- 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.
Aside from the late reveal, the issue is more setup for next issue’s payoff than anything else. As for Kaine, he’s largely on the sideline here as events play out. Will he intervene to help Reilly survive? Or, now that the girl is dead, will he make good on his threat to kill the other Scarlet Spider? For fans.
[Marvel, $3.99]