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- "I chose my path, you chose the way of the hero, and they found you amusing for a while, the people of this city, but the one thing they love more than a hero... is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying. In spite of everything you've done for them, eventually, they will hate you. Why bother?"
- ―Green Goblin to Spider-Man[src]
Dr. Norman Virgil Osborn was a scientist and the CEO of Oscorp. When his company was threatened to be shut down, Osborn took an experimental performance enhancer. However, the serum would drive him insane and create a crazed more maniacal personality, The Green Goblin. The Goblin took control of Norman's mind and compelled him to create destruction and kill anyone who was a threat to him. His actions ended up catching the attention of the new local hero Spider-Man. The Goblin would try to ruin Spider-Man's life after realizing he was Osborn's son, Harry's, friend Peter Parker by threatening his friends and family. However, in their final confrontation, The Goblin would try to kill Parker with his Glider in a last-ditch effort, only for him to be stabbed, killing both Osborn and the Goblin.
His son Harry would try to avenge his father by attempting to kill Spider-Man, only to find out his father killed himself, and help out his friend, only to die the same as his father, only as a hero instead of a villain.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Founding Oscorp[]
Norman Osborn graduated from MIT at the age of 18. Due to his genius, he earned a doctorate and founded Oscorp Industries, a scientific research company which focused on making new inventions which were considered very revolutionary. He primarily focused on doing research for the United States Military, becoming their number one supplier of weapons for them.[1][2] However, he often clashed with General Slocum of the United States Military because of the latter's dislike for him. For years Osborn had been given the task of creating performance enhancers for the U.S. Army. However, all of this put him directly in a rivalry with Quest Aerospace. During his tenure as Oscorp leader, Osborn would claim that had to make a lot of sacrifices for the company.[1]
During his research at Oscorp, Norman developed a paper on nanotechnology, which was well known across New York City. He would also develop relationships with the board of directors, namely Maximilian Fargas and Henry Balkan.[1]
Life at Home[]
Back at home, Norman had a decent life, and lived in a luxurious penthouse which was owned by him due to his wealth as Oscorp leader. He had a butler named Bernard Houseman who often looked after him and the pair were very close. Osborn had only married once, to a painter named Caroline Mulder. However, due to her "snarling at his cheque book," the pair divorced after ten years of marriage. The pair gave birth to Harry Osborn at some point in their relationship, who lived with Norman. Norman and Harry often shared a strained relationship, and Norman would always continuously send him to another private school each time because he flunked out of them. Eventually Harry was sent to Midtown High School, where he would be carried through courses by fellow student Peter Parker. Harry would speak highly about Parker to Norman.[1]
Creating the Green Goblin[]
During the early 2000s, Slocum would task Norman Osborn with creating performance enhancers for the military. Osborn worked together with fellow scientist Doctor Mendel Stromm. Despite being able to successfully increase the user's strength to 800 percent more, many negative side effects were tested, such as violence and aggression. Stromm did not approve of the serum and suggested they redo it. Alongside the performance enhancers, Norman also created a glider alongside a set of armor, Explosive devices, Trident, and Razor drones. However, Slocum was still not impressed.[1]
Meeting Peter Parker[]
One day, a while before Midtown High School's graduation ceremony, Osborn accompanied his son Harry to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. However, Harry asked their driver Charles to turn away, uncomfortable about everybody seeing him pull up in a Rolls-Royce. However Norman said it would be weird if he traded it in only because Harry had flunked out of every other school he had sent him to. Harry then felt none of it was for him, which Norman replied it was, and told him not to be ashamed of himself. Harry then left the car, stating he wasn't. However he forgot his bag, so Osborn got out and handed it to him, noticing he was with somebody. Harry then introduced Osborn to Peter Parker, whom he had talked about. When Parker brought up Osborn's research on nanotechnology, Osborn was impressed with how he was able to understand it. However both Parker and Harry had to leave, so they said their goodbyes, with Osborn hoping to see Parker again.[1]
Slocum's Visit[]
After a short while, Osborn headed to Oscorp Labs, where Slocum was present, alongside Mendel Stromm and the Oscorp board of directors, including Henry Balkan and Maximilian Fargas. He greeted them, however Slocum insisted they get down to business and asked for the performance enhancers' progress. Despite the impressive strength increase, the side effects did not give it a positive outlook. Stromm suggested they take everything back to formula, which prompted Norman to try and tell Slocum everybody else at Oscorp approve the product ready for human testing. However Balkan then told him he had given competitors Quest Aerospace the thumbs up to create their exoskeleton. It was revealed they would test in two weeks, and if the performance enhancers did not have a successful test Slocum would pull out and give Quest Aerospace the funding instead.[1]
Late Test[]
- "Back to Formula?"
