Spider-Man #56 Pg 18 with Scarlet Spider and The Jackal by Tom Lyle & Scott Hanna

I unapologetically love the Clone Saga. While it struggled in its execution, I adore so many facets that time in Spidey's history gave us. At the top of that list is Ben Reilly.

Crucial for my love of Ben was that rad Scarlet Spider costume, created by Tom Lyle. Early in my art collecting career - almost ten years ago now - I wanted to set up a commission by Tom, but only a year or two later, he passed away.

There's not an awful lot of Tom Lyle Spidey art featuring Ben Reilly, so when this recently showed up for sale on CAF, I was all over it. It's from such a pivotal issue in the Clone Saga, too, where mastermind (but not really) The Jackal toys with Peter & Ben. Who is the clone? Are they both clones? Who knows anymore?!

The top half features that fun panel where Scarlet Spider is being tackled by Jack, another clone of Peter's. Then we have that great Buscema-like throw, with Jackal thinking about finishing off Ben. Luckily, he's stopped in a fun storytelling way by the real (or not real?) Spider-Man. *THOK* indeed.

I'm proud to be the custodian of an original piece by Tom Lyle, featuring Scarlet Spider and his designer's signature. Finishes and inks were done by Scott Hanna, who also signed the page on the backside.