On Friday, we asked our readers their opinions on Marvel trotting out Ben Reilly for two new series that, in different ways, rehash ‘the Clone Saga’ of Spider-Man comics. Full disclosure, I thoroughly expected this to be a blowout in favor of folks not wanting more Reilly stories. But, as always, the Multiversity readers surprised me.
53.7% of our readers want nothing to do with ‘Clone Saga’ stories, with 42.6% wanting more Ben Reilly stories. A cheeky 3.7% answered, “Who’s Ben Reilly?”
This is yet another lesson in the annals of ‘don’t make assumptions.’ One of the best parts about comics is how stupid ideas can make for great stories, and how even the worst ideas can, sometimes, be redeemed by quality craftsmanship and unique ideas. Retconning is often reviled, and for good reason, but sometimes it allows Alan Moore to re-invent “Swamp Thing.”
So maybe, just maybe, there’s a fantastic Ben Reilly story out there, just waiting for us around the corner.
Or maybe not.
Check back on Friday for our next Reader Poll!
