Warning: SPOILERS for Amazing Spider-Man #15
Marvel’s Spider-Man is known for his many spider-counterparts, including past selves, alternate-dimension superheroes, and a cavalcade of clones – and his most famous just proved to be the strongest Spider-Man. Peter Parker’s clone from a one-off story in the 70s returned in the 90s for a massively-unpopular story arc, then again in 2017, then again in 2021 – and now Ben Reilly has returned again. In Amazing Spider-Man #15, the clone returns, but this time as a villain.
The Spider-Man Clone Saga in the early 90s sold quite well, but overstayed its welcome considerably; in the event-laden 90s, Marvel editorial demanded the story continue for nearly two years, and the writing team created a large amount of plot twists as a result. From the death of Aunt May to the existence of a third clone to the revelation that Peter himself was the clone and Ben Reilly the original, the Clone Saga remains a low point in the Spider-Man franchise mythos (and many of the aforementioned plot elements would later be retconned out of existence in later issues). But one element remained a constant: Ben Reilly is a perfect copy of Peter Parker, thus the two are equally matched in strength.
This changes, however, in Amazing Spider-Man #15, written by Zeb Wells with art by Ed McGuinness. While swinging through the city responding to multiple threats after the Dark Web crossover event, Peter Parker attempts to join the Gold Goblin (the former Green Goblin, now a hero) on the streets to defend the city. Unfortunately, he’s too late – the Gold Goblin lies defeated on the street before the green-and-purple Chasm: Ben Reilly’s new villainous name.
The Fight That Proves Ben Reilly Is Stronger Than Spider-Man
Spider-Man and the Green Goblin have fought plenty of times in the past, but in general, Marvel writers tend to depict Norman Osborn as the physically stronger of the two. Peter is usually shown defeated the Goblin using his brains, not brawn – so it’s quite shocking to see Peter’s clone (with, ostensibly, the same abilities) take down Norman in such a devastating manner. It must be noted that Chasm may have new abilities after the previous issue (in which he acquired some magic abilities), but those do not appear to be a factor here.
Peter and Chasm are destined to fight one-on-one after this issue (considering the fact that the series has built up the clone’s return considerably), but it is unknown how exactly how Spider-Man will defeat his clone this time around. At his heart, Ben Reilly is a good person, but he has been used by multiple people throughout his life, resulting in repressed anger. Against Chasm, Spider-Man can no longer win in a fair fight – but Peter outthinks his opponents more often than not.
