Copyright Marvel Comics
2022 will be a great year for comic book characters, if recent buzz is anything to go by. Michael Uslan has teased 2022 being the important anniversary of three Batman products (Batman Returns 30th anniversary, Batman: The Animated Series 30th anniversary, the 55th anniversary of Batgirl’s debut) as well as the 40th anniversary of Wes Craven’s Swamp Thing. 2022 also marks the 60th anniversary of Amazing Fantasy #15, the first appearance of Peter Parker and his original iteration of Spider-Man. Today, though, has seen Steve Orlando tease a future Spider-Man 2099 series to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the futuristic alternate timeline, known simply as ‘2099‘.
Just days after Sony released a teaser trailer for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Part One, which prominently features Spider-Man 2099, Steve Orlando has released a preview of his and Paul Fry’s upcoming project. Orlando pokes fun at the teaser trailer and its inclusion of Spider-Man 2099 in a potentially villainous role.
“Was it me, or was everything talking about spiders this weekend? Someone fill me in. I’ve been busy with something from me and [artist Paul Fry], hitting next year from Marvel. #SpiderMan2099.” – Steve Orlando on Twitter
Black and white preview of upcoming Spider-Man 2099, art by Paul Fry. @PaulFry1138
Interestingly, Orlando’s upcoming Spider-Man 2099 project isn’t the first of the 2099 universe we will see next year. Marauders Annual #1, due on the 12th of January, sets in motion X-Men 2099 villains Brimstone Love and Theater of Pain in their first 616 continuity appearance. 2022 may just be the year of 2099, with hopefully more revivals of the fan-favourite universe.
The 2099 universe was an immediate hit with fans, and has remained at the forefront of alternate-universe storytelling at the house of M ever since. Nick Spencer brought Spider-Man 2099 into the main Spider-Man series in 2019, and launched a short lived but well received revival of Spider-Man 2099. Steve Orlando, most popularly known for his work with DC Comics, looks set to lead a new revival in the coming months, and we cannot wait!
In case you missed it, check out the Across the Spider-Verse Part One teaser here:
Words: Graeme Small
Comics Editor.
