There’s a reassuring feeling when you consume a new product from a pre-existing media you love. While nostalgia has become a hot-button topic, especially since companies have capitalized on people’s love of older media, there’s nothing wrong with dabbling with the occasional sentimentality of your youth. It’s a very human emotion to want to re-experience aspects of yesteryears, and to deny that part of yourself is like denying your humanity. Like all things, it’s fine to indulge in the great nostalgia once in a while, and Spider-Man ’94 #1 delivers that indulgence in spades. It’s a welcoming feeling to read new stories featuring this version of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson from the seminal Spider-Man animated series, which ran from 1994 to 1998.
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Spider-Man ’94 #1 is like covering yourself in a warm blanket on a cold day, or seeing friends you haven’t talked to in a while. The issue has fundamental problems, with a mix-match art that doesn’t really reflect the original animated series. Moreover, some of the drama between Peter and MJ doesn’t work, and the story comes across as inconsequential. Nonetheless, it’s still such a joy to read new stories of this version of Spider-Man and the extended cast. The comic scratches a specific itch that fans have been waiting for thirty years.
Spider-Man ’94 #1 is a Welcome Return to the 90s
Fans expecting this comic to resolve the major cliffhanger from the original series will be disappointed. After Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson made a cameo in the animated series X-Men ’97, fans were ecstatic to see the pair reunited after they were tragically separated in the original series. MJ fell into a portal, taking her into an unknown dimension. Peter would end up finding and marrying a clone version of MJ, not realizing her true identity later when the clone dissolved. The original series ended without Peter reuniting with MJ, but the final scene has Spider-Man heading off to find her.
Spider-Man ’94 #1 begins with Peter having already found MJ and both of them back in their original dimension. An editorial box promises the tale of how Peter rescued MJ would be told “eventually.” Many fans would no doubt find that explanation disheartening, as most would be reading this miniseries under the assumption that it would tell the story of how Peter saves MJ, when, instead, the comics take place afterwards. It feels as if Marvel is saving that story for another project, possibly a full-on animated continuation that it wants to make on the heels of X-Men ’97‘s success.
Artist Jim Towe offers plenty of creative panel structuring and fun web-slinging, but doesn’t perfectly represent the classic 90s series. Towe’s body proportions are substantially thinner than the original show, making characters like Peter and MJ appear much younger than they are in the show. Furthermore, Towe’s faces are extremely off, giving each character small eyes and little facial features. On its own, Towe’s work is adequate, but it doesn’t replicate the aesthetics of the original series.
Fortunately, writer J.M. DeMatteis delivers a solid script that correctly gets the characterization of the characters. Even though the initial drama between Peter and MJ felt forced and came and went as quickly as it was introduced, it’s undeniably sweet to see these versions of the characters again. The standout moment is when the pair declares they will get married again, to the confusion of Aunt May. With Ultimate Spider-Man in domesticated bliss, fans have reached a new golden era of a happily married Peter Parker in the comics. It’s comics like these that make you question why Peter needs to be single to tell compelling stories.
Whereas the original Spider-Man animated show adapted the tone and atmosphere of the ’90s comics, Spider-Man ’94 #1 moves ahead and introduces elements from the 2000s comics. This includes Morlun, one of Spidey’s deadliest foes. Kaine also plays a major role in the issue, yet both villains feel superficial to the main story between Peter and Mary Jane. They are more of an obstacle to the characters’ happiness, well, them and MJ’s Aunt Annie. The fight scene between Peter and Kaine is likely Towe’s high point, presenting the action in a clear and precise way.
Those going into Spider-Man ’94 #1 expecting to read a story of how Peter rescues Mary Jane will be slightly disappointed. However, if you’re looking for more stories taking place in the classic 90s continuity, then this comic offers an enjoyable and nostalgic trip down memory lane. One day, we will get the true follow-up to the animated series cliffhanger, but, for now, Spider-Man ’94 #1 is a fun comic book.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
What did you think of J.M. DeMatteis’ and Jim Towe’s Spider-Man ’94 #1? Let us know in the comments!
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Image courtesy of Lucasfilm
