13 Years Ago, Marvel Outdid Spider-Man’s Latest Dark Twist (& Inspired Death Threats)

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Fans of Marvel’s Spider-Man were surprised to discover in the latest issue of *The Amazing Spider-Man* that Peter Parker is currently on an unnamed planet searching for self-discovery. Meanwhile, back on Earth, his longtime enemy, Norman Osborn, has taken on the role of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. However, this isn’t the first time one of Spider-Man’s villains has temporarily become the hero, so fans shouldn’t be *too* shocked.

The story arc “Dying Wish” in *The Amazing Spider-Man* (#698-700) famously saw Peter Parker seemingly killed and replaced by Doctor Octopus, Otto Octavius. Now, with Norman Osborn taking on the Spider-Man mantle, fans are noticing a different approach. Osborn’s version of Spider-Man appears motivated by a genuine desire to redeem himself, even if his methods are unconventional. This contrasts sharply with Otto Octavius, who remained his villainous self as the Superior Spider-Man. While comparisons between these two alternate Spider-Men are sure to be a hot topic, the bigger question is why Marvel is revisiting this type of storyline, and why they’d risk upsetting fans.

Doctor Octopus had the Perfect Plan

The ‘Dying Wish’ storyline revolved around Doctor Octopus’s last, ambitious plan. Knowing he was dying and had only about two years to live, Ock created a two-part scheme. He first tried to conquer the world – what he considered his greatest achievement. But realizing this might not work, he had a backup plan: to switch bodies with Spider-Man. This would allow him to live on in Spider-Man’s body, while leaving Peter Parker to die in Ock’s failing body. Peter, of course, fought against this fate. Even trapped in Ock’s weakening body, he was able to figure out how Ock had taken control and reverse the process.

The storyline was a daring move, but it didn’t resonate with many readers. Peter Parker died, and Doctor Octopus took his place, even adopting his identity and costume. The ending was a huge shock to fans, and as AIPT reported, the backlash was so strong that writer Dan Slott received death threats. Similar to the current changes with an Osborn-led Spider-Man, fans struggled with Peter Parker’s death and strongly rejected Doctor Octopus as his replacement, particularly because of how Ock took over.

Why Superior Spider-Man Was Revolutionary

Over time, fans began to accept the idea of Spider-Man being controlled by Doctor Octopus during the ‘Superior Spider-Man’ storyline. Even though many initially disliked how Otto Octavius took over Peter Parker’s life, the story eventually won people over, despite some plot holes. Otto’s unpleasant personality frequently caused problems, messing up Peter’s life in significant ways. What really made the story work, though, was that Peter Parker wasn’t completely gone – he was still present in some form, which ensured the story’s success wasn’t just a fluke.

The epic showdown in Issue #700 saw the real Peter Parker successfully implant his memories into Doctor Octopus. These memories became Ock’s conscience, urging him to do the right thing and challenging him when he faltered. This created a huge inner conflict for Doc Ock, as he constantly battled Parker’s memories, struggling between giving in to his villainous impulses and using them for the greater good. This internal struggle is central to understanding his time as the Superior Spider-Man. The story captivated fans by exploring what it truly means to be a hero, the nuances of morality, and the possibility of redemption for someone with a criminal past.

Enter Norman Osborn: From Goblin to Webslinger

After ten years, Marvel is letting another villain become Spider-Man. This time, it’s Norman Osborn – a character with a more deeply rooted and bitter rivalry with Spider-Man than even Doc Ock. Osborn, both as himself and as the Green Goblin, has caused Peter Parker more suffering than anyone. Spider-Man, in turn, has consistently been a major obstacle for Osborn. Their conflict is intensely personal. Even though the previous storyline where Doc Ock became Spider-Man received criticism, Marvel is again allowing someone else to take on the role: Norman Osborn.

This time, the creators have taken steps to address potential criticism. Firstly, Spider-Man’s disappearance seems to be short-term; Peter Parker is expected to return soon, stronger than before. More importantly, the storyline for Norman Osborn avoids the confusing inner struggle that troubled the Doc Ock character. Unlike Ock, who battled between good and evil influenced by Peter Parker’s memories, Osborn has already overcome his villainous side. He’s moved past the madness that drove his past actions and is now focused solely on making amends.

How Norman’s Resolute Spider-Man Differs from Otto’s Superior Spider-Man

Here, Norman Osborn, as the Resolute Spider-Man, isn’t a typical villain trying to trick everyone. Instead, he’s a former bad guy genuinely trying to do good by continuing and changing the work of his old enemy, Spider-Man. However, this storyline and the choice to portray Osborn this way have sparked debate.

Marvel realized from the *Superior Spider-Man* storyline that fans are very particular about Spider-Man’s character. Although many readers came to enjoy it, the story felt off to some – like an unusual side path in Spider-Man’s history that was ultimately abandoned, and most agree shouldn’t be revisited.

Why Marvel Keeps Letting Villains Wear the Mask

Given Norman Osborn’s history and potential for future conflict, why is Marvel revisiting this character? The brilliance of this decision lies in the opportunity to examine Peter Parker’s beliefs and principles through the eyes of his arch-enemy. Essentially, it poses the question: can Spider-Man’s strong moral code truly help Norman Osborn find lasting redemption?

When Doctor Octopus took over as the Superior Spider-Man, the pressure of being a hero with Spider-Man’s strong moral code became too much for him to bear, and he’d rather have died than continue. Now, with Norman Osborn trying to become a better person, will his journey be even harder because he also has to live up to Spider-Man’s standards and take on the responsibility that comes with the role?

Similar to the story in “Dying Wish,” Osborn’s time pretending to be Spider-Man allows readers to truly appreciate how special Peter Parker is, both as a person and as a hero. Even Osborn, who knows Peter well, will likely gain a new understanding of his character and what he stands for – a lesson that will likely leave a lasting impression, potentially making him either a stronger admirer or a more intense enemy. If Marvel is using this idea – a villain becoming Spider-Man – to explore these themes, they might be onto something worthwhile, despite any negative reactions. The “Dying Wish” storyline, despite causing controversy, became one of Marvel’s best-selling comics of 2012 and a top-selling comic overall that year.

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2025-09-24 01:53