- ―Green Goblin to Mendel Stromm[src]
At night, Osborn alongside Mendel Stromm stayed inside the Oscorp Labs to test the performance enhancers. However Stromm warned Osborn the performance enhancers weren't ready. Osborn still carried on. Stromm then asked to reschedule for two weeks, stating that they needed proper authorization. Regardless Osborn told Stromm that if they rescheduled, their contract would be lost. As they got the chamber ready, Osborn asked for the Prochlorperazine, stating that it would help in catalyzing the reaction. As Stromm strapped him in, Osborn gave Stromm the heads up to run the experiment. Eventually the chamber was covered in a cloud, which worried Stromm as he noticed on the screens the drastic changes which were happening to Osborn. Eventually Osborn fell unconscious as Stromm stopped the reaction, so he walked in.
Stromm tried waking up Osborn, but to no avail. Eventually, he woke up, but instead woke up as the Green Goblin. Having grown more aggressive and insane, the Green Goblin got angry at Stromm for suggesting they redo the performance enhancers and threw Stromm away, killing him in the process. Green Goblin then stole the Goblin Glider and Green Goblin Armor from the lab and returned to the Osborn Penthouse. As he returned, he passed out on the floor until morning.[1]
Found by Harry[]
Shortly after the experiment, Osborn was woken up by Harry. As Harry put him back on a chair, he asked what had happened to him, which Osborn was unable to remember, only flashes of his convulsing in a test chamber. Eventually both Osborns were joined by Bernard and an employee from Oscorp who had gotten past him to receive the news of Stromm's murder, along with the theft of the glider and armor, which caused a shocked Norman to visibly react.
Sometime later, Osborn would look at a paper from The Daily Bugle reporting on how Oscorp's military contract could be given to Quest. As Osborn closed his eyes to focus, when he heard Green Goblin laugh from his head, but Osborn would ignore it.[1]
Bombing of Quest Aerospace Labs[]
The Goblin attacks Quest Aerospace
After some time, the Green Goblin took control of the body, and wearing the Green Goblin Armor along with using the Goblin Glider, travelled to Quest Aerospace Labs, where Slocum was present to view the Quest Aerospace Exoskeleton. Due to Slocum's disinterest for Norman Osborn and Oscorp, Slocum was almost certainly going to pull out of funding Oscorp. The Green Goblin first bombed the exoskeleton, and using the Pumpkin Bombs continued to bomb the lab itself. This in effect killed Slocum, meaning the U.S. military would be unable to pull out of their funding.
Midtown High School Graduation[]
Norman visits the graduation
After this, Osborn retook control and attended his son's graduation. Osborn greeted Harry, and shook hands, stating it was not the first time Osborn had been proven wrong as Osborn was initially unsure whether he would last at Midtown High School. Having heard of Peter Parker's loss of Ben Parker, Osborn approached Parker and congratulated him for winning the science award. He then told Parker to try and enjoy the day as much as possible despite the terrible loss. Osborn then told Parker due to his relationship with Harry he was like family and Osborn would be there for Parker whenever Parker needed him.[1]
Green Goblin's Rampage[]
One day at Harry and Peter Parker's loft, Parker returned and talked to Harry while Osborn was present, busy making his calls. Eventually Osborn got off the phone and asked Parker if he knew about the girl, which annoyed Harry. Harry then brought up the fact that Parker needed a new job and Osborn could get him working for Oscorp, but Parker declined even when Osborn said he could make a few calls. Parker brought up he wanted to find his own work, which Osborn respected, and asked Parker for his skills. Parker then looked down at a newspaper from The Daily Bugle which was an advertisement requesting photos of new superhero Spider-Man, and said he wanted to find a job in photography.[1]
Losing His Job[]
Due to Slocum's death and the bombing of Quest Aerospace Labs, Osborn happily proclaimed that now Oscorp had passed Quest Aerospace as being the number one supplier to the United States Military. However this news was not enough to impress the Board of Directors. However, Henry Balkan revealed that they were selling the company to Quest Aerospace who had made an offer they "could not refuse." Maximilian Fargas then told Osborn that they had to let him go to not have a power struggle and expected him to resign within 30 days. Osborn then spoke up in rage, stating that it was unfair since he had started and done a lot for the company. Fargas then apologized and said that they were to announce it at World Unity Festival. Balkan would then hammer in that Osborn was out, which Osborn whispered. "out am I?" before Goblin smiled through him.[1]
Attack on World Unity Festival[]
The Goblin attacks the World Unity Festival
- "We'll meet again, Spider-Man!!!!!!"
