Web of Scarlet Spider

(Marvel, 1995-1996)
™ and ©1995 Marvel Entertainment Group

Here’s the whole confusing story: Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive spider and became Spider-Man. Years later, a villain named the Jackal would clone Peter Parker in Amazing Spider-Man #149. The clone was believed killed in the battle, and no more was said about it for many years. Then, it was revealed not only that the clone had not died, but he was actually the one who fans had known as Peter Parker/Spider-Man for the past couple of decades.

The real Peter Parker had awoken after the battle with the Jackal, brainwashed into believing he was the clone. Not wanting to cause trouble, he took the name Ben Reilly, and went into hiding. His clone assumed the role of Spider-Man and married Mary Jane Watson. But the truth was eventually revealed, along with the news that Mary Jane was pregnant. With a kid on the way, Spider-Man decided to retire. This left Ben Reilly (the original) to take up the role of the Scarlet Spider and to replace Spidey.

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