Spider-Man 1994 Animated Series Cliffhanger to Be Resolved in Comic Sequel

On Jan. 31, 1998, audiences tuned in to watch the season 5 finale of Spider-Man: The Animated Series. Peter Parker defeated the antagonist and prepared to reunite with Mary Jane Watson after separation due to clone and multiversal plots. That storyline was supposed to resolve in season 6, but the show never returned. For nearly three decades, fans have waited to learn if Peter and Mary Jane reunite. That wait is ending.

John Semper, the original writer behind Spider-Man: The Animated Series, has announced that he will continue where season 5 left off in a new comic special. Spider-Man ’94 Annual #1 will be released on Dec. 9, with Semper writing and Alessio Cammardella providing the art. Last year, Marvel released the five-issue series Spider-Man ’94 without Semper’s involvement. That series followed the continued adventures of Peter and Mary Jane but avoided directly showing their reunion. The couple also appeared briefly in X-Men ’97 season 1. Semper’s upcoming Annual takes place between the season 5 finale and the start of Spider-Man ’94.

I’m thrilled to announce that with the upcoming Spider-Man ’94 Annual #1, I will be returning to the world of Spider-Man. After 30 years, I’m finally getting to resolve the ending of my iconic animated series and tell the story of Peter finding Mary Jane. I want to thank everyone… — John Semper Jr. (@johnsemper) September 23, 2026

Speaking to CBR, Semper discussed the effect the cliffhanger had on fans. He stated that he did not realize what kind of trauma the lack of closure would cause for millions of children across the world. He added that the upcoming Annual provides that closure. Over the years, Semper revealed several ideas for what the original sixth season would have looked like. Possibilities included the appearance of Ghost Rider and time travel to the 19th century where Jack the Ripper would be revealed as Carnage. Spider-Man ’94 Annual will not cover all those ideas, focusing instead on wrapping up Peter and Mary Jane’s story.

Could Spider-Man: The Animated Series ever return?

Some fans may feel disappointed that the return to Spider-Man: The Animated Series happens in a comic rather than a revival of the show. Marvel and Disney have experienced great success with X-Men ’97, a continuation of the original X-Men cartoon. That show finished its second season, and two more seasons are confirmed.

Still, Marvel and Disney are unlikely to give Spider-Man: The Animated Series the same treatment because the major cliffhanger is resolved in a comic. A revival could also complicate prospects for Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, the current animated series starring Spider-Man, which premieres its second season early next year.

Source: Polygon