Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ultimate Spider-Man #10
Marvel Comics’Ultimate Spider-Manseries just gaveUncle Benhis very own mask and codename. Set in the alternateUltimate universeapart from the main Earth-616, Uncle Ben is still alive, working on a brand-new newspaper with J. Jonah Jameson. In search of the truth and looking to expose the corruption of Wison Fisk’s Kingpin, Ben Parker and Jameson just developed a solid plan to protect their identities, redefining the “Scarlet Spider” of this alt-reality.
As seen in the newUltimate Spider-Man #10by Jonathan Hickman and guest artist David Messina,Ben Parker and J. Jonah unleash the full force of their investigating reporting skills, looking to uncover the truth about what happened to the company Stark/Stane, Oscorp’s recent and largely secret purchase of the company, and mainly the involvement of Wilson Fisk and those he serves. Naturally, the publication of this story will have all kinds of consequences, hence Ben and Jameson’s decision to create a fictional reporter to carry the byline.As such, the name attached to their article should look pretty family to longtime Spider-Man fans:
Using the name “Ben Reilly” rather than their own, Ben and Jonah are hoping to throw those they will inevitably anger with their article off the trail, allowing them to continue exposing the truth and bring out justice using the written word to reach the people of New York, while others like Harry Osborn’s Goblin and Peter Parker’s Spider-Man take the fight to its rooftops. Likewise,the use of the Scarlet Spider’s name is very exciting, especially as this is the first time the name has popped up in this new version of the Ultimate Universe.
Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben and J. Jonah Jameson Kept Teasing Their Mystery Reporter
An Unknown Character Working For “The Paper”
As Ben Parker and Jameson are interviewing and investigating in this new issue ofUltimate Spider-Man, they routinely allude to their newest reporter.Claiming that this faceless journalist was working on the story rather than themselves, it’s clear that Jonah and Ben had been planning this ruse for quite some time. This makes sense, considering just how big (and very dangerous) this new story truly is.
As discovered by Ben and Jonah, the secret sale of Stane/Stark to Oscorp was handled by Fisk himself. This is something that confused the heads of “The Paper” given the correlation they’d recently drawn between said sale and the emergence of men flying around in green armor (Harry Osborn). Additionally, theGreen Goblin and Spider-Man have had ongoing battles with the Kingpin and his operations in Manhattan.
It’s certainly worth wondering why Fisk would have sold the very company and technology that’s now being used against him. As such, the answer is provided by Harry who confirms his identity as the Goblin to Ben and Jonah before confirming that Stark/Stane had all kinds of secret tech and information Fisk knew nothing about. This notably includesKingpin’s involvement with the Maker’s Council, the true rulers of this reality.As a result, it makes perfect sense that both reporters would want to keep their identities protected for as long as possible.
They’ve Already Got A Mask A Name Before Going After Kingpin
After deciding that he can trust both Ben and Jonah after they tell him that they’re not interested in running a story about the man behind the Goblin armor,Harry warns both editors of “The Paper” that he wouldn’t put his name anywhere near this story is the focus is about Fisk. It’s why Harry himself wears a mask, and the same goes for Peter Parker’s Spider-Man as well. They all have friends and families who could be put in danger if their identities were ever exposed, and the same goes for Ben and Jameson.
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However, Ben and Jameson prove they were way ahead of Harry with their “Ben Reilly” byline. Reilly will be the fictional and faceless reporter who will serve as their very own mask and source of protection. While said protection probably won’t last for all that long, it’s certainly a smart way to buy some time until the truth can’t be silenced.
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A Genius Move In This New Marvel Series
Additionally, the fact that the name itself is Ben Reilly is very exciting, a surprising twist on the existence of a Scarlet Spider in the Ultimate universe.While he might not be Spider-Man’s clone as he is in the main Earth-616,the use of the Reilly name does help convey the idea that Ben and Jameson’s roles in this fight against Fisk are just as critical and vital as Spider-Man and the Green Goblin’s, having become a hero in their way using their own unique abilities as journalists. At any rate, it’s going to be fascinating to see the fallout now that their article has been published for the world to read in this new Ultimate universe.
Ultimate Spider-Man #10is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
Ultimate Spider-Man (2024)
THE NEW ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN FOR A NEW ULTIMATE UNIVERSE! After the events of ULTIMATE INVASION, the world needs a hero…who will rise up to take on that responsibility? Prepare to be entangled in a web of mystery and excitement as the all-new ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN comic redefines the wall-crawler for the 21st Century!
