Scarlet Spider

• Title: Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider #25
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Peter David
• Artist: Bruno Oliveira

Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider #25 offers an end to the series featuring both Ben Reilly and Kaine as the Scarlet Spider but not really a conclusion. Following up on the previous issue, a dead and defeated Ben Reilly finds himself at the mercy of Mephisto. Apparently on his way to Hell, Ben is given another chance thanks to Abigail Mercury.

So the issue does give the Scarlet Spider a victory (and a rare escape from the evil clutches of Mephisto to boot), but ends by kicking off a much darker turn for the character. Should he and Kaine survive Spider-Geddon, what’s next for the Scarlet Spiders? Do Ben’s chances as a hero die here? The comic seems conflicted over an answer.

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• Title: Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider #23
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Peter David
• Artist: Will Sliney

With a cure for Abigail Mercury in his grasp, Ben Reilly sees things go sideways fast in an odd issue that features what appears to be an immortal version of the young girl from the future begging her mother not to save her. There’s actually an interesting dilemma here as Abigail makes a persuasive argument against the cure which would save her life. However, there’s actually more going on her than meets the eye.

It appears Ben has been hoodwinked again by Mephisto who was willing to yet an innocent girl die in order to destroy the relationships Ben has built in Las Vegas. Turns out having her daughter die as a pawn is more than enough to anger Cassandra into seeking revenge against the Scarlet Spider.

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• Title: Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider #20
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Peter David
• Artist: Will Sliney

With the battle with Mysterio and his daughter behind them, both Scarlet Spiders attempt to move on. For Ben Reilly that means continuing to try and save Abigail Mercury from the incurable Crooks’ disease. Tracking down the expert who has illuded him, the Scarlet Spider discovers why the willing scientist hasn’t been more responsive to his pleas: he’s unknowingly been a captive of Sauron.

The other storyline feels a lot like Kaine‘s short comic run as the other Scarlet Spider deals with a Mindless One left over from his trip to the other dimension who bonds with a spirited young boy to cause all kinds of havoc. Now all the hero needs to do is try and convince the kid to give up his invulnerable and destructive new friend who obeys all of his commands. Good luck.

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