pencils by: James Towe
Cover by: Nick Bradshaw
As a massive fan of the original Spider-Man: The Animated Series from the 90s, I’ve waited years—decades even—for this kind of return. And let me tell you right now: Spider-Man ’94 (2025) #1 is worth the wait.
Right from the jump, this comic feels like it was pulled straight out of Saturday morning. But here’s the magic trick—it doesn’t feel old, dated, or like it’s trying to cash in on nostalgia alone. Instead, it captures the soul of the cartoon while still updating it for modern storytelling sensibilities. That’s no easy feat, but DeMatteis and Towe make it look effortless.
PROS:
A Modern Throwback That Works
One of the first things that hits you is how smooth the tone feels. This doesn’t read like a fan-fiction continuation or a half-hearted “remember this?” reboot. It’s a natural progression of where the cartoon left off—older, wiser, but still full of that colorful energy.
James Towe’s art walks the line between retro and fresh beautifully. It channels the style of the animated series but with cleaner lines, more modern paneling, and expressive faces that really elevate the emotional moments. You can tell the creative team isn’t just doing a copy-paste job—they’re evolving the look while honoring what came before.
The Stakes? Already Sky-High
We’re not eased into the action here. Kaine and Morlun show up early and immediately raise the stakes. The threat isn’t vague or slowly building—this is personal, right now, and dangerously close to home. Peter isn’t just worried about saving the city—he’s worried about protecting his family.
Seeing villains like Morlun in the context of the animated universe is a cool twist. He feels out of place in the best way—a force of modern Spider-Man storytelling intruding into the world of simpler, more classic threats. It’s unsettling, and it should be.
Love, Loss, and MJ
But for me, the real heart of this issue is Peter and MJ. This comic doesn’t shy away from the emotional trauma Peter has been carrying—losing MJ, and now having her back. There’s a real weight to their conversations, the kind that makes you pause after a panel just to sit with what was said.
They don’t feel like they’ve picked up exactly where they left off—they feel like people who’ve been through something, and are trying to hold on to what they’ve reclaimed. It’s intimate, raw, and beautifully written. Their marriage feels strong but fragile, like they’re both trying so hard to protect the peace they finally have.
Family Tension Hits Close to Home
The book doesn’t just focus on superheroics—it hits just as hard in the quiet, domestic moments. The scene between Peter and Aunt Anna is surprisingly emotional. She still doesn’t approve of Peter, and their strained relationship adds a subtle layer of realism. Because sometimes, being a hero doesn’t win you every battle—especially the ones at the dinner table.
These kinds of conflicts—the everyday ones—are what made the original cartoon feel grounded. And this comic remembers that.
CONS:
If I had one gripe with the issue, it’s that we still don’t have a clear explanation of how MJ came back. For fans who’ve been holding onto that cliffhanger for years, it’s a little frustrating to have it glossed over in favor of moving the plot forward. Here’s hoping we get that full emotional payoff soon.
A Legacy Continued, Not Imitated
More than anything, Spider-Man ’94 feels like a perfect follow-up to the animated series. It honors everything that made the show work—big action, emotional stakes, Peter’s relentless sense of responsibility—while not being afraid to bring in new elements. It’s doing what X-Men ’97 did so well earlier this year: continuing a beloved story without feeling like it’s stuck in the past.
This isn’t a reboot. It’s a continuation that respects its roots and trusts its readers to grow with it.
Spider-Man ’94 #1 is everything I wanted from a continuation of the 90s cartoon and more. It delivers high-stakes action, emotional weight, and deeply personal storytelling that hits harder than any nostalgic gimmick ever could.
Whether it’s Peter and MJ navigating their fragile peace, Kaine and Morlun crashing the party with serious menace, or the uncomfortable family dynamics that feel all too real—this issue hits every note. The art is stellar, the writing’s sharp, and the tone is that perfect blend of classic and current.
My only complaint? I need issue #2 now.
FINAL GRADE: A — A strong start that hits the heart and the fists. Welcome back, my childhood Spidey. We missed you.
English (US) · 