- ―Green Goblin to Spider-Man[src]
In the wake of his firing, the Green Goblin was upset at this and realized he could attack the board of directors at World Unity Festival, where they were announcing the sale of Oscorp to Quest Aerospace. Equipped with the Green Goblin Armor, Goblin Glider, Razor Bats and Pumpkin Bombs, the Green Goblin travelled towards the balcony a building nearby where the directors of Oscorp were standing, alongside Harry Osborn and Mary Jane Watson. Initially believing the Green Goblin to be a part of the celebrations, everybody cheered until it threw out a pumpkin bomb towards the lower balcony. Due to this, two bystanders were almost killed. The Green Goblin then greeted the board of directors including Maximilian Fargas and Henry Balkan. He yelled "Out, am I?" before blowing up the board of directors which killed them. He then greeted Watson who was screaming for her life and told her "Hello My Dear." Eventually the Green Goblin was kicked off of his glider and landed onto some of the decorations.
As the Green Goblin got up the police appeared and he feigned a surrender, and punched the members of the police department. Eventually, he came face to face with the person who kicked him, the Spider-Man. The Green Goblin replied the attempt was impressive and kicked the vigilante away. He then jumped on his glider and fired his glider's twin machine guns' bullets as well as mini sidewinder-missiles from his glider at Spider-Man, which were unsuccessful. As Spider-Man was jumping over the decorations to rescue Watson, the Green Goblin intercepted his jump and crashed him into a window and continued to beat him up. Spider-Man was able to escape the Green Goblin's attacks however, which caused the Green Goblin to try and fire his Glider's Twin Machine Guns again. The Goblin's Helmet was webbed up by Spider-Man, who then proceeded to rip one of the exhausts from the Glider. This would ultimately send the Green Goblin away in a direction he could not control, as he proclaimed this would not be their final meeting.[1]
Meeting His Psyche[]
- "You didn't think it was all coincidence, did you? So many good things happening to you, all for you. Norman."
- ―Green Goblin to Norman Osborn[src]
One day at the Osborn Penthouse, Osborn poured himself a drink, when he heard the laugh of the Green Goblin. Osborn asked who was there, to which the Green Goblin replied there was. Goblin told Osborn not to play innocent and accused him of always knowing of his existence. Looking around, Osborn would ask for the Goblin's location, which Goblin told Osborn to follow the shiver down his spine. Looking at his mask collection, believing that he was wearing them, the Green Goblin told Osborn to turn back. Osborn did so and told the Goblin he did not understand. Through Norman's mind and reflection, Goblin would reply he did everything for Osborn and revealed the incident at World Unity Festival was his fault and Osborn himself had slain the board members. The Green Goblin replied that he was the one who had carried out the dangerous incidents which Osborn did not know of and stated this was to give Osborn the power he always wanted. Realizing what he did and the other crimes he committed under the influence of the Green Goblin, Norman became horrified. The Green Goblin manipulates him into believing that he and Spider-Man should work together as partners.[1]
Ambush on The Daily Bugle[]
Green Goblin confronts J. Jonah Jameson
- "There are 8,000,000 people in this city. And those teeming masses exist for the sole purpose... of lifting the few exceptional people onto their shoulders. You, me... we're exceptional. I could squash you like a bug right now. But I'm offering you a choice. Join me. Imagine what we could accomplish together. What we could create. Or we could destroy. Cause the deaths of countless innocents in selfish battle... again and again and again until we're both dead. Is that what you want? Think about it, hero."
- ―Green Goblin to Spider-Man[src]
After thinking the recruitment plan through, the Green Goblin devised a plan to attack The Daily Bugle Tower, believing the editor-in-chief J. Jonah Jameson would know of the person who took the pictures of Spider-Man. The Green Goblin then bombed Jameson's office and grabbed Jameson by the throat, and demanded to know who took Parker's pictures. However, Jameson stated that the photographer was anonymous and the pictures were sent in the mail. This led the Green Goblin to believe Jameson was lying and prepared to punch him, before Spider-Man himself showed up and demanded that Green Goblin dropped Jameson. He did as so and prepared to talk to Spider-Man. Jameson, who had earlier been printing reports of Spider-Man being a public threat, yelled out the fact he believed they were in it together, for which Spider-Man webbed his mouth up. However, as soon as he did that the Green Goblin put Spider-Man to sleep and carried his body to a nearby building.
The Green Goblin talks with Spider-Man
After a while, the Green Goblin asked the Spider-Man to wake up and stated he was only paralyzed. The Green Goblin then stated Spider-Man was an amazing creature and they weren't so different. However, Spider-Man stated that the Green Goblin was a killer, which was not like Spider-Man at all. Eventually the Green Goblin told Spider-Man that the people wanted to see a hero fail instead of a hero, and that "in spite of everything he had done for them eventually they would hate him." The Green Goblin then told Spider-Man that he could have killed him, but instead wanted to work together and accomplish many things together. He mentioned that they could cause the deaths of innocent but selfish people again and again until they were dead, and asked Spider-Man to think about it, flying away.[1]
Battle at 83rd and York[]
The Goblins punches Spider-Man
- "You're pathetically predictable. Like a moth to the flame. What about my generous proposal? Are you in or are you out?"
