Spider-Man and the Green Goblin Timeline
There are many deadly foes of Spider-Man and the Green Goblin is most definitely one of them. Along with Doctor Octopus, he receives this title for be renowned for killing someone close to Spider-Man, in this case, his girlfriend Gwen Stacy. This list focuses on the essential issue for Norman Osborn, the first, original Green Goblin.
Spider-Man and the Green Goblin Meet for the first time
Spider-man first encounters the Green Goblin in the Amazing Spider-Man #14, although this villains alter ego is not seen until a few years later.
The Green Goblin vs the Master Planner
Spider-man and the Green Goblin meet next in a two-parter where we see the Goblin’s running ambition to become a crime boss really comes to fruition as he takes on the Crime Master in Amazing Spider-Man #26 and #27.
Norman Osborn’s First Appearance
We first truly meet Norman Osborn in Amazing Spider-Man #37, where we learn of his first shady exploits, although at the time arent linked to the Green Goblin.
Spider-Man and the Green Goblin Unmasked
The Green Goblin begins his journey as Spider-Man’s most important foe in Amazing Spider-Man #39. It is the first issue featuring John Romita Sr, who took over from Ditko. There was an alleged dispute over the identity of the Green Goblin, which is cited as one of the reasons Ditko left. In this issue, Spider-Man is unmasked as Peter Parker by the Green Goblin, who reveals himself as Norman Osborn, his friend’s father. The battle ends with theNorman Osborn losing his memory of his time as the Green Goblin, keeping Peter’s secret identity safe, for now.
Spider-Man vs the Green Goblin: Round 4
In Amazing Spider-Man #96 to Amazing Spider-Man #98, Norman Osborn regains his memories of the Green Goblin, and takes on Spider-
Man once again. These issues are important, as they are not approve by the Comic Code Authority, due the depiction of Harry, Norman’s son, on drugs (though it is done in a tasteful, after-school-special kind of way).
The Green Goblin Kills Gwen Stacy
The conflict between Spider-man and the Green Goblin reaches its apex in Amazing Spider-Man #121 as the Green Goblin throws Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man’s girlfriend, off a bridge, with Spider-Man failing to save her. The Green Goblin is killed by his own devices in the following issue (Amazing Spider-Man #122).
The Original Green Goblin Return
After skipping the Bronze and Copper Age of comics, Norman Osborn makes his return in Amazing Spider-Man #418 revealing that he had not died, and spent this time hiding out in Europe. His revenge is one that comes very slowly. It is also implied that arranged the second Clone Saga, and had poison Peter and Mary Jane’s baby, though this plotline is later dropped. He also kills Ben Reilly at the end of this “Revelations” crossover in Spider-Man ##75
Norman Osborn Returns
Norman Osborn makes his return to the public spotlight in Spectacular Spider-Man #250. He recently purchased the Daily Bugle (as part of his revenge on Peter), and entices Peter to beat him in his home, which he films and uses to entice a witch hunt against Spider-Man.
Final Battle, Final Chapter
While Norman Osborn continues to be a thorn in Spider-Man’s side, it is during the Gathering of the Five and Final Chapter storylines that Norman Osborn’s second coming comes to a head, believing he gained ultimate power from the Gathering of the Five, he is instead revealed to have gone mad. Spider-Man saves everyone at the Daily Bugle for seemingly the last time, as he decides once again to hang up his webs after this last battle. The core series are rebooted after these important crossovers.
If you like this list of Spider-Man and the Green Goblin essentials, see more in the Essential Issues Category, or search for “Green Goblin” in our spider-man reading order.