Warning: contains spoilers for Devil’s Reign #1!
Marvel’s next major Civil War-type event is happening in Devil’s Reign, a Daredevil-centric event that sees the entire superhero community attacked – including Spider-Man and his many allies. Daredevil and Spider-Man have fought together before and in any other scenario, the Man Without Fear teaming up with the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man should be a foregone conclusion. But this isn’t the Spider-Man readers know…and his new corporate masters won’t be happy with his choices.
In Devil’s Reign, the Kingpin uses his power as the Mayor of New York (perhaps as a prelude to his run for President) to unleash devastation amongst the superhero community of New York. He reveals new sweeping legislation effectively outlawing any vigilante action by superpowered individuals – or otherwise – within the city limits. Heroes like the Fantastic Four are arrested, Moon Knight is attacked and even Miles Morales is pursued immediately after rescuing a civilian from a burning building. As was the case in the last major conflict involving the freedom of superheroes to act as public defenders, Captain America saves his fellow heroes…and he isn’t alone.
Spider-Man leaps onto the scene alongside Daredevil and Elektra and saves Miles and Captain America. There are now two Spider-Men breaking the law and acting as superheroes in New York. But judging by his new dark suit and the legs of the spider logo extending past the red webbed pattern, this Spider-Man isn’t Peter Parker – he’s Ben Reilly, Peter’s identical clone from the infamous Clone Saga of the 90s. Peter is in the hospital with radiation poisoning and Ben has taken up his name as New York’s new Spider-Man…but he’s bankrolled in part by the Beyond Corporation. Therein lies the problem: How is Beyond allowing Spider-Man to break the law?
The Beyond Corporation monitors Ben Reilly at all times, especially when he’s out as Spider-Man. The group’s ultimate motivations are quite nebulous but as a company, their flagship “product” fighting police and helping vigilantes is terrible for Beyond’s reputation, not to mention their bottom line. In addition, Beyond is currently suing Miles Morales for using the name Spider-Man, so to see Ben actively helping Miles is certainly an action Beyond won’t take lightly.
Devil’s Reign has only just begun, but the first issue leaves the reader with more questions than answers. Either Ben Reilly is acting without Beyond’s authorization, or the company is allowing their star employee to break the law. Whatever the case, readers will discover more about Spider-Man’s true purpose in Devil’s Reign as the event continues.