"It's you who's out, Gobby. Out of your mind!"
"Wrong answer!" - ―Green Goblin and Spider-Man[src]
Knowing that crime would attract Spider-Man's attention therefore giving them the opportunity to talk, the Green Goblin bombed a building in New York City, which led a lot of people trapped inside the building. The New York City Fire Department luckily came to everybody's aid. In order to attract Spider-Man, the Green Goblin posed as an old lady, believing Spider-Man would come. Spider-Man did come to rescue the old lady, but the Green Goblin instead kicked him away, noting how predictable Spider-Man was. The Green Goblin then asked about his offer and whether he accepted it, but Spider-Man simply refused, noting how Goblin was plainly out of his mind.
As a result, the Green Goblin threw several Razor Bats at the hero, which Spider-Man easily dodged. After the Goblin delivered a few attacks of his own, Spider-Man was eventually clipped by one of the Razor Bats. However, Spider-Man would defeat Green Goblin and then escape. Enraged at his defeat and Spider-Man's refusal, the Green Goblin replied that nobody said no to him.[1]
Discovering the Truth[]
Following the fire, Norman trying to repress the Green Goblin, and got ready to enter the loft that Harry Osborn and Peter Parker lived in, for their Thanksgiving celebration. During the journey to their room, the Green Goblin reverted to becoming Norman Osborn, and there he met Peter Parker's aunt May Parker. He then apologized for being late, stating work was murder, before gifting the fruit cake as part of the Thanksgiving Dinner, and then noticed a young woman who Harry later introduced as Mary Jane Watson, saying it was nice to meet her, Norman would shake her hand, but Goblin would creepily stare at her. After this, Parker noticed the absence of her nephew, and they overheard a sound upstairs. The group then rushed upstairs but noticed nobody there. Osborn noticed Parker's room, and commented how Parker was a bit of a slob, to which May responded that all men were. After they left, Osborn stayed for a little while before hearing a drop of liquid, looking to the floor and seeing blood. He then looked outside of the window to see nobody there.
After they settled Parker finally entered the room to all their delight as now they could begin the celebrations, as Parker stated that he had to beat up an old lady with a stick to get the cranberry sauce. They all sat down to begin the meal, with Goblin about to eat some of the food by dipping the food and eat it from his fingers. To this, May slapped his hand, asking if he would do the honors of cutting the turkey. Goblin began sharpening the knife while staring May down, before May noticed a cut on Parker's wrist and grabbed a bandage. When Osborn asked how Parker got the bruise, Parker stated he was knocked down by a bike messenger. Recognizing the scar from something Spider-Man had gotten in their fight earlier, Osborn rushed away, stating something had come to his attention. However, unbeknownst to everybody he had actually found out Spider-Man's true identity.
Eventually, Harry rushed over towards Osborn to talk to him. Harry expressed his disappointment as he didn't want to make a bad impression of Watson. He then talked about how important Watson was to him, but then Osborn brushed this remark off, stating that she did not like his personality, but rather his wealth, bringing up Harry Osborn's mother, Caroline Mulder. As he tried to get out of the building, Harry tried one more time to reach out to Norman, only for Goblin to quietly emerge and then said that he should broom her fast, and unknowingly, Watson heard this which offended her.
That night, the Green Goblin stated that Spider-Man was tough to defeat, yet Parker would be easy, but Osborn stated he could not. The Green Goblin then said the path shouldn't be left and that Osborn should make him experience the fear of loss in which he would feel a huge low in his life that he would contemplate death, and there on, the Green Goblin would kill him. Eventually. the Green Goblin told Osborn that the cunning warrior attacks neither body or mind, but Norman, not understanding, asked how. Which Goblin clarified instructing Osborn they attack Parker's heart, or in other words, go for his loved ones[1]
Attack on May Parker[]
- "Finish it. Finish It!"
"Deliever Us From Evil!!!!!" - ―Green Goblin and May Parker[src]
The Green Goblin would then take control again and take his Goblin Glider to May Parker's house as she was praying before going to bed. As May was finishing her prayer, the Green Goblin would crash his Goblin Glider into the wall, startling Parker into complete fear. Laughing at the defenseless lady, the Green Goblin demanded that May finish the prayer, which she eventually did, to Green Goblin's delight, as May would become hysterical from fear, allowing Peter to find out that the Green Goblin now knew he was Spider-Man.
The next day, the Green Goblin would cackle in his house, due to Parker's suffering. When Harry had overheard the laugh, he questioned who was there. Norman would come down from the stairs asking Harry what was wrong. Harry would explain that it he felt that he was right as it seemed that Mary Jane was growing closer to Peter. Intrigued, Osborn would ask Harry how Peter felt about her, which Harry explained that almost everyone knew that Peter was deeply in love with her. After learning that information, Norman would tell Harry that now was the time for him to fix some inequities, planning on spending more time with Harry, before embracing his son for once, understanding how he was hardly there for his son when he grew up.[1]
Kidnapping Mary Jane Watson[]
Goblin during the Battle at the Queensboro Bridge
- "Can the Spider-Man come out to play?"
