I need to be completely honest, I LOVE THE SCARLET SPIDER! Ever since I saw him on an episode of the 90s animated Spider-Man as a kid.. I loved his costume design, I loved the angst the character had, I liked the dynamic between him and Peter Parker and even Eddie Brock.

           

  So, when I heard that the Scarlet Spider was getting his own series, excited is not the right word? jubilant? Flying to the moon?

           

  Imagine my surprise and disappointment as I turned the pages and the Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider I was presented with was an asshole. Ok, asshole is too nice a word, douche bro! An entitled little douche bro who’s angry the world passed him by, he even asks a lady to pay him after he saved her for services rendered.

           

  WHAT. THE. HELL.

           

  Ok, so here’s the saving grace, the story written by Peter David is good. It’s interesting and while I absolutely detest the character, I’m curious and intrigued to where this is going. David has done a lot of set up but the prose and dialogue are sharp.

           

  The art by Mark Bagley is good. The characters are rich in detail, the world is alive and it’s a mix between stylized and watercolors. Lots of bright art which make the world pop.

           

  So, I’m mixed, I HATE this character but I’m intrigued by the story and potential. I’ll probably read one more issue.