AMAZING #75 Review and Spoilers: To Benfinity and Beyond!!!

[Pav]

Ready?! LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

In general, I think Ben fans are going to be extremely happy with this story after years of waiting. To be honest, I'm not going to give a huge chronological review: I really want people to buy this issue and read it for themselves! Despite it being a re-introduction for Ben, it really does feel like a classic issue of Amazing Spider-Man!

WHAT I LOVED:

1) THE BROTHERLY BANTER IS BACK!!!! One of the best things about the 90s Clone Saga was the banter between Ben and Peter, and it's never really been recaptured until this very issue! I especially loved the banter ABOUT their banter. After the somewhat frosty conversation earlier in the issue, the back-and-forth banter really highlights that Ben and Peter still have that camaraderie that only they can have.

2) The "man in the mirror" talk from Scary Spider Dream Monster Uncle Ben. In any other issue, this sequence would still work perfectly, as it provides psychological insight into Peter. But this is a story reintroducing Ben Reilly, and so the notion of facing the man in the mirror really takes on extra importance. I wonder if it'll end up meaning something more later, or if it was just a fun way to get the issue started.

3) I like the new technological improvements that Ben has. The costume stuff is okay, but what really wowed me was the Spinneret -- it's the closest thing to seeing Ben use his old inventions that we've gotten since his first death. My hope is that he has a hand in making these alongside the scientists of Beyond Corp. "You will be released in one hour. Please use this time to reflect on your life." Hilarious, especially in context.

WHAT I LIKED BUT MAYBE DIDN'T LOVE QUITE AS MUCH BUT STILL APPRECIATED

4) Ben and Peter both going to swing where "there's never any traffic." Loved that line, and while their first encounter is somewhat more mildly antagonistic than I'd have liked for our two brothers, the explanation later during their conversation did warm me up to this sequence; we see that Ben, despite his confidence, is still looking out for Peter -- just not at the expense of himself. This is a far cry from Ben's outlook at the beginning of the Clone Saga, where he constantly felt the urge to leave NYC, often questioned his worth, etc. But this seems like the next step for Blonde Ben, who loved being Spider-Man when Peter retired. Had Ben not died at the hands of the Green Goblin, can't you imagine both sharing the name and costume anyway? I certainly can. We just had to wait 20 years

5) When Ben approaches Peter on campus, Ben looks great -- and I know we're supposed to contrast how he looks with how Peter looks as an indicator of their current mental and emotional health. But Fancy Dressed Ben reminds me of Clone Conspiracy Ben, which isn't great. But at least he's wearing a blue jacket instead of a red one! And like I said previously, while this conversation certainly wasn't the friendliest they've ever had, I do think that both characters sounded and acted like themselves; it was a realistically uncomfortable situation, yes, but from Ben's point of view I think his actions are totally justified. "OUR life. I know that's not convenient. And it's not what you want. But it's true." Tough love and honesty from Brother Ben right there. But also self-understanding: "This is what I need."

Although I can't help but wonder whether Ben knows what Peter's been through lately.

6) JANINE! Obviously I read the back-up featuring her return, but I almost wish I hadn't! I can't imagine how stoked I'd have been to see her appear without warning! I like the story beat about how different her world is all of a sudden, but (perhaps like her) I'm just excited that she's along for the ride this time. The juxtaposition of her and Ben with MJ and Peter was fun too. I think I'd like Janine and MJ to meet. However, I wasn't a huge fan of MJ's reaction to Ben being back. I get it, certainly, but it's not the characterization of MJ I prefer: Peter is supposed to be the worrier, and MJ (to me) is supposed to be the positive force who tells him things will be okay -- and I always appreciated how easy it was for her to see Ben as family. Hopefully we get more of that as the story continues, because Loving and Positive MJ will always be appreciated over Worried and Negative MJ, which gives me reboot vibes. Yuck.

7) DR. KAFKA! Her reappearance definitely brings up a lot of questions, but I was excited just to see her! Looks like she's going to be (or already is) Ben's therapist, and she may be getting focus in JMD's "Ben Reilly: Spider-Man" mini. Also enjoyed the remarks about clones in her discussion with Marcus.

8) The U-Foes! I've got no attachment to them, but I liked the way they were written here by Zeb. They were able to sneak in a few jokes amongst all the Ben and Peter banter But did I see JUST A GLIMPSE of PAD's Ben Reilly when he punched X-Ray? Maybe the therapy is necessary.

OTHER STUFF I'M WONDERING ABOUT

Are we supposed to know Derrick and Kel already?

Are there other reasons why Beyond purposefully doesn't want to know about Peter?

Why would Kafka be so interested in the name Ben Reilly, as I don't think she ever knew the secret identities of Peter or Ben? Is it a loose thread from Clone Conspiracy?

Is there another meaning to "the danger's on the inside?" Is this a clue to Beyond's motivation?

How is it that Misty Knight knows who Ben is?

Do we think Marcus' last name is a hint or anagram or something? Momplaisir? It's a real last name, but it certainly looks like it could be an anagram.

Did ANYONE remember Sir, who appears to be locked away in Ravencroft? I had to look her up and remembered the ONE issue I read back in the post-CS days.

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Overall, just a fantastic issue to start Ben's new journey. I can't imagine a single Spidey fan not enjoying this issue. I hope, if you haven't already, you'll read it for yourself!

-Pav, who can't wait to see what everyone else thought about the issue...