Review: Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider (2017) #17
The Damnation tie-in comes to an end with this issue of Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider. Check out our full review!
Writer: Peter David
Artist: Will Sliney
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artists: Khary Randolph & Emilio Lopez
In the previous issue, Ben made a deal with the devil (Mephisto, to be exact). When this issue begins, we know that it is something he’s struggling with. At first, he tries to make it look like he’s helping Mephisto win against the Midnight Sons, but that changes by the end of the issue.
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There has been plenty of action throughout these tie-in issues and I just want to applaud Will Sliney for his work. He has to draw a ton of heroes in their usual form and as demons. He manages to do that well and I won’t lie, the heroes who turned demonic look cool. It’s almost like seeing everyone in Ghost Rider form.
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There’s a lot of introspection that happens for Ben in this issue, too. He’s going up against Kaine, who was demonized, and once he saves him, the two have a chat. While they talk, you can see how Ben has been agonizing over saving Abigail. He wants to do the right thing, he just hasn’t found the right way to go about it yet.
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So far, this run has been great at showing different sides to the Scarlet Spider. Despite having a run as a villain, he’s trying to make a change for the better. Since it’s not one he can just make over time, it’s been enjoyable to see him go through the ups and downs.
Peter David, Will Sliney, Rachelle Rosenberg. . Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #17. A-.
As far as Damnation goes, though, the story is set to conclude in Damntation #4 and Doctor Strange #389 will be the final tie-in. I’ve only been following along through this title, but you can bet that I’ll be going back to check out the rest now.