- ―Green Goblin to Peter Parker[src]
That night Goblin would ambush and kidnap Mary Jane while she slept. Before Goblin left, MJ's phone began to ring, with Peter believing that Goblin would go after MJ leaving a message to her about staying safe. Goblin would pick up the phone, as Parker would question if it was MJ, Goblin would ask Parker if Spider-Man could play. Determined, Parker demanded that Goblin tell him where she's at, which Goblin would hang up.[1]
Battle at the Queensboro Bridge[]
- "Spider-Man. This is why only fools are heroes, because you never know when some madman will come along with an impossible choice. The Woman you love, or suffer the little children...We are who we chose to be, Now CHOOSE."
- ―Green Goblin to Spider-Man[src]
The Green Goblin flew down on his glider, almost hitting Mary Jane in the process, after he dropped at at the Queensboro Bridge. While singing a tune of "Itsy Bitsy Spider", the Green Goblin fired a mini-sidewinder missile from his glider straight into a tramway system which destroyed the cables, causing a panic disruption on the bridge that several cars got pilled up and the tram, holding children, to fall. The Green Goblin used the snapped cable to bring the tram back up and to the top of the bridge to wait for Spider-Man to come.
Once Spider-Man arrived, the Green Goblin held Mary Jane by her throat in one arm and the tram full of children in the other. He threatened Spider-Man to choose which to save; the woman he loved or the children, before he dropped both of them. Spider-Man managed to save both Mary Jane and the tram from falling, much to the Green Goblin's chagrin. The Green Goblin flew down on his glider and repeatedly punched Spider-Man in an attempt to make him drop the tram and Mary Jane. He was about to impale Spider-Man with the blade from his glider when the residents on the bridge started throwing items at the Green Goblin to keep him distracted while Spider-Man successfully saved Mary Jane and the tram by landing it on a barge that was sailing toward them via a cargo boat.[1]
Final Standoff and Death[]
Norman and the Goblin are impaled by the Goblin Glider
- "Peter....Don't tell Harry."
- ―Norman Osborn to Spider-Man[src]
Angered over Spider-Man's victory, the Green Goblin decided to have their confrontation somewhere private and wrapped a cable around Spider-Man's waist before dragging him along for a ride with his glider. He threw Spider-Man into an abandoned building where they engaged in a fierce fight. The Green Goblin threw a pumpkin bomb and it exploded in Spider-Man's face, sending him through a brick wall and severely damaging his suit. The Green Goblin immediately hopped off his glider and showed pity on Spider-Man for betraying his friendship, he slid his lenses up and immediately lunged at Spider-Man saying "you spat in my face" as they engage their fight.
As the Green Goblin brutally beat Spider-Man and gained the upper hand, he told him how he would kill Mary Jane slowly, saying that "MJ and I, we're going to have a hell of a time" while drawing a trident and attempting to stab Spider-Man. However, regaining his strength and becoming enraged over Goblin's threat to MJ, he grabbed the trident when Goblin tried to stab him and in a fit of rage, threw him back. While Goblin got up. Spider-Man used his webs to drag him back down and then bring down a brick walI down on him. As a dazed Goblin got up, Spider-Man used his webs to drag Goblin against a wall and the began punching him. Unable to take the beatings and wanting to fool Peter, he has Norman beg Peter to stop and reveal his identity.
Spider-Man was shocked to learn that the Green Goblin was Harry's father. Continuing with his deception, Norman attempted to convince Spider-Man that all the crimes were committed by the Goblin.[1] However, Peter was unaware that Osborn was still being controlled by the Goblin,[2] who secretly directed his glider to impale Spider-Man from behind. Norman stated he was like a father to him and begged him to be a son to him, to which Peter retorted that he had a father: Benjamin Parker. An angry Green Goblin dropped his act and responded by launching his Glider's Retractable Blades to try and impale Spider-Man from behind. However, Spider-Man sensed the attack and jumped out of the way, and the glider fatally impaled the helpless Osborn and Goblin instead with its retractable front blades. Just as he was about to succumb to his wounds, Norman pleaded Spider-Man not to tell his son about his second identity, and subsequently died. [1]
Legacy[]
Harry Osborn swears vengeance on Spider-Man
- "You're weak. You were always weak. You'll always be weak until you take control. Now you know the truth about Peter. Be strong, Harry. Avenge me. Avenge me!"
