'They Are NOT My Creative Choices': Spider-Man: TAS Producer Has Thoughts About Marvel Continuing His Story

1 week ago 7

Spider-Man and Mary Jane on the cover to Spider-Man 94

Spider-Man: The Animated Series writer and producer John Semper has spoken out to confirm that he is not involved in Marvel's upcoming continuation of the series. The publisher recently announced a four-part limited series that picks up where the show left off.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Semper shared a statement confirming how Marvel did not consult him or even ask him prior to continuing his fan-favorite animated series. "I got a text message this morning [...] telling me that Marvel is 'continuing' my Spider-Man animated series in comic book form [...] since I will no doubt be asked about it by fans of the series: NO, I am NOT involved with this comic book and no one at Marvel approached me to be involved in any way."

Marvel's 10-Year-Old Secret Wars Will Expand in This Newly Announced Story

Marvel announces a new Secret Wars story and reveals details about the new cast of heroes -- and which universe's they're coming from.

Spider-Man: TAS Producer Slams Marvel For Not Reaching Out

Semper's statement went on to praise the new Spider-Man comic series' writer while doubling down that anything fans read in the new series is not his creative direction. The newly announced comic series is set to begin with Spider-Man '94 #1, releasing on Sept. 3. "The internet tells me that J.M. DeMatteis is the writer of the comic book, and I have nothing but the greatest respect for him. His amazing body of work over the years in both animation and comic books speaks for itself, and I'm positive this new comic is in great hands."

While Semper praised DeMatteis's work, he still added, "Where he now chooses to take the series story-wise is entirely his decision. But, for the record, they are NOT my creative choices, nor do they represent any oversight by me."

Semper went on to slam Marvel for not consulting him before continuing his beloved work. "Yes, it would have been nice (some might even say, respectful) if Marvel had reached out to me at some point as a courtesy. But I have long ago abandoned all expectation that Marvel would acknowledge any of my contributions to the Marvel universe - like, for instance, my creation of what is now known as the 'Spider-Verse.'"

Legendary Spider-Man Creator Returning After Nearly 20-Year Absence

After a nearly twenty-year absence, J. Michael Straczynski has returned to Amazing Spider-Man with a new miniseries

While Semper expressed his disappointment in Marvel not reaching out about Spider-Man '94, he did remain in good spirits about the show's landmark anniversary. "I wish them well and encourage us all to celebrate with good cheer this 30th anniversary of Spider-Man: The Animated Series," Semper wrote. "Keep your eyes on all my socials, especially YouTube, because I intend to launch my own celebration of my series in the very near future! In the immortal words of my mentor, Stan the Man... 'Nuff said!"

Marvel's official summary of Spider-Man '94 teases that it will pick up directly where the animated series left off. Peter Parker heads back to New York City with Mary Jane Watson as two of Spider-Man's greatest villains from the comics make their animated universe debut. DeMatteis is joined by rising star artist Jim Towe for the four-issue limited series.

Spider-Man '94 #1 goes on sale Sept 3, 2025 from Marvel Comics.

Source: X (formerly Twitter)