Scarlet Spider #4 - Spoilers and Discussion

[Prof. Warren]

Yost, Stegman and co. continue to hit this book out of the park. I love that Yost is writing Kaine as such a truly dark character. It's not just about the amount of violence he's willing to inflict on his opponents but it's the fact that he's willing to go places that no "hero" would. To have the protagonist of a comic make a deal with the villain that he'll commit a random assassination of the villain's choosing whenever or whereever they decide is totally hardcore.

[Number_5]

Wow, another kickass amazing issue! Kaine was such a badass, and his internal conflict is also very intriguing. His supporting cast shines, as always, and the art is downright incredible.

Now, with this assassination job: I hope Kaine actually does it, and that it's somebody we've heard of before, as in, Marvel let's Yost kill off an established (but possibly D-List) character.

[G@ry]

this is a great series very exciting.

i wonder who will be his target.

[Xenon]

Yep. Still Awesome.

I'm still gonna wait 'til 6 to declare it the best book out right now, but if it continues like this it has it in the bag.

It actually gets better when I think back on it.

If I was going to complain, however, I would suggest that the scene where the Doctor went to the guy who hired the Assassins was a little out of place. Like, I feel like there should have at least been a scene before that to set up them deciding to do something, and even then I don't know why it was there. Still, the story was written thick enough that it only took up a minor part of the book, and further establishes Doc and Cop's character.

[G@ry]

^it's my favorite marvel book right now by far.

i dropped all the other titles, so, it's the only one too i read now.

i like how it has nothing to do with the event going on right now, and since it's not located in new york it's like it's in a new universe

[Kaine]

Well that was one amazing issue!!! A+!!! Yes yes there is ONE little thing that bugged me, one itsy bitsy thing : Kaine speaking japanese. Where/how/why did he learn it? Anyways, i can't wait for the final "job" , it's getting damn interesting:)

[preppistonpav]

On the one hand, I still feel like this is "Ben Reilly 2.0" aka "Let's try the clone thing again and do it right this time." And that's a bummer, because I really liked both Ben and Kaine, and it's hard not to view this as Kaine getting Ben-ified.

On the other hand, this comic is excellent. I've kind of missed the tragedy of Kaine's existence (as his Frankenstein's Monster-quality was what I loved about him) but as far as redemption stories go, this is such an enjoyable one. I think many of us can identify with Kaine's realization that he can be better than he was. And, tragically, today's issue reminded Kaine that no matter what he does, he can never take back his past actions. (That scene in particular I thought was masterfully done; I love the white background.)

I'd also like to express how much fun this issue is to read digitally. Stegman's art works beautifully with the way the focus changes as I make way through each page. I'll always love reading a physical comic, but Scarlet Spider is showing me how much fun reading digitally can be.

Couple more things: I really like how Yost so deftly shows us how Kaine is very much not Peter Parker (nor Ben Reilly for that matter). It's fun seeing all the things Pete probably wishes he could do being done here. I also Love Love Love the fact that Yost is not shying away from playing with Kaine's established past and I really hope it continues. Obviously bringing in new characters and ideas is important for any comic, but I think it's just as important to play with the toys already in the box too.

That said, what stuff would you guys most like to see show up in the book from Kaine's past?


-Pav, who also knows that establishing Kaine first is necessary, but really can't wait for Spider-Men banter when they finally reunite.....one of the best things about the Clone Saga...

[nosocialize100]

I didn't think this issue was that amazing. Mostly because the art was a little stiff.

[Xenon]

On the one hand, I still feel like this is "Ben Reilly 2.0" aka "Let's try the clone thing again and do it right this time." And that's a bummer, because I really liked both Ben and Kaine, and it's hard not to view this as Kaine getting Ben-ified.

On the other hand, this comic is excellent. I've kind of missed the tragedy of Kaine's existence (as his Frankenstein's Monster-quality was what I loved about him) but as far as redemption stories go, this is such an enjoyable one. I think many of us can identify with Kaine's realization that he can be better than he was. And, tragically, today's issue reminded Kaine that no matter what he does, he can never take back his past actions. (That scene in particular I thought was masterfully done; I love the white background.)

I'd also like to express how much fun this issue is to read digitally. Stegman's art works beautifully with the way the focus changes as I make way through each page. I'll always love reading a physical comic, but Scarlet Spider is showing me how much fun reading digitally can be.

Couple more things: I really like how Yost so deftly shows us how Kaine is very much not Peter Parker (nor Ben Reilly for that matter). It's fun seeing all the things Pete probably wishes he could do being done here. I also Love Love Love the fact that Yost is not shying away from playing with Kaine's established past and I really hope it continues. Obviously bringing in new characters and ideas is important for any comic, but I think it's just as important to play with the toys already in the box too.

That said, what stuff would you guys most like to see show up in the book from Kaine's past?


-Pav, who also knows that establishing Kaine first is necessary, but really can't wait for Spider-Men banter when they finally reunite.....one of the best things about the Clone Saga...

So...I would actually argue that this is not trying to be a clone book at all. It's trying to be a redemption book, with a built in history and understanding by leveraging a previously established character. That he's a clone seems irrelevant to the story, he just has to feel like a man with no place and a bad track record, things that Kaine certainly has because he's a clone, but it just works out that way.

[StoneGold]

I still wonder how they figured out it was Kaine. What with him having a completely different face and having lost large amounts of body mass.

[godzilla2099]

This is such an Underrated Book.

Yost and his team hit another grand slam.

Story, characterization, pacing and fight scenes. A perfect combination and I thought I'd never see the day where I'd be saying the Scarlett Spider is my favorite Marvel Book out there right now.

This and Green Lantern were the best books I picked up this week.

[One More Day]

I am going to throw this out there because I know Yost reads and sometimes replies to our comments.

Is Kaine's yet-to-be-revealed-power some kind of psychic bond or low-end telepathy?

[Trevor M.]

Just perfect, that's all I can say. It looks as if Kaine's starting to grow a sense of humor and what is up with Aracely? One minute only the Doc and Annabelle can understand her now she can speak French, English, Spanish, and Japanese.

[CyberHubbs]

Aracely is the Mexican version of Hope.

[preppistonpav]

So...I would actually argue that this is not trying to be a clone book at all.

Yeah, I suppose that's the case. I'm just one of those who kind of wish it was I guess! Kaine is one, after all.

On another note, I hope the Guild sends Kaine after a hero that becomes a recurring villain for the book. Considering this book is about a villain turning hero, I only think it fitting that we get the reverse in an antagonistic role.

-Pav, who is excited to see the Kravens coming too...