John Semper Jr., who pioneeredMarvel’s“Spider-Verse” as the showrunner ofSpider-Man: The Animated Series, confirmed that he has no involvement in the upcoming comic book continuation of the show,Spider-Man#94; in fact,Semper stated that he “long ago abandoned all expectations that Marvel would acknowledge any of [his] contributions to the Marvel Universe.”
Semper posted a statement on X, explaining that he learned about the sequel comic to the beloved early ‘90sSpider-Mancartoon from a friend, rather than from Marvel. He wished the comic’s author, J.D. DeMatteis, the best of luck, but was emphatic about his own lack of involvement.
While the statement certainly contains a hint of dissatisfaction with Marvel, but ultimately, it is more a matter of disappointment, as John Semper simply wants to be given credit, where it’s due, for his innovative “Spider-Verse” concept, which has gone on to be massively successful for Marvel in multiple mediums.
“Spider-Verse” Pioneer John Semper Jr. Has Stopped Expecting Marvel To Give Him Credit
TheSpider-Man: The Animated SeriesShowrunner Responded To Marvel’s Comic Continuation
Spider-Man: The Animated Seriesran for sixty-five episodes, and John Semper Jr. has a writing or story credit on nearly every single one.That includes the unforgettable two-part series finale, referred to as the “Spider Wars” arc, which brought togetherversions of Spider-Manfromacross the Marvel Multiversefor one final, spectacular adventure. For over a decade, this arguably remained the definitive Spidey crossover story, or at least, the one held in the highest regard by fans of the franchise. That is, until the “Spider-Verse"concept was revived by Marvel, on the page, and on screen.
The “Spider-Verse” has become more and more integral to Marvel lore, but for creator John Sempere, this is bittersweet, because his introduction of the idea at the end ofThe Animated Serieshas gone unrecognized by the company.
Most notably,Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the first in a still-incomplete trilogy of animated films, was released in 2018, exposing the concept to an entirely new generation of fans. Since then, the"Spider-Verse” has become more and more integralto Marvel lore, but for creator John Semper, this is bittersweet, because his introduction of the idea at the end ofThe Animated Serieshas gone unrecognized by the company. It seems as though his role in the evolution of the “Spider-Verse” has been relegated to a footnote, rather than being celebrated.
The “Spider-Verse” Has Become Essential To Marvel Lore, So Why Not Shout-Out It’s Earliest Innovator?
Especially With A Reprise Of His Work Coming Up
The newly announcedSpider-Man ‘94comic series will serve as adirect continuation ofSpider-Man: The Animated Series, and thus, will begin in the aftermath of the foundational “Spider-Verse” storyline.“It would have been nice (some might even say, respectful) if Marvel had reached out to me at some point as a courtesy,” John Semper Jr. wrote in his statement, responding to the news of the follow-up. It is unclear why Marvel has no working relationship with Semper, but it is clear that Semper himself is not holding out for this to change any time soon.
Without question, Semper’s role inSpider-Manhistory is underappreciated. The role of a television showrunner has evolved over the past thirty years, and in that time it has taken on more prestige, but Semper shepherdedSpider-Man: The Animated Seriesat a time when TV show creators, especially on animated children’s programs, tended to toil in obscurity. However, it would be fitting forMarvelto at least cite Semper as the progenitor of the “Spider-Verse” idea in its early incarnation, considering the fixture ofSpider-Manin animation, live-action, and comics this novel concept fromSpider-Man: The Animated Serieshas become.
