In Amazing Spider-Man #29, the most accomplished Spider-Man in Marvel history makes a significant error involving one of Peter Parker’s most formidable foes.
The debate over the best Spider-Man has been a longstanding and contentious topic at Marvel. Modern fans tend to connect more with Miles Morales, while vintage enthusiasts argue that Ben Reilly and Miguel O’Hara resonate better. However, diehard fans firmly stick to their belief that the most iconic Spider-Man is at the top of the list: Peter Parker.
However, there’s a controversial choice in Otto Octavius (aka Doctor Octopus). 2013 Otto became the Superior Spider-Man, thanks to Dan Slott and Ryan Stegman, after swapping bodies with Peter Parker. He proved to be an efficient Spider-Man, cleaning up New York City. With Otto back as Doc Ock, he may have just committed a major mistake by reviving Peter’s most fearsome enemy: the Green Goblin.
Superior Spider-Man & Norman Osborn Have Major History
Despite Otto Octavius’ past evil deeds, he had moments of compassion while acting as Spider-Man. Inspired by Peter’s “dying wish” for him to be a hero, Otto used various technologies, including the Spider-Bot, to patrol the city and combat criminals like the Sinister Six and Alistair Smythe. His ability to think like them and access inside information proved advantageous. However, the Avengers and Peter’s allies kept a close watch because this Superior Spider-Man had a dangerous tendency to suppress Peter’s memories with a lethal streak.
Despite Otto’s efforts to bring about change, Norman Osborn (Green Goblin) remained a significant thorn in his side. Despite both of them hating Peter Parker equally in the past, they never saw eye to eye. Otto even played a part in going after the Green Goblin in Marvel Knights: Spider-Man. Their rivalry reached its peak during Otto’s time as Spider-Man in New York City. When Green Goblin returned to cause havoc, Otto eventually relinquished control of Peter’s body. Another incident involved a variant of Norman undermining Otto’s plans to resume his superhero role, solidifying the fact that these two villains are inherently antagonistic toward each other.
In Amazing Spider-Man #29 (by Zeb Wells, Ed McGuinness, Mark Farmer, Marcio Menyz, and VC’s Joe Caramagna), Otto finally decides to settle the debt with Norman. He captures Norman at Oscorp after defeating both Peter and the Gold Goblin (Norman’s heroic alter ego). Otto proceeds to implant his own memories into Norman’s mind, aiming to make him experience the pain he caused as the Green Goblin. It is evident that Otto seeks to resolve things once and for all by bringing back the Green Goblin to undo the life of peace and contentment Norman has found.
Otto Octavius Revives the Green Goblin
The issue is that Norman has genuinely been seeking redemption and doesn’t harbor any malicious intent. This current arc and books like Gold Goblin and Red Goblin portray just how close he is to making amends. Even Peter vouches for him, recognizing his scientific expertise and his role as a father figure. However, Otto remains cynical about this change of heart, diligently searching through Norman’s files and data for any evidence of the Green Goblin’s return. He is desperate to find proof and punish him, but there is no evidence to support his suspicions.
Otto realizes he must abandon this plan, accept that Norman has truly changed, and return to being “normal” again. However, he notices that the absence of the Green Goblin identity, which was removed due to the Sin-Eater incident, is considered a gift by Norman. This only fuels Otto’s determination to take away that glimmer of hope and push Norman back into becoming the Green Goblin once more.
In a shocking turn of events, Otto produces a vial of Goblin Serum he had prepared and forcefully injects it into a screaming Norman. This grim conclusion to the chapter shatters any hope or faith fans had that Otto could find redemption for himself. He cruelly strips Norman of his free will, once again turning a good man into evil. Though the effects of the serum are yet to be seen, the resurrection of the Green Goblin could potentially unleash another era of chaos in New York City. Green Goblin has a history of targeting people close to Spider-Man, like Gwen Stacy, and engaging in confrontations with other villains, hinting at a possible spree of violence and mayhem.
Peter Parker May Be Norman’s, Only Hope
This creates a tense situation where Peter must step in to save the day. He’s now wielding Otto’s old tentacles, but even with this enhanced power, the fate of Norman’s mind, body, and soul remains uncertain. If Otto fails, the harm inflicted on Norman could have lasting consequences. Peter will have to find a solution because, more than anyone else, he knows how much effort Norman has put into keeping his dark side in check.
This also leaves a void in how Otto plans to reclaim his role as the Superior Spider-Man. Marvel has hinted at this possibility, introducing yet another web-slinger while Spider-Boy is also in action. However, it’s difficult to support Otto’s actions when personal vendettas like this one drive him. His behavior is criminal and unforgivable, showcasing him at his worst. While he may relish being Norman’s adversary once again, he is causing harm to a man who had found healing. Such a deplorable act confirms all the negative opinions Peter had of him. Some fans are hopeful that Otto will reconsider this mission and aid in saving Norman, but currently, the chances of that seem slim.
Even if Otto has a change of heart, there’s a fear that any trace of the serum left in Norman could trigger the return of the Green Goblin. If Norman cannot be saved, Peter will undoubtedly carry a sense of guilt. He has given Otto numerous opportunities, hoping he would transform into a true hero, but it appears to have backfired in the worst possible way. A resurrected Green Goblin could pose a threat to Normie and Rascal or attempt to harm Harry while he’s imprisoned, especially if he believes he failed as Kindred. The unpredictable villain could embark on any sinister plan upon his return. While it’s hoped that Norman can somehow eliminate any possibility of the Green Goblin’s revival, one thing is clear: Otto is digging himself into a hole, reaffirming to Peter, whether he’s the Superior Spider-Man or not, that the tentacled mastermind is beyond redemption.
