Notice! This post contains SPOILERS for Ultimate Spider-Man #10
Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Spider-Man series just finished Uncle Ben your own mask and codename. Set in the alternate Ultimate universe, beyond the main Earth-616, Uncle Ben is still alive, working on a new newspaper with J. Jonah Jameson. In search of the truth and trying to expose the corruption of Wison Fisk’s Kingpin, Ben Parker and Jameson have just developed a solid plan to protect their identities, redefining the “Scarlet Spider” of this alternate reality.
As seen in the new Ultimate Spider-Man #10 by Jonathan Hickman and guest artist David Messina, Ben Parker and J. Jonah unleash the full force of their investigative reporting skills, seeking to uncover the truth about what happened to the Stark/Stane company, the company’s recent and largely secret purchase by Oscorp, and especially the involvement of Wilson Fisk and those he serves. Naturally, publishing this story will have all sorts of consequences, hence Ben and Jameson’s decision to create a fictional reporter to carry the byline. As such, the name associated with the article should seem quite familiar to longtime Spider-Man fans:
Using the name “Ben Reilly” instead of their own, Ben and Jonah hope to get those who will inevitably anger their article out of the way.allowing them to continue exposing the truth and bringing justice by 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 the top. Likewise, the use of the name Scarlet Spider is very exciting, especially since it’s the first time the name has appeared 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 interview and investigate in this new edition of Ultimate Spider-Manthey routinely allude to their newest reporter. Claiming that this faceless journalist was working on the story and not himself, it’s clear that Jonah and Ben have been planning this ruse for some time.. This makes sense, considering how big (and very dangerous) this new story really is.
As discovered by Ben and Jonah, the secret sale of Stane/Stark to Oscorp was done by Fisk himself. This is something that confused the bosses at “The Paper” given the correlation they recently drew between said sale and the emergence of flying men in green armor (Harry Osborn). Additionally, Green Goblin and Spider-Man have had ongoing battles with the Kingpin and his operations in Manhattan.
It’s certainly worth asking why Fisk would have sold the same company and technology that is 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 sorts of secret technology and information that Fisk knew nothing about. This notably includes the Kingpin’s involvement with the Council of Creators, 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.
Uncle Ben and JJJ were way ahead of Harry Osborn
They already have a mask and a name before they go after the Kingpin
After deciding he can trust Ben and Jonah after they tell him they are not interested in publishing a story about the man behind the Goblin armor, Harry warns the two editors of “The Paper” that he wouldn’t put his name anywhere near this story if it focuses on Fisk. That’s why Harry himself wears a mask, and the same goes for Peter Parker’s Spider-Man. They all have friends and family who could be in danger if their identities were exposed, and the same goes for Ben and Jameson.
However, Ben and Jameson prove they were way ahead of Harry with their signature “Ben Reilly”. Reilly will play the fictional, faceless reporter who serves as a mask and source of protection. While this protection probably won’t last that long, it’s certainly a smart way to buy some time until the truth can’t be silenced.
The Ultimate Scarlet Spider is here (but not in the way we thought)
A genius move in this new Marvel series
Plus, the fact that his own name is Ben Reilly is very exciting, a surprising twist on the existence of a Scarlet Spider in the Ultimate universe. While he may not be the Spider-Man clone as he is on the main Earth-616, the use of the name Reilly helps convey the idea that Ben and Jameson’s roles in this fight against Fisk are as critical and vital as those of Spider-Man and Green Goblin.having become a hero in their own way, using their own unique skills as journalists. Either way, it will 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 #10 is now on sale at Marvel Comics.