Spectacular Spider-Man #232, March 1996
Ben Reilly is Peter Parker’s clone. Ben Reilly died, Peter Parker lived.
No, wait. Ben Reilly lived; it was actually Parker that died.
Scratch that. Ben Reilly thought he was Peter Parker, but he actually WAS Peter Parker, who thought he was Ben Reilly.
No, wait, that’s not right either…
The clone saga is one of Marvel’s most controversial storylines from the 90s. I remember having a very spirited conversation about the subject with Tom Defalco back in 1995 or so at SDCC when it seemed like it was going to go on forever and ever. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one.
In this issue of Spectacular Spider-Man, this is actually Ben Reilly fighting as Spider-man, (theoretically) while Peter Parker is in brief retirement with the very pregnant Mary Jane.
Regardless, Sal Buscema draws a knockout cover, with inks by Jimmy Palmiotti, as Spidey (real or Memorex) faces Lady Octopus in mortal combat.
And where did that crazy moon go from original art to final colored, published version? I have no idea. Although I almost titled this post, “Goodnight Moon.”
