Deron Generally
Deron Generally
Ben Reilly Spider-Man #2
Marvel Comics
Written by J.M. DeMatteis
Art by David Baldeon
Colors by Israel Silva
Letters by Joe Caramagna
The Rundown: Ben faces off against familiar foes as he tries to forge a life of his own.
Ben’s sleep is interrupted by the presence of Scorpion in his room ready for a fight. What’s worse is that Gargan knows that Ben is Spider-Man and wants to challenge him. Ben chases him through the city and back to a place where Ben was manipulated. A place that was connected to the man who destroyed his life. In the aftermath of their fight, Ben heads to Ravencroft to discover that Scorpion never escaped and that’s when the real mystery begins.
With his list of suspects getting smaller, Ben decides to try something new to determine who is coming after him. At the same time, another woman disappears and Ben returns to another place that is connected to him. A place that prompts him to try to forge a real life as Ben Reilly. Unfortunately that attempt will be interrupted by more Spider-Man related drama. Drama in the form of another foe that has tracked him down.
The Story: DeMatteis delivers a wonderful, introspective and sometimes somber story in this issue. The plot has great tension throughout and the mystery unfolding within it is compelling. I love seeing the moments of Ben trying to determine who he is and what he wants. What makes the story even better is how it challenges the character when he tries to move out of from behind the walls he’s erected around himself. Great storytelling throughout.
The Art: David Baldeon is one of my favorite artists for a reason and this issue confirms it with the brilliantly detailed designs and characters along with explosive and visually thrilling action.
Ben Reilly Spider-Man #2
