Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 3) #1 (Story 6)

Background

Kaine is the clone of Peter Parker. He was created by The Jackal but recently found himself in Houston as the (mainly) heroic Scarlet Spider. He now is part of the New Warriors.

Story 'Kaine'

Peter Parker recaps Kaine's past. Kaine was an evil clone created by The Jackal, he protected and threatened Peter since the beginning but it came to a head when he turned into Tarantula by The Jackal and The Queen during Spider-Island! He was cured but took off to Houston to get away from all things Spider-Man related! He didn't quite do this and took on the identity of The Scarlet Spider!

Now: Peter is at The Four Seasons Hotel in Houston, asking after The Scarlet Spider and learns that he turned into a monster. Peter assumes that he was taken by The Other. Dr Donald Meland, one of Kaine's friends, recognises Peter's voice and knows that he is Kaine's "brother". Meland tells of Kaine's heroics involving Kraven, Armadillo and the terrorist Santa Clauses!

Peter leaves knowing that Kaine didn't want the responsibility of his powers, but he took it on anyway. He had friends and a home and he wishes that his brother has found peace as a hero.

General Comments

Chris Yost pens this recap of Kaine's recent actions and delivers a clear message of where the character is now. In fact, I get Kaine now, more than I did actually reading Scarlet Spider!

It is a shame that there's no actual Kaine, nor any character development or set up for a New Warriors story as it makes this all a bit of a waste of time.

David Baldeon's pencils are great and deliver what is necessary for this recap to read well, but there's no stand out moment.

Overall Rating

This delivers a clearer message than Yost managed to in the actual Scarlet Spider series but it's too great a recap and not a great advert for Kaine's next steps.