20 Years Later, Norman Osborn Finally Kills Off Spider-Man’s Darkest Mistake

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The latest issues of *The Amazing Spider-Man* have taken a surprising turn. Norman Osborn is now acting as Spider-Man, filling in for Peter Parker. He’s using a special formula and technology to mimic Spider-Man’s abilities. In *The Amazing Spider-Man* #12, we see Osborn going through the motions as Spider-Man, witnessing Roderick Kingsley (the Hobgoblin) being found not guilty, and then facing off against New York’s Spider-Family – including Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Boy, Arachne, and Silk. The resulting fight highlights how Norman Osborn is still haunted by his past actions, particularly those involving Gwen Stacy. Their shared history continues to shape his life.

Issue #12 of *The Amazing Spider-Man* is strong, particularly in its portrayal of Norman Osborn as Spider-Man – a concept that’s been divisive since its introduction. The story takes a significant risk with this idea, and how readers react will be crucial. A key moment involves Norman Osborn confronting his feelings for Gwen Stacy, demonstrating how his history as the Green Goblin continues to impact his actions. While their relationship has been marked by tragedy – especially the events of ‘Sins Past’ – this issue seems to bring that chapter to a definitive close.

Norman Osborn’s Relationship with Gwen Stacy Has Always Been Complicated

The connection between Norman Osborn and Gwen Stacy is one of the most significant in Spider-Man comics. Norman Osborn is a key figure in Spider-Man’s history, and his involvement with Gwen Stacy dramatically altered the comics. With Spider-Gwen now part of the main Marvel universe (616) and working closely with Spider-Man and Norman Osborn, it was inevitable they would eventually interact. Issue #12 of *The Amazing Spider-Man* feels like a long-awaited moment.

Osborn easily defeats Miles, Gwen, Spider-Boy, Arachne, and Silk in a fight. This isn’t unexpected, as Norman has a lot of experience battling Spider-People, particularly those less seasoned than Peter. He dominates the fight until Gwen steps in. Initially, he’s enraged, flashing back to his abusive father during the battle. But Gwen’s intervention quickly interrupts these painful memories.

Norman Osborn and Gwen Stacy connected when she was friends with his son, Harry, and Peter Parker, and there was immediate chemistry between them. A particularly controversial storyline, “Sins Past,” originally depicted Norman as having coerced Gwen into a sexual relationship. However, this was later changed; it was revealed Norman *believed* it happened as part of a manipulative plan orchestrated by Harry, Mephisto, and Mysterio. This new development in their history feels less forced than the original retcon and more like Norman taking back control of his narrative. The most compelling part of this comic is that Norman is stopped from harming Gwen by a memory of his own father’s violent displays of affection, and a desire not to repeat that pattern with her.

Norman Osborn is infamous for Gwen Stacy’s death, but he once genuinely cared for her. After overcoming the Goblin persona, Norman recognized how damaging his behavior had been, and Gwen’s death represents a tragic pattern of repeating his own father’s abusive tendencies – reacting with violence to perceived disrespect. The turning point came when he realized he was about to harm someone he loved, Spider-Gwen, while fighting the Spider-People simply because they challenged him. Choosing to prioritize love over anger, he ended the conflict.

Norman Osborn’s Love for Gwen Stacy Shows Him the Error of His Ways

I never would have imagined Norman Osborn as Spider-Man could work, and it initially felt like a strange concept – almost a comical one, like the time Spider-Man absorbed the Green Goblin’s sins. However, it’s surprisingly compelling, and *The Amazing Spider-Man* #12 demonstrates why. Osborn is a character rich with history, particularly concerning Spider-Man, and exploring that through Spider-Gwen is a brilliant move.

Norman Osborn, much like many at Marvel, viewed Gwen Stacy as a symbol of pure love and innocence. He appreciated her kindness towards his family, but when she chose Peter Parker over them, he reacted with anger. However, in *The Amazing Spider-Man* #12, Norman attempts a different approach, showing Gwen compassion and understanding – a stark contrast to his previous behavior. While this change likely won’t be permanent, moments like these make the storyline worthwhile.

The Amazing Spider-Man #12 is on sale now.

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2025-09-20 18:50