Spider-Man Writer Dan Slott Responds to Uncle Ben Resurrection Theory

Marvel's Comics Spider-Man universe is about to get up-ended by the latest crossover story arc, "The Clone Conspiracy". While at New York Comic-Con we got a lot of first details about 'Clone Conspiracy' right from the mouth of writer Dan Slott.

You can catch the full breakdown of Spider-Man: The Clone Conspiracy details HERE. But one aspect of the story that fans have been focused on ever since its announcement is the possible resurrection of some key characters from Spider-Man past. One character in particular has been at the forefront of a lot of speculation: Uncle Ben.

As you can see in the image below, the first artwork revealed for "Clone Conspiracy" kick-off book, Dead No More, featured group of civilian characters looking like they are walking out of the from the golden light of heaven (or something). The figure in the center of the group had people immediately thinking that one clones that could be used to f*ck up Spider-Man's head would be the man who made him become Spider-Man in the first place: Uncle Ben.

While at NYCC, Dan Slott took on a question from a very thorough and concerned fan, who had gathered the mounting evidence that Uncle Ben is coming back. Both Slott and Marvel Comics editor Nick Lowe gave the crowd an almost winking coy answer, saying in exaggerated tones that, "We could never bring Uncle Ben back!" "That would be CRAZY!" "Fans would kill us!"

Yet, as the fan laid out his theory (that The Jackal already knows Spider-Man's identity, and therefore how best to hurt him), it sounded more and more possible that Uncle Ben's return could be a major twist and/or bit of fallout from the story. A different fan at the panel later said "Don't bring back Uncle Ben. Please," to which Slott responded, "That's a very declarative statement."

Early prediction: If 'The Clone Conspiracy' resurrects Uncle Ben, it wouldn't be a development that fans wholly embrace. At all. However, it would be interesting. It would be interesting for Spider-Man, trying to stay focused in the midst of his conflict with Jackal, evil clones and who knows what other threats. It would also be interesting in the aftermath, if Peter Parker were suddenly confronted with a life in which his Uncle is still around. Would Ben approve of who Peter is? Of Spider-Man? That's the sort of juicy stuff good comic book reads are made of...

'The Clone Conspiracy' story arc kicks off with Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy issue #1.