🧬 The Clone Conspiracy #3 (2016) – Comic Book Review & Breakdown
📚 Genre
Superhero • Sci-Fi • Action • Mystery
A dark blend of traditional superhero action and high-concept science fiction, The Clone Conspiracy arc dives deep into themes of morality, identity, and resurrection, offering readers a cerebral and emotional experience with every twist.
🕸️ Main Characters
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Peter Parker / Spider-Man 🕷️
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Ben Reilly / The Jackal 🧪
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Doctor Octopus (Otto Octavius) 🐙
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Gwen Stacy (Clone) 💔
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Kaine Parker (Scarlet Spider) 🔴
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Anna Maria Marconi 🧠
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Miles Warren (Original Jackal) 🧬
✍️ Writer
Dan Slott
A veteran Spider-Man scribe, Slott brings emotional complexity and high-stakes storytelling, blending nostalgia with modern dilemmas around cloning and ethics.
🎨 Artist
Jim Cheung
Cheung’s artwork is sharp, detailed, and cinematic—perfectly suited to the fast-paced narrative and emotionally charged scenes. His expressive faces and fluid action panels elevate the tension throughout.
📝 Editor Details
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Nick Lowe – Group Editor
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Devin Lewis – Editor
Both editors ensure seamless continuity within the Spider-Man universe while keeping the pacing tight and engaging.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
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Publisher: Marvel Comics
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Brand: Marvel Universe
📅 Release Year
2016
🧵 Brief Plot Summary
In The Clone Conspiracy #3, Spider-Man finds himself hunted by familiar faces—his old enemies resurrected by the Jackal, who claims to have perfected cloning. The twist? These aren't mindless copies but emotionally and physically complete individuals who believe themselves to be real. As Peter scrambles to uncover the Jackal’s true motives, alliances are tested and trust is shattered. Meanwhile, Doctor Octopus lurks in the background—his motives unclear and his allegiance questionable.
🧩 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Clone Conspiracy (2016) – The primary arc this issue is part of, merging science fiction cloning ethics with personal tragedy from Spider-Man’s past.
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Spider-Verse Aftermath – Builds on previous multiversal events, particularly through Kaine and his perspective on reality-breaking consequences.
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Dead No More: Prelude – Introduced the mystery of the Jackal’s cloning operations, culminating in the events here.
🔍 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Ben Reilly’s Resurrection: Some fans believe this arc subtly critiques Peter’s inability to let go of his guilt, projecting it onto resurrected characters like Ben and Gwen.
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The Real Jackal?: The revelation that Ben Reilly is now the Jackal sparked debate over whether he’s truly corrupted or playing a long game against the system.
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Doctor Octopus’s Redemption: Fans speculate that Otto's subservience to the Jackal may be a ruse to reclaim power or enact his own agenda.
⭐ Review Summary
The Clone Conspiracy #3 successfully balances emotion, horror, and suspense. Dan Slott’s script challenges the reader’s understanding of life and death in a superhero world, while Jim Cheung’s art enhances the eerie tone with crisp linework and intense visuals. The character interactions—especially Peter’s internal conflict—are deep and poignant. While some plot elements may feel densely packed, the narrative never loses emotional resonance. An excellent installment that promises even higher stakes ahead.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🕷️ Art: Stunning
🧠 Story: Thought-provoking
💔 Emotional Weight: Heavy and effective
For fans of clone sagas, moral dilemmas, and psychological twists, this issue is a must-read.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
