Written by J.M. DeMatteis | Pencils by James Towe | Published October 8, 2025
OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:
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!
“Broken Mirrors and Brutal Truths”
It’s hard to believe this is only the second issue of Spider-Man ’94, because it already feels like it’s deep in its own saga. That’s a testament to how seamlessly this series weaves together the nostalgia of the classic Spider-Man: The Animated Series with the rich, layered storytelling of the comics—especially the arcs involving Morlun and Kaine. With each page, it becomes clear: this isn’t just a love letter to the past. It’s a full-on continuation and elevation of it.
PROS:
Peter Parker and the Women Who Know Him Best
One of the strongest aspects of this issue is how the women in Peter’s life are given the space to explore him. Not just Spider-Man—the icon, the superhero—but Peter Parker, the man, the flawed human being. Mary Jane, in particular, shines in her interactions with Aunt Anna. Their shared concern, frustration, and love for Peter gives the issue an emotional core that feels honest and, at times, uncomfortably real.
Even MJ acknowledges that Aunt Anna may have a point—and that’s saying something. It’s the kind of introspection that makes Peter’s world feel lived in, and it adds a maturity to this continuation of the cartoon universe that’s deeply welcome.
Morlun and Kaine: A Tale of Horror and Tragedy
The action hits hard—literally. Spider-Man’s brutal showdown with Morlun doesn’t pull its punches, and it mirrors the original comic book arc that introduced Morlun in the early 2000s. He’s as terrifying as ever: stealing life forces, breaking backs, and towering like a force of nature rather than a mere villain.
But the real heartbreak comes from Kaine. We finally get a closer look at his inner torment—the way he’s trapped in a horrific cycle of death and resurrection, each time serving as nothing more than fuel for Morlun’s power. It’s tragic and compelling. Kaine’s hatred is brewing, and it feels like the next few issues might explore a dangerous turning point for him.
The Art: Retro Meets Modern
James Towe continues to impress. The art manages to evoke the look and feel of the classic animated series while still being bold and fresh enough for today’s audience. The action is fluid, the facial expressions land, and the color palette strikes a balance between gritty and pop. That final panel reveal of Kraven the Hunter? Utterly electric. It’s a mic-drop moment that has me counting the days till the next issue.
A Legion of Nostalgia
One of the unexpected joys of this issue was the return of Spider-Man’s so-called “Legion of Losers.” Their inclusion brought some levity and flavor to the otherwise intense plotline. It’s a wink to longtime fans without distracting from the emotional weight or stakes.
CONS:
If I have one nitpick? I still want a more concrete explanation of what exactly happened to MJ and Peter leading into this run. There’s been so much emotional fallout hinted at—now’s the time to fill in the blanks.
Final Thoughts:
This issue continues what is shaping up to be one of the most thoughtful, emotionally charged, and action-packed Spider-Man titles on the stands. It honors the cartoon. It elevates the source comics. And it delivers both emotional weight and punch-to-the-gut action with style. This is one new series that I believe I will be sticking to until the very end. It is successfully bringing me back to my childhood, while also getting me more and more excited for this new era of comic book storytelling. I am looking forward to what Kraven has in store for everybody, as well.
RATING: B+
“What does it mean to be a hero in a world that keeps punishing you for caring?”
Spider-Man ‘94 keeps asking the hard questions—and it keeps swinging for the stars while doing it.
English (US) · 