Ben Reilly

Ben Reilly began his existence in a Catskill Mountains laboratory, created by the geneticist Miles Warren, known as the Jackal. Warren cloned Peter Parker to create a weapon against Spider-Man. The clone possessed all of Peter's memories and powers, initially believing himself to be the original. In his first appearance, the clone battled Spider-Man at Shea Stadium and was seemingly killed. However, the clone survived and spent years wandering the country under the name Ben Reilly, a combination of Peter's Uncle Ben and Aunt May's maiden name. He eventually settled in Salt Lake City, working as a science professor and building a quiet life. [edit]

Ben Reilly is defined by his struggle for identity and independence. Unlike Peter Parker, who carries guilt and responsibility, Ben often seeks to forge his own path separate from his template. He is compassionate and heroic, willing to sacrifice himself for others, but years of repeated deaths and resurrections have taken a toll, leading to periods of bitterness and moral ambiguity. When his memories were erased, he became the vengeful Chasm, a darker reflection of his former self. At his core, Ben values connection and belonging, often seeking family in those around him. [edit]

Ben's journey is one of recurring death and rebirth. After his initial defeat, he returned in the Clone Saga (1994–1996), where he briefly replaced Peter as Spider-Man and debuted the iconic Scarlet Spider costume. He sacrificed himself to save Peter from Norman Osborn, dying in Peter's arms. He was later resurrected in Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy (2016–2017), but repeated forced transfers into clone bodies drove him insane, and he became the new Jackal. After being defeated, he sought redemption as the Scarlet Spider in his own series (2017–2018), finally finding peace in Spider-Geddon when his mind and soul were healed. However, during the Beyond storyline (2021–2022), his memories were purged, turning him into the villain Chasm. This cycle of tragedy and renewal defines his character.[edit]

Ben Reilly is a polarizing yet beloved character among Spider-Man fans. The Clone Saga was controversial, but the Scarlet Spider costume became iconic, frequently cosplayed and referenced. Ben's tragic arc and status as a clone struggling for identity resonate with readers. He consistently ranks high in character popularity polls, with a score of 4.98 as of 2026. His cinematic debut in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse introduced him to a wider audience, boosting his cultural impact.[edit]