Talking to Comic Book Resources , Marvel's Editor-in-Chief andartist Ryan Stegman reveal new details about the upcoming title as well as unveiling our first look at the inside of the series...

How did you collectively respond to the challenge of making "Scarlet Spider" work in the line in terms of it not just being "Ben Reilly is Peter Parker in a hoodie"?



Stegman: Well, we did redesign him. [Laughter] And the mystery is still out there as to who's behind the mask. But Chris Yost came up with the story arc, and it's absolutely unique. First of all, we're in Houston, which may as well be outside the Marvel Universe since everything takes place in New York City. Because of that, we get to create all kinds of new characters. Spider-Man is my favorite character to draw, to read -- growing up that was always my favorite character. Doing this gives us a chance to tap into all of that with an entirely different cast of characters. I loved the original Spider-Man because of his cast, but it's really exciting to be able to create the people that will surround the Scarlet Spider -- more so maybe than working on characters you've seen. It's going to be a different take and a little darker I think. And it'll be fun because people do complain quite a bit about not getting new characters in the Marvel U, and you're going to see a ton in this book.



Alonso: As they say in real estate -- it's all about location, location, location. The change of venue has a profound effect on the story -- and [Spider-Man editor] Steve [Wacker] stressed this from day one. I think people are going to like this book. There's something special going on with Spider-Man right now. From Dan Slott and crew's excellent work on "Spider-Island" to Rick Remender's wicked take on "Venom" to Miles Morales in the Utimate Comics Universe, we're looking at a Spider-Man renaissance. I have no doubt "Scarlet Spider" will be another fantastic addition to the line.



To wrap on this book, Ryan, can you give us a tease of what's been the most fun parts of the first few issues for you to draw?



Stegman: Let's see. There's been a lot of action, which is always a blast, and -- I'm trying to figure out what I can say without giving everything away! [Laughs] I'll say this: my favorite Spider-Man growing up, the thing that drew me to Spider-Man, was the Todd McFarlane Spider-Man. That was a little bit of a darker, edgier Spider-Man, and it's been a lot of fun to play in that type of world. I did an issue of "Amazing Spider-Man," and it was a lot of fun, but I didn't get to play all of my tricks -- the ones I'd learned from reading those books obsessively back in the day. I've had fun with different types of storytelling. I've gone outside the box of what I normally do. I've had a lot of fun with it.



Alonso: It really shows in the pages. This is definitely Ryan's best work so far. A quantum leap. You can see the McFarlane influence, but what Ryan is doing is far from derivative. "Scarlet Spider" is a much darker, edgier, broodier book than any of the other Spider-titles -- lots of deep blacks burned into the pages. And Ryan has found a way to blend clear storytelling with an uncanny design sense. You keep finding new things, little details in each page.











Below are just a few excerpts from the lengthy interview with Axel Alonso and Ryan Stegman in CBR 's regular "Axel's In Charge" feature. For more, be sure to click on the link below. The identity of the Scarlet Spider is still unknown, although the conclusion of "Spider-Island" has led many to believe that it will be Peter Parker's clone, Kaine. Who do you think it is? Be sure to share your thoughts in the usual place!