- ―Norman Osborn (Hallucination) to Harry Osborn[src]
Honoring Osborn's plead, Peter removed the Green Goblin's Armor from Osborn before returning him to the Osborn Penthouse. However, Harry would walk in on them. Seeing his father's corpse, Harry demanded to know what he did. Harry immediately grabbed a hidden gun and aimed it at Spider-Man, but he had already left. Their butler, Bernard would later clean Norman's wounds, finding out how he died, but Bernard kept it due to his worry for Harry. Harry would later have a funeral for Norman, with Harry, Peter, May, Bernard, Mary Jane, and Otto Octavius in attendance among others. Harry would personally swear on Norman's grave that Spider-Man would pay, causing Peter and Harry's relationships to become strained.[1] Harry would also become CEO of Oscorp, but would still be clouded by his vendetta.[3]
Otto Octavius would also piece together that Osborn was the Green Goblin but would keep it to himself. Meanwhile, Peter would also try to think of several cures for the Goblin serum.[2]
When Harry found out that Peter was Spider-Man, he was conflicted about his feelings. Due to the stress, Harry imagined his father in a mirror, who greeted his son. Harry asked if he was still dead, which "Norman" agreed, before telling Harry that he was right about Peter and Mary Jane, wanting for Harry to finish what he started. Harry told him that Peter is his friend, but "Norman" told him that he was his father, calling Harry weak unless he took what he wanted, telling Harry to avenge him. Harry would refuse though. "Norman" then yelled the demand again, causing Harry to scream No and tossing a dagger at the mirror.[3] Harry would find Norman's hideout, and rekindled his vengeance, trying to kill Peter. However, Harry would accidentally gain amnesia forgetting his vendetta.[4]
However, after Harry became distraught, he regains his memory with his father telling him to attack Peter's "heart," which would cause Peter (corrupted by being under the influence of the symbiote) to heavily scar Harry. However, Harry would finally drop his vendetta for good, after Peter (back to his old self since rejecting the symbiote), asked him to save Mary Jane, and finally being told by Bernard how his father really died. Harry would later be stabbed by his Sky Stick by Venom, while he saved Peter. In a way, Harry died similarly to his father, but while Norman did it as a villain, Harry did it to save his friends.[4]
After Harry's death, the news would find out about Norman's work as the Green Goblin along with his cause of death, which was viewed by Flint Marko.[4]
Personalities[]
Norman Osborn's Personality[]
- "Don't be a coward. Risks are part of laboratory science."
"Let me reschedule, with a medical staff and a volunteer. Just give me two weeks."
"Two weeks? In two weeks we'll have lost the contract to Quest and Oscorp will be dead. Sometimes you gotta do things yourself." - ―Norman Osborn and Mendel Stromm[src]
Osborn was a brilliant, smart scientist, yet he had an abrasive, arrogant personality, quickly brushing off suggestions he found foolish, often with a notable lack of diplomacy. He was also seen as ruthlessly ambitious. He was furthermore seen as being reckless, and often planned on doing things himself, and often behaved differently under a huge amount of pressure. This was seen during the test on the performance enhancers, which showed his ruthlessness and ambition. However, above all this it is clear Osborn was a very passionate person who loved his job and company and was determined to keep both in his hands. Osborn also developed a friendlier side, being kind towards the directors and General Slocum, although seen by his personality towards his workers, it could be argued he was sort of fearful if they found out about the way he behaved. He was also not afraid to let out his anger during pressure, upon being frustrated that he was being let go from Oscorp despite his hard work. Furthermore, he seemed to be very hardworking which led him to neglect his son often.
Osborn, as a genius himself, saw something in Parker and praised his intellect in the subject of science, and even thought of asking Parker into Oscorp. He was also very bitter, being upset about his divorce with his wife and the strain with his relationship with his son, Harry, due to him getting expelled from multiple schools.
However, upon becoming the Green Goblin, Osborn saw a side of himself inside of the Green Goblin which displayed his negative traits, and despite his apparent frustration of losing his job, he was horrified with his psyche after finding out what the Goblin did. He initially did not appear to be aware of the crimes he committed as the Green Goblin, but after Goblin revealed himself and informed him of what he did, Norman became horrified. Despite being horrified by his alter ego's actions, Goblin had much more control over Norman's mind than Norman did, which led to Norman being manipulated and brainwashed by the Goblin. He also tried to appear more friendly with other people, yet upon him finding out Peter Parker was indeed Spider-Man, he returned to his former self, being a lot more prone to tantrums, as he recalled the time his wife left him out of money when Harry was clearly upset as he wanted him to meet his girlfriend. This also led him to become a lot more of a willing participant in the grand scheme of the Green Goblin's activities, as he began to wonder if he could trust anybody after Parker's persona was revealed to him.
Overall, Osborn, despite his flaws, was a very good man and truly loved his son, even admitting that he was not always there for Harry like any father would have been. He also thought about Harry in his dying moments, asking Spider-Man not to reveal to Harry who he really was, and he also seemed to be mortified by the Green Goblin's sinister activities and ultimately seemed to be under the Goblin's wrath himself. He also saw Parker like a son figure and was willing to help him in the aftermath of Parker's loss by being there for him.
