Advance Review: Ben Reilly Spider-Man #1 (of 5)

For me, with all of the history of Spider-Man to consider, with the obvious exception of Amazing Fantasy #15, there has been a major highlight and one massive low light to enjoy and dislike respectively. With the writing of J. M. DeMatteis on this book that features Ben Reilly, Marvel has served up both the loved and the loathed in one issue.

Very much like the fairly recent Symbiote Spider-Man book, this series aims to fill-in some blanks in Spider-Man lore. This time however we are looking at the time when Ben Reilly was in town as Spider-Man. Being a clone of Peter Parker causes all sorts of personal issues; think the usualParker drama though caused by different events. After all, can you really say that Ben Reilly didn’t stop the burglar that would go on to kill Uncle Ben? With this being New York there are villains to deal with; but in this case, not all monsters are obvious. Throw in the Ravencroft Institute and a serial killer and we are firmly DeMatteis territory.

I have been a huge DeMatteis fan for many years. Despite my distaste for anything Clone Saga related, the pull of DeMatteis was enough for me to check the book out. I am glad I did to be honest as between the covers the writing is exceptional. DeMatteis gives us Reilly who isn’t happy with his lot in life, yet he still retains the caring of others that is a prerequisite of a hero. The monologue sets the tone for the book, which is further increased with the selection of the villains featured. I will say that I found a certain interaction reminiscent of a Two-Face encounter, though that is hardly a damning critique. Reilly and Parker are different characters, probably best emphasised by the lack of wise-cracking as Spider-Man. DeMatteis skilfully deals with educating readers of the past, keeping the pace of the story current whilst also laying threads for future issues.

David Baldeón provides the art, delivering a style that at times is cartooning and other times feels over emphasised, kind of over stretched. While the former does allow for greater facial movements and expressions, it’s the latter that affects the eye with odd poses and at times poor perspectives. I do love all the details that Baldeón fits into Reilly’s apartment. So a mixed bag for sure. Colors are supplied by Isreal Silva who does a great job throughout the book with depth, nuance coupled with a polished finished that gives the book an animated look. VC’s Joe Caramagna looks to emulate the font from DeMatteis most famous (probably) book, Kraven’s Last Hunt AKA Fearful Symmetry. A quick shout out to a couple of covers; the main cover from Steve Skroce and Dave Stewart carries a Sal Buscema style homage, with Alex Malev’s being suitably creepy.

With Ben Reilly being Spider-Man over in Amazing, now is the perfect time to give the fans more Reilly, especially given as how far removed we are from the dreaded Clone Saga. Of course Peter will be back soon, but this series could end up giving Reilly his own set of Rogues which could lead to a full run down the line.

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 4 Stars

Written by; J. M. DeMatteis
Art by; David Baldeón
Colors by; Isreal Silva
Letters by; VC’s Joe Caramagna
Covers by; Steve Skroce and Dave Stewart, Alex Malev
Published by; Marvel Worldwide Inc.

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network