word of advice : SPOILERS for Gold Goblin # 1

Marvel break howSpider - Man’snemesis theGreen Goblincan change , along with all other supervillains , if a character has one essential trait . The route to redemption for a baddie is usually walked double in Marvel Comics : once on the mode to becoming a zep , and againbackwardswhen Marvel editorial believes the character would be considerably suited as an resister . Gold Goblin # 1involvesSpider - Man ’s most infamous enemyas he attempts to change his ways - and he just might bring home the bacon .

A key report of the Spider - Man franchise involve Peter seek to balance his superhero and civilian life . The same is reliable for Marvel newspaper column , who walk a fine air between hold fast to theSpider - valet de chambre status quo and inserting enfranchisement - astray changesthat alter his life permanently . Some of these change have stuck with the character ( Peter graduating from college and the dying of Gwen Stacy ) , while others were quickly retconned out of creation ( the destruction of Aunt May and most infamously the 20 - class marriage between to Mary Jane ) . For villain , it is ever toilsome to exchange , but potential if they own Spider - Man ’s uncomprehensible guilt .

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Related : Marvel ’s New Green Goblin Exposes The Multiverse ’s Biggest Flaw

InGold Goblin # 1 , write by Christopher Cantwell with artwork by Lan Medina , Norman Osborn is attempting to rick over a new leaf . He ’s discarded his Green Goblin suit and created a fresh Gold Goblin persona . While he still useshis Goblin Glider and pumpkin bombs , he uses them for good , save innocents instead of hurting them . Unfortunately , Osborn is nevertheless frequent by the sins he committed and , rather unhealthily , exhibits signs of ego - destructive demeanor . “I’ll admit … it felt good to take down the Hobgoblin with Peter,“he reminisces . “Because honestly … it was like I was rack up myself . "

Norman Osborn’s Guilt Is More Power Than Spider-Man’s

At the remainder of the Kindred arc , Norman Osborn ’s sins were " cleansed " , but ultimately he is still responsible for changing his conduct . The former Green Goblinis practicallyoverwhelmedby grief and guilt over his actions , and therein lies the most essential scene of change : regret at one ’s retiring action . In the current Zeb Wells story arc , Norman does everything in his superpower to examine he ’s a dissimilar human : he work with Peter Parker , protects him while on missions , and is ready to assist at a dip of a hat .

If Norman Osborn can get this change fetch on by guilty conscience long enough , perhaps the Green Goblin will cease to exist and the Gold Goblin will take his place . Spider - Man villains , as classic as they are , rarely change , and Osborn ’s feat here ( along with the editorial squad ) should be acclaim . Only time will say if theGreen Goblin , likeSpider - Man’smarriage , will languish away andthe new and improved Gold Goblinwill become a stable of the Spider - Man enfranchisement .

Next : Spider - Man ’s Edgy Clone return , Now With Even More Edge

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Gold Goblin clutches his fist in Marvel Comics.

Norman Osborn reforms as the Gold Goblin