Ben Reilly. The name itself evokes a sense of mystery in the Spider-Man mythos. Is he a friend or a Foe? Reilly’s background has always been shrouded in mystery and there is not much known about him.
Whether cloning shenanigans, superhero resurrections, and a whole lot of existential angst, it is safe to say Ben Reilly’s story is a wild ride. Also, with the upcoming ‘Spider-Noir‘ live-action on the way, people have a lot of questions. So, let’s take a look at his history.
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All About Ben Reilly Aka The Scarlet Spider
Ben Reilly first arrived in 1975’s Amazing Spider-Man #149 and was portrayed to be an enigma right from the beginning. Originally intended to be an exact replica of Peter Parker in every way, Ben was also furnished with memories and feelings similar to that of Peter’s thanks to the work of the mad scientist Jackal.
Jackal’s motivation was driven by his obsession with Gwen Stacy and his desire for revenge against Spider-Man, whom he blamed for her death. The story arc followed a scenario where both Peter Parker and Ben Reilly were convinced they were the original Spider-Man. The narrative left fans questioning who the “real” Spider-Man was.
Moreover, after their initial confrontation, Ben Reilly believed himself to be the clone and decided to leave New York to allow Peter to continue his life. He adopted the name ‘Ben Reilly,’ combining Uncle Ben’s first name with Aunt May’s maiden name, Reilly.
The entire ‘clone saga’ plot that played out through the nineties was tangled and distorted with retcons and changing sides. Furthermore, for some time, Ben became the one to take up the responsibility of being Spider-Man, while Peter Parker was left to deal with the issues of his own mortality and the clone.
However, the story arc took another dramatic turn when it was ultimately revealed that Peter was indeed the original Spider-Man, and Ben was the clone. This revelation resulted in a final battle where Ben sacrificed himself to save Peter and their allies. He then disintegrates upon death, confirming his status as a clone.
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The Legacy Of The Scarlet Spider
The recent ‘Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy’ storyline finally put the whole clone saga to rest. Ben was definitively confirmed as a distinct individual, not just a copy of Peter. Additionally, this opened doors for exciting new possibilities for the Scarlet Spider.
In ‘The Clone Conspiracy’, Ben was resurrected by the Jackal and took on the Jackal’s identity for a span of time. He attempted to use cloning technology to achieve his vision of a world without death. Additionally, Despite his good intentions, his methods were extreme, leading to conflict with Spider-Man and other heroes.
Following these events, Ben wanted to redeem himself and returned to the mantle of Scarlet Spider. He moved to Las Vegas, where he tried to rebuild his life and make amends for his past actions. This journey was chronicled in the ‘Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider‘ series, highlighting his internal struggles and quest for redemption.
Moreover, Ben’s story is a complex tapestry of identity, sacrifice, and heroism. As the Scarlet Spider, he has carved out his own legacy within the Spider-Man saga. He proved that even a clone can be a hero in his own right. With his unique perspective and experiences, Ben continues to be a fascinating character in the Marvel Universe.
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