Spider-Man: Ben Reilly Omnibus Vol. 2 (New Printing)

When reading this second “Ben Reilly” Omnibus, it soon becomes apparent that most of the stories contained were written after Marvel’s decision to undo everything from the “Clone Saga”. The supporting cast introduced in the last volume, Reilly’s new job and relationships, rogue’s gallery, and the enigmatic “lost years”… All this promise thrown away to editorial’s march to undo everything, good or bad.Behind editorial mismanagement and lack of direction, the Reilly years, like the preceding “Clone Saga”, was a noble experiment occasionally reaching brilliance. ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ #400, from the “Clone Saga”, is an almost perfect self-contained story that isn’t mentioned in lists of the definitive Spidey stories of all time nearly as much as it should be. ‘The Lost Years’ and ‘Redemption’ miniseries by the same author, J.M. DeMatteis, are two of the most unique Spidey stories of all time, laying the groundwork for what could have been several years’ worth of adventures relating to Reilly’s mysterious past. But, tragically, nothing came from any of this potential.In a way, these collections are victims of their own grandeur. By collecting every comic published during the Reilly years (the way the “Clone Saga” Omnibuses did with that story), we’re left with a hodgepodge of stories and threads from multiple creators of extremely varying quality. As always, the issues by DeMatteis are some of the best Spidey comics ever. The rest are either mildly entertaining, albeit hilariously superficial (this was the ‘90s after all) or, in the case of the ‘Spider-Man Unlimited’ issues and various filler miniseries, pure torture.I was pleasantly surprised to find that the extra pages added to the grand finale from the ‘Spider-Man: Revelations’ TPB are included here, providing much-needed closure to Reilly’s story not provided the first time round. This collection also contains some interesting interviews from the time, as well as a couple of post-Reilly one-shots tying up some loose ends and a rather amusing “Clone Saga” parody. One, perhaps unnecessary, addition was the first issue of DeMatteis’ return to ‘Spectacular Spider-Man’ after the finale. Though one of the best comics in the collection, setting the stage for the post-clone Spider-Verse to come, this issue ends on a cliffhanger and doesn’t add anything to Reilly’s story. I hope that this somewhat puzzling inclusion means Marvel plan to collect this underappreciated run in its entirety.Re-reading this gigantic saga after so many years was a frustrating experience, due equally to having to read some truly awful comics as to seeing such promise thrown out the window. Although I can’t possibly give this book more than two stars when so much of it is so bad, it does prove what I always assumed – that the “Clone Saga” doesn’t deserve the negative reputation attached to it.

Normally, I don't leave reviews, but this is just too much.

Compra vale cada centavo ótimo material

If you love Ben Reilly, then this book must be on your wishlist. I really hope to find the first volume one day. I was really sad when I couldn't get it

Essa edição é sensacional. A versão omnibus tem páginas que não saíram na época na revista mensal do personagem.