Marvel’s Most Infamous Spider-Man Story Was Actually Its Best Mistake

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Comic book stories stick with fans for strong reasons – they’re either incredibly well-done and become classics, or they’re famously terrible. Popular characters usually have both kinds of stories attached to them. Spider-Man, as Marvel’s most popular hero, has many great tales, but one particularly infamous story stands out for all the wrong reasons. The “Clone Saga” is often considered one of the worst Spider-Man storylines ever, rivaled only by the equally divisive “One More Day.”

The “Clone Saga” is infamous for being a long, complicated, and ultimately frustrating storyline. What began as a short arc unexpectedly stretched on for over two years, filled with confusing plot twists and ultimately returning to the original status quo, leaving many readers disappointed. While widely considered a failure, the “Clone Saga” surprisingly had some positive aspects and achieved significant sales, making it both one of Marvel’s biggest mistakes and one of its most popular stories.

New Takes on Classic Ideas

The most memorable part of the “Clone Saga” is definitely the characters it brought into the Spider-Man universe, especially the clones Ben Reilly and Kaine. While their introduction was controversial, both have become popular and well-developed characters. Fans particularly enjoy seeing Ben Reilly, who even briefly became Spider-Man himself, team up with or fill in for Peter Parker. At his best, Ben embodies Spider-Man’s core values – a strong moral compass and an unwavering hope for a better future. His Scarlet Spider suit is also a fan favorite. Kaine is equally important, serving as a flawed and broken reflection of Peter – a darker version who struggles with isolation but still strives to be a hero.

Peter’s brothers, Ben and Kaine, play a crucial role in his development. He first encountered them when he was struggling with pain and feeling lost. Seeing their strength and determination in forging their own paths helped Peter appreciate his own life and the people in it, ultimately making him a more confident person. This storyline also sparked the idea of Peter and MJ having a child, leading to the popular character Spider-Girl, Mayday Parker. Her presence continues to resonate with Spider-Man fans, and it all began with this arc.

The “Clone Saga” storyline not only introduced new characters but also brought back some of Spider-Man’s most iconic villains, including Norman Osborn and Miles Warren (the Jackal), who were both previously believed to be dead. While the way they returned wasn’t ideal, it allowed these characters to continue challenging Spider-Man. The saga definitively cemented Norman Osborn as Spider-Man’s ultimate enemy. His involvement was extreme, but it established his pattern of long-term planning and willingness to remain hidden for years to achieve his revenge – a trait that’s defined his character ever since. Ultimately, the “Clone Saga” evolved Norman from a simply insane villain into a cruel, clever, and meticulously prepared one, retaining his madness but adding layers of cunning.

The “Clone Saga” definitely had its problems with the story and how it was presented, leaving many readers and people at Marvel confused about how it went off track. However, it also offered some genuinely enjoyable moments and added a lot to Spider-Man’s overall story. While it’s not a top-tier Spider-Man adventure, it deserves some credit for its positive contributions. Let’s acknowledge those additions without overstating its quality. What are your thoughts? Share them in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-10-13 10:10