Green Goblin's Personality[]
The Green Goblin appeared to be a manifestation of Osborn's identity, with the Green Goblin being an alter who had Osborn's worst traits heightened to an unrecognizable degree, after Osborn had consumed the unstable performance enhancer. Because of his unstable mind, the Green Goblin had sadistic tendencies and a twisted sense of humor. He was a megalomaniacal psychopath who believed that he and Spider-Man were superior to other people, who even described himself as a sadistic lunatic. When it comes to his relationship to Parker, the Green Goblin is constantly forcing him to give in to his darker impulses, while showing him how tough it is to be a hero, by torturing Parker's personal life, even after finding out his identity.
The Green Goblin's dislike for Spider-Man likely comes from how despite having even more superpowers than himself Green Goblin, Parker constantly uses them for good and not selfishly like the Green Goblin. This hatred for the hero caused the Green Goblin to constantly mock his heroic morals. Eventually, when the Green Goblin found out Parker's identity, he would wear Osborn down so he could attack those who Parker loves by frightening May Parker. The most evident of this is during his final fight with Parker, where the Green Goblin kept trying to attack Watson, even implying to Parker, when trying to impale him that his plan was that Watson would die no matter what happened, until the Green Goblin finally died.
When first beginning his rampage, the Green Goblin would claim that he only did it to those who threatened Osborn's position. But more likely, it's to keep the power Osborn's position gives him. When it comes to Osborn, the Green Goblin cares very little for his creator, often forcing him to give him control, and threatening the weak-willed Osborn.
Goblin was the more dominant personality, as he had such strong influence over Norman, that he successfully manipulated and brainwashed the latter into coming crimes and doing his bidding. Even after revealing himself to Norman, who became horrified, Goblin still managed to manipulate and brainwash him.
Powers and Abilities[]
Powers[]
- "He may be stronger than I am."
- ―Spider-Man in Chapter 20[src]
- Artificially Enhanced Physiology: After drinking promachloraperazine to begin the catalyzation (and barium phosphate to decrease nausea)[5] when the unstable human performance enhancer vapor hit his bloodstream in the gas chamber, Osborn's strength potential, muscle density, agility, visual acuity, sensory organs, reflexes, intelligence, synaptic relay performance, healing potential, and bone mass were all augmented.
- Enhanced Strength: According to Mendel Stromm, the human performance enhancer increases a subject's strength by 800%, and a laboratory computer displayed his rapid muscle growth. As such, Osborn was able to send Stromm flying through a glass panel with just one hand. In the novelization, he casually knocked him into a pillar approximately 50 feet away with one sweep of his arm.[5] As the Green Goblin, he was strong enough to contend with Spider-Man; at the World Unity Festival, he caught the hero's punch and kicked him through a table and into a lamppost. In the novelization, he hit him so hard that Spider-Man felt like he was getting punched by a wrecking ball.[6] He also lifted J. Jonah Jameson by the throat with a single hand.
- Enhanced Durability: Osborn's anatomical strength was also increased to support his superhuman strength. He was able to withstand the impact force from the brick wall that was pulled down onto him by Spider-Man, without showing any signs of injury. However, he does have his limits as his durability won't enable him to survive from being stabbed or disfigured.
- Enhanced Speed: The Green Goblin's speed had been enhanced above the human degree, which enabled him to run fast and was able to catch hold of Spider-Man's fist before he could punch him within seconds.
- Enhanced Agility: Despite his age and armored suit, Osborn,as the Green Goblin, is capable of acrobatic and gymnastic feats, most notably seeing during his final duel with Spider-Man.
- Enhanced Stamina: After his exposure to the Goblin Formula, Osborn's stamina had improved to levels that were beyond a normal human. As the Green Goblin, he was capable of handling his final battle with Spider-Man, without getting exhausted.
- Enhanced Reflexes: From his exposure to the Goblin Formula, the Green Goblin's reflexes were enhanced and he was capable of dodging attacks and catching Spider-Man's fist within seconds before it could hit him.
- Enhanced Senses: Osborn's senses were heightened by the human performance enhancer. A laboratory computer displayed an increase in his visual acuity, and he was even able to hear a drop of Spider-Man's blood hit the floor. He had ears that would make a bat deaf by comparison.[7]
- Regenerative Healing Factor: The Green Goblin's metabolism had been enhanced and was capable of healing from injuries much faster than average humans. However, it is not without limits as his healing factor is unable to heal or make him survive from being impaled with his own glider.
Abilities[]
- "You know, I'm something of a scientist myself."
