Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Amazing Spider-Man #18
In the latest issue of Marvel Comics’ Amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker’s clone Ben Reilly has taken his corruption as Chasm even further as the new ruler of Limbo. Featured as part of the ongoing Dark Web crossover with the X-Men, Ben had been working with Jean Grey’s clone Madelyne Pryor as both of them wanted revenge against those they were cloned from. However, a falling out between the Goblin Queen and Chasm has led to Ben taking Pryor’s power in this new issue.
In Amazing Spider-Man #18 from Zeb Wells and Ed McGuinness, Peter Parker and Limbo’s new demon version of Spider-Man joined forces to fight the demonic facsimile of the Sinister Six Ben created to torment the original Websligner after banishing him to Limbo. However, Madelyne and Jean ended up reconciling, a positive ending to their rivalry which led to Pryor refusing to help Ben steal Peter’s soul so he could regain Parker’s copied memories he’d lost, a major reason for his current corruption as Chasm. As such, Ben has now taken Madelyne’s scythe, the source of her power and authority in Limbo. This transforms Ben into King Chasm, gaining wings and horns as an incredibly dark and demonic evolution.
With his girlfriend Hallow’s Eve refusing to leave his side, Ben is now ready to up the ante as Dark Web nears its end. While he had unleashed many of Pryor’s loaned demon forces on New York to torment the city at Christmastime, he now has the power to launch a full-scale invasion of Earth-616. As such, Spider-Man is going to need some serious backup if he wants to have a prayer at stopping his evil clone before it’s too late.
Thankfully, it looks as though Peter Parker will be receiving a lot more help beyond Rek-Rap, Limbo’s confused but enthusiastic Demon Spider-Man who helped him fight off the Insidious Six. By the issue’s end, the X-Men and Madelyne have agreed to team up with Spider-Man as they plan to take the fight to the brand-new King Chasm. Likewise, Black Cat and a newly powered Mary Jane have been in Limbo as well, so it stands to reason they’ll soon join the party as well.
The final act of Marvel’s Dark Web is almost here, and Ben Reilly is darker and more powerful than he’s ever been before. Here’s hoping Spider-Man and his collection of allies have what it takes to bring him down and hopefully redeem Ben back to the hero he once was (if that’s even still possible). Amazing Spider-Man #18 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
