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In this reimagining of the Green Goblin’s past, as well as Spider-Man’s, we’ve seen Norman Osborn’s presumed late wife doing all she can to get her son Harry back from her twisted husband Norman.
We’ve also met the Proto Goblin, a big rage-filled red monster that reminds me a bit of a 1960’s Omega Red.
Proto is also trying to get back to his family and trusts Norman’s wife to turn him back into the man he was before Norman experimented on him.
The Proto Goblin now has Harry and the question after two issues is “What’s next!?!?”
Vintage Spidey
Did you know that in his early days, Spider-Man had his won Bat Signal? Yep, he had a light on his belt that let criminals know he was coming.
We see this again in the opening pages and for fans of the original Spider-Man run from the 60’s, this is a sight for sore eyes.
Spidey is on a tear, as he’s mad at himself for letting Harry get taken. He’s also having issues at home, as he and May haven’t really talked about Uncle Ben’s recent passing. (Remember, this is set in Spidey’s early days.)
Norman’s New Origin???
We then turn to Norman awaking in the hospital after being attacked by the Proto Goblin.
He’s having nightmares and apparently the doc says he’s got a toxin in his system.
Wait, is this going to be Norman’s new origin and how he becomes the Green Goblin??
You literally get to see his demons and the toxin begin to take hold of his mind.
What Happened to Emily Osborn?
Now, that she has her son back, Emily waits by his bedside for Harry to wake up.
The reader gets an insight into the Osborn’s love affair back in college and how he would eventually poison her mind.
We find out that Norman’s father lost all his money and how much that drove Norman to become the man is he today, no matter the cost.
Drinking and rage were traits of a young Norman as he tried everything he could to outdo his father and restore the Osborn name.
So, Emily faked her death to get away from the rich madman, leaving her son for years.
Peter and May Confront their Pain
As this series has really focused on family, we get another emotional scene, as Peter and May finally talk about Ben.
May has been trying to be strong for Peter, but he breaks her out of her tough shell and the two talk about their beloved husband and father figure.
Remember as well, in this universe, Ben died in May’s arms, not Peter’s.
So, she has that extra burden on her.
The Proto Goblin Makes His Move
We close the issue with the Proto Goblin sneaking into Norman’s hospital bed.
As it looks like he’s about to kill Norman, the sick businessman taunts him, telling him to do it with a smile on his face.
Norman tells Proto, “The truth is .. I am the nightmare, I am the GOBLIN!”
But before Proto can make his move, he slips that Emily is behind all this AND Spidey steps in to save Norman. Boy Peter you stepped in this for real this time.
Proto attacks Spidey and suddenly, he now has visions of Ben dying all over again.
Did Proto infect Peter too??
Final Thoughts – 8.5/10
I’m a pretty nostalgic guy and this series really brings me back to a simpler time.
It’s fun to get a deeper look at Norman, his wife, and how this all came to be.
I think this has been a fun read and can’t wait to see how this all turns out.
