Warning: Contains SPOILERS forChasm: Curse of Kaine #1
Marvel’s darkest version ofSpider-Man, theScarlet Spider, has come back to attempt to save his fallen brother, as Kaine Parker returns to confront Ben Reilly, who has succumbed to villainyunder the name Chasm. Both troubledclones of Peter Parkerhave wavered between heroism and villainy, but nowScarlet Spider has solidified his role as a hero, while Chasm is in danger of crossing an irredeemable line.
Chasm: Curse of Kaine#1– written by Steve Foxe, with art by Andrea Broccardo – is the newest chapter of Ben Reilly’s disturbed journey to understand himself. After having his memories scrambled one too many times, Reilly now calls himself Chasm and has committed himself to a cruel, villainous life.
Yet, after having recently been brought back from death, Kaine Parker has discovered that his clone brother has turned against every heroic ideal that he had once taught Kaine. Now, the Scarlet Spider is on a mission to track down Reilly and save him from himself.
Marvel Knows How To Fix Spider-Man’s Clone Saga, But It Won’t
The X-Men have the perfect solution for Spider-Man’s Clone Saga with Ben Reilly, but it’s not going to happen now that the Scarlet Spider is Chasm.
Ben Reilly Was the Hero Kaine Parker Needed – Now Their Roles Are Reversed
Chasm: Curse of Kaine#1– Written By Steve Foxe; Art By Andrea Broccardo; Color By Bryan Reber; Lettering By Joe Caramagna
Ben has always seen Kaine as a brother and, in Kaine’s greatest time of need, broke through his brother’s hardened exterior to inspire Kaine to become a better man.
Both Ben Reilly and Kaine Parker were born from the same twisted cloning processdesigned by the Jackal to crushPeter Parker’s sense of selfand replace him with a controllable puppet. Kaine was the first of the clones to be completed and served as the Jackal’s test dummy. However, the first attempt at the cloning process was crude and eventually led to Kaine’s biology breaking down, causing heavy deformation and mental degradation. Following endless scientific torture, Kaine was transformed into a feral villain who sought to kill Spider-Man.
Reilly was the second of the Jackal’s experimentations and an all-around success. Devoid of the same genetic faults that Kaine had developed, Reilly was considered a perfect clone. However, Ben had been imbued with allthe memories of Peter Parkerup until that point and, after learning that he was the clone and not Peter, underwent a serious mental breakdown. Regardless, Ben has always seen Kaine as a brother and, in Kaine’s greatest time of need, broke through his brother’s hardened exterior to inspire Kaine to become a better man.
Kaine Parker Must Fully Embrace His Role As A Hero In Order To Save His Brother
Chasm: Curse Of Kaine#2 – Available September 25 From Marvel Comics
Embracing the lessons of heroism Ben had given him, and the unconditional love and support, Kaine decides that, this time, it’s his turn to save Ben.
Kaine Parker has always struggled to find his own place and sense of self-worth. He frequently isolates himself from others because he believes himself to be an unworthy cheapknockoff of Peter Parker. But time and time again, Ben’s constant support has always pulled Kaine back onto the right path. After having been revived, Kaine is horrified at the rumors of what his brother has become in his absence. Embracing the lessons of heroism Ben had given him, and the unconditional love and support, Kaine decides that, this time, it’s his turn to save Ben.
While only the introductory issue,this first chapter in Chasm and the Scarlet Spider’s journey toward redemption fully highlights not just how far Ben has fallen but how much Kaine has grown. The “failed”clone of Peter Parkernow holds a relatively stable life and finds appreciation in the little things. Even in his search for Ben, Kaine leads his investigation with genuine concern for his brother rather than with judgment. While Chasm might be beyond saving,the darkest version ofSpider-Man,Scarlet Spider, knows the value of a second chance, and will do everything possible to give Ben one.
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is the name given to several individuals who have employed a spider-moniker throughout Marvel Comics. Typically gaining their powers through a bite from a radioactive spider, the different Spider-Man heroes employ super-strength, agility, and intellect while utilizing webbing to swing and tangle up their foes. The most notable of these Spider-Men is Peter Parker, who remains one of the most popular superheroes throughout the world.
