Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #17 Review

Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #17

 

Writer: Peter David

Artist: Will Sliney

Color Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg

Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Khary Randolph & Emilio Lopez

Assistant Editor: Tom Groneman

Editor: Devin Lewis

Executive Editor: Nick Lowe

Editor in Chief: C. B. Cebulski

Chief Creative Officer: Joe Quesada

President: Dan Buckley

Executive Producer: Alan Fine

 

“Screw it. And screw Mephisto.” –Ben Reilly/ Scarlet Spider

 

 

Plot: Ben Reilly made a deal with Mephisto to save the life of Abigail and as well as his tarnished soul. All he has to do is betray the Midnight Sons. However, Ben, being the smart guy he is, decides that it’s not such a good idea, given that, you know, Mephisto is known for lying or going back on deals in a way that doesn’t exactly violate the deal, but makes sure that the one he made the deal with comes out losing somehow anyway (I mean, who’d be crazy enough to actually make a deal with that guy?). While the Midnight Sons continue battling the demonic menaces that have besieged the city of Las Vegas (including some possessed Avengers), Ben runs into Kaine, aka the other Scarlet Spider, who also just so happens to also be possessed.

 

 

Armed with some holy water, Ben manages to bring Kaine back to normal. Kaine sets out to use an entire fountain of holy water in hopes of curing the rest of those afflicted with demonic possession while Ben regroups with the rest of the Midnight Sons, hoping to end this battle once and for all.

 

The Good: Man, dig that Will Sliney art! I will never tire of seeing this guy draw a Spidey-related title, whether it’s this or the much missed Spider-Man 2099 title. He has such a distinctive look to his work and his facial expressions are the best.

 

 

See what I mean?

 

Peter David is also at the top of his game here with the humor and quips he excels at writing (the scene with June was particularly fun), and the plot kept me entertained the whole time. The issue was over before I knew it and I was definitely wanting more (in a good way!).

 

The Bad: Oy, those sleeves on Ben’s costume on the cover still bug the crap out of me. They look like flowers growing around his arms. Otherwise, I wanted to like the cover for its nice layout, but… yeah, the sleeves were an eyesore.

 

As with most crossovers, “Damnation” feels like you’re not getting the whole story if you simply stick to the Scarlet Spider title like I am (fortunately you can mostly figure out the important stuff, but still), but for what you’re given here, it’s a very entertaining read.

 

This issue’s getting an 8/10 demons from me. This is the kind of quality I would like to see from this title in the future.