Many comic book fans consider *Amazing Spider-Man #122* to be one of the greatest and most important issues ever published. It’s famous for both the death of Gwen Stacy at the hands of the Green Goblin and the Goblin’s own ironic death – being killed by his own glider. This issue features one of the most legendary villain deaths in comic history. While Norman Osborn (the Green Goblin) remained dead for 24 years in Marvel Comics, he eventually returned during the final stages of the ‘Clone Saga’ in 1997 as part of a surprising plot twist.
The Green Goblin’s return was a big moment for Spider-Man, significantly changing the story’s direction. However, it proved to be controversial. Long-time fans were excited to see the classic villain again, but newer fans weren’t as pleased – and understandably so. Many believe bringing back the Green Goblin was a mistake, arguing that he should have remained deceased.
Green Goblin’s Return Ruined Character Motivations for Everyone Involved
Honestly, when Green Goblin came back, it was more than just a surprise-it felt like a real turning point for Marvel. Before that, we thought death *meant* something in these stories. Goblin’s first death was huge; it showed a villain facing the consequences of his own arrogance, and it really impacted Spider-Man, especially with Gwen Stacy. It felt like a genuine, if tragic, victory for Peter, and it changed him. So, when they brought Goblin back, it completely undermined all of that character growth and felt really unsettling, like everything that happened before didn’t matter.
The situation also affected Spider-Man’s other enemies. By the time Green Goblin returned, Doctor Octopus had become Peter Parker’s primary opponent, and a strong contrast to him. Doc Ock presented a more sophisticated threat than anyone Spider-Man had fought before, using his intelligence and scientific expertise to create real problems. However, with Green Goblin’s reappearance, that sense of urgency diminished, altering the relationship and the overall risks involved.
The way Green Goblin returned felt forced and purely for profit, serving only to create a sensational, but ultimately unsatisfying, conclusion to the “Clone Saga.” It’s upsetting how disrespectful this storyline is to the characters and fans. Peter Parker feels less developed in scenes with Norman Osborn now, and Gwen Stacy’s death feels like a tired trope. It diminishes Peter’s journey and growth beyond his rivalry with Norman. Furthermore, the story already had a suitable villain who could have filled the Green Goblin’s role.
Hobgoblin Already Proved the Goblin’s Legacy Continues
Following the Green Goblin, Hobgoblin emerged as a fresh and compelling villain, deliberately created as a successor separate from Harry Osborn. This new take on the classic enemy breathed life into Spider-Man’s world, offering a unique threat that felt both familiar and innovative. Hobgoblin aimed to eliminate crime, presenting Spider-Man with a new adversary while effectively acting as an upgraded version of the Green Goblin. This approach proved successful, demonstrating that reviving the original Green Goblin wasn’t necessary to maintain a compelling villain.
It’s still clear that the handling of Norman Osborn, the Green Goblin, hasn’t been great. Since his return, he’s been largely wasted as a character in Amazing Spider-Man. He’s relegated to a supporting role with no real purpose, isn’t even acting as the Green Goblin, and has inexplicably become friendly with Peter Parker. It feels like his return lacked a genuine plan, and it’s ultimately a disappointing use of the character.
The Green Goblin’s death was a pivotal moment for Spider-Man, significantly impacting the hero’s journey. Resurrecting him, particularly with another villain already available, and then failing to develop a compelling story for his return, weakens the narrative. Ultimately, the Green Goblin should have remained dead, serving as a powerful reminder of the dangers of arrogance and the idea that achieving your goals doesn’t always bring happiness.
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2025-09-22 22:42