How to Draw Ben Reilly the Scarlet Spider

In this step-by-step tutorial, we will show you how to draw Ben Reilly the Scarlet Spider – the clone of Spider-Man.

This tutorial is a continuation of our Spider-Man drawing tutorial and shows how comic book artists create different characters based on the same concept.

Ben’s costume is very similar to Peter’s, but it has quite strong and noticeable differences. In this drawing tutorial we’ll explain the differences and show how to illustrate them.

This tutorial follows classic superhero drawing techniques from start to finish, showing you step-by-step how to sketch a recognizable comic book character with simple lines and give them an iconic look.

How to draw Ben Reilly step by step

Step 1: Sketch the skeleton of the superhero

So, first, you need to sketch out the general shapes of the superhero. To do this, draw an oval of the head, then using simple lines, sketch out the torso, arms, and legs of Ben Reilly. Don’t try to sketch these lines perfectly, these are just guidelines that will be removed in the next stages.

Step 2: Sketch Scarlet Spider’s facial symmetry lines

Draw the facial symmetry lines. The vertical line will divide the face in two equal parts, and the horizontal line will show the position of the eyes. Focusing on the lines from the previously drawn guidelines, add some volume to the torso. Continue using very light, almost invisible liens.

Step 3: Lightly the arms and hands of Ben Reilly

Sketch out the hero’s shoulders with round shapes to indicate volume, then sketch out the arms with cylinders. Next, lightly draw the outlines of the torso hands and mark the fingers. In our example, the Spider-Man clone holds his hands in the classic gesture that is typical for this character when he shoots webs.

Step 4: Sketch Scarlet Spider’s legs

The legs also consist of cylinders. First, sketch out the thighs, then mark the rounded knees and shins. Please note, that the shins should taper smoothly towards the bottom. Try to convey the turn of the legs and their position as accurately as possible. Sketch out the feet as shown in our example.

Step 5: Draw Ben Reilly’s eyes and facial features

In one of the the previous steps, you sketched the lines of the facial symmetry, and now it’s time to use them to draw the eyes. Their shape is well recognizable. They look like triangles, one side of which is smooth and slightly curved. Sketch out the convex parts of the face, that is, the places where the nose, eyebrows, and cheekbones are. Try to give the head of the hero a realistic look.

Step 6: Draw the hoodie of Ben Reilly

This is where the differences between Scarlet Spider and Spider-Man begin. Using smooth lines, draw the hoodie of Ben Reilly. First, draw the line for the hood. Then, sketch out the torn sleeves and draw the outlines with the bottom edge of the hoodie.

Step 7: Refine the hoodie and draw the spider logo

Make the lines of the hoodie smoother and darker. The contours should be torn at the bottom of the hoodie and around the shoulders. At the same stage, draw a spider logo on the chest (note that it is located diagonally). Add folds as shown in the example. Erase all guidelines from the torso and head to give these parts a finished look.

Step 8: Detail the arms and draw the muscles

Using the construction lines drawn earlier, detail the arms and draw the outlines of the muscles. Darken and trace the hands in detail, paying special attention to the fingers. If you want to draw hands and fingers more correctly, visit our tutorial on how to draw hands. Don’t forget to sketch web-shooters on the wrists.

Step 9: Finalize the superhero’s arms and hands

Now, trace the hands and arms, giving them a finished and detailed look. Add muscle shapes and small details. Then, take an eraser and carefully erase all construction lines from the arms. When erasing the guidelines, try not to touch the important lines of the drawing. Detail the web-shooters as shown in our example.

Step 10: Draw out Ben Reilly’s lower body

Now it’s time to detail the lower body of the superhero, starting with the waist area. First, outline the waist by dividing it into a series of vertical sections. Next, outline the legs with light, smooth lines, adding the outlines of the muscles and joints. As you draw the hero’s legs, gradually blend in the guide lines from the previous steps.

Step 11: Draw the feet and ankle pockets

Continuing the lines from the previous steps, smoothly draw Ben Reilly’s feet, outlining the pockets and straps on the ankles – another distinctive feature of the Scarlet Slider. Check the symmetry of your Ben Reilly drawing and correct any errors if necessary.

Step 12: Clean up the drawing and darken outlines

Now it’s time to give the superhero sketch its final look. Using an eraser, remove all remaining unnecessary and auxiliary lines from the drawing, gradually correcting the final inaccuracies in proportions and tracing the hero with final lines. Detail the feet by tracing them and drawing the folds on the feet and the straps.

Step 13: Add comic-style shadows to the drawing

Now add shadows to make Scarlet Spider drawing look more in comic book style. They are very contrasting, occupy a large area, and look like black spots. To draw comic-style shadows, first, draw the outlines, then fill them with solid black. Use hatching to convey transitions between light and shadow.

In this step-by-step tutorial you learned to draw Ben Reilly the Scarlet Spider – one of the most interesting heroes from comic book. We hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you like Marvel characters, then visit our tutorial on how to draw Wolverine.

There are many interesting and informative lessons on the Marvel Universe awaiting you ahead. Tell your friends about us and stay tuned.