"I read all your research on nanotechnology, really brilliant." - ―Norman Osborn and Peter Parker[src]
- Genius-Level Intelligence: Osborn is a genius, having graduated from the prestigious MIT at 18 according to the Daily Bugle. His thesis on the potential for computer miniaturization with improved chip architecture was a remarkably prescient prediction of what in fact came to pass in the coming decades. He has published over 250 papers on a wide range of physical and theoretical problems. Most recently, his research into nanotechnology had been seen as groundbreaking, and was widely read and discussed, most notably by Peter Parker.
- Master Scientist: Due to being an accomplished graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Norman Osborn was a very talented scientist and was an expert in several fields of science. He was able to create the Goblin Formula and test it on himself to physically enhance the human prowess.
- Master Engineer: Norman Osborn, aside from being a talented scientist, was an accomplished engineer. He was able to create the Green Goblin mask to replace the old one after he exposed himself to the Goblin Formula.
- Expert Pilot: As the Green Goblin, Osborn was able to expertly maneuver his Goblin Glider in the air and in close quarters.
- Expert Combatant: As the Green Goblin, Osborn proved to be a capable fighter when he defeated several police officers. He also contended with Spider-Man during their fights together, especially when they battled for the final time. His fighting style is primarily Boxing, but he also incorporated knee strikes and even flying side kicks.
Equipment[]
Weapons[]
- Walther PPK: Osborn kept a gun in a drawer. Harry took it out when Spider-Man brought his body to him.
- Pumpkin Bombs: After stealing the bombs from Oscorp, the Green Goblin would use these bombs, known as the Pumpkin Bombs to blow up structures, and to vaporize and kill his enemies.
- Razor Bats: The Green Goblin would turn the Pumpkin Bombs into sharp razor bats and use these specialized drones to cut up his enemies.
- Trident: The Green Goblin carried a green colored trident with sharp ends that can kill an opponent. During his final confrontation with Parker, the Green Goblin attempted to impale him with the trident, but Parker would successfully break it.
Other Equipment[]
- Green Goblin Armor: After becoming Green Goblin, Osborn would wear a specialized flight suit to control the Glider, protect himself from injuries, and with the help of a helmet, hide his identity as Norman Osborn.
Vehicles[]
- Goblin Glider: As Green Goblin, Osborn used the Glider to fly about the city, attacking with it's guns, and impale victims with it's retractable blades. After Goblin saw that he was failing against Spider-Man, he would summon the Glider to impale Parker, only for his enhanced senses to cause him to avoid it, allowing the Glider to impale Osborn, killing him. Osborn conceived the idea for the Glider after watching Harry use his boogie board from his 13th birthday.[8]
Facilities[]
- Osborn Penthouse: Norman Osborn and his family lived in a luxurious penthouse that was set in the city of New York. After he became the Green Goblin, he hid all of the Goblin's equipment inside a secret lair behind the mirror of his living room.
- Oscorp: During his time as the founder, owner and CEO of Oscorp, Norman Osborn had his company set in the Oscorp Tower that was based in New York City and a set of labs.
Relationships[]
Family[]
- Ambrose Osborn † - Father
- Unnamed Mother †
- Caroline Mulder - Ex-Wife
- Harry Osborn † - Son
Allies[]
- Bernard Houseman - Housekeeper
- Oscorp
- Dr. Otto Octavius/Doctor Octopus † - Friend
Enemies[]
- Dr. Mendel Stromm † - Employee and Victim
- General Slocum † - Victim
- Quest Aerospace
- Henry Balkan † - Victim
- Maximillian Fargas † - Victim
- Mary Jane Watson - Attempted Victim
- Peter Parker/Spider-Man - Archenemy, Attempted Killer and Attempted Victim
- May Parker - Former Ally and Attempted Victim
- J. Jonah Jameson - Attempted Victim
Trivia[]
- Green Goblin in the Spider-Man trilogy is the first live-action incarnation of the character.
- Willem Dafoe reprised his role as Norman Osborn / Green Goblin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Spider-Man: No Way Home, with the character being transported from before his death and ultimately cured. His depowerment and return to the Spider-Man trilogy timeline would have to create a divergence.
- Of the five supervillains in the trilogy, Norman and Harry Osborn are the only ones to appear in all three movies.
- Both Norman and Harry were impaled by their own glider, though Norman was impaled by trying to hurt Peter while Harry was impaled protecting him.
- He is the first villain to kidnap Mary Jane and the only one who actively tries to kill her after doing this, as neither Doctor Octopus or Venom tried attacking her unprovoked while they were fighting Spider-Man.
- Green Goblin is the first and only character with Dissociative-Identity Disorder in the Spider-Man trilogy.
- Osborn's drinks of choice were brandy[9] and whiskey.[10]
Behind the Scenes[]
- While acting as Osborn, Wilem Dafoe wore fake straightened teeth, to contrast with his natural teeth as Green Goblin. He would continue to do this in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
- As Goblin, Dafoe would often insist on doing his own stunts, including those involved on the hard to control Glider prop.
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 1.24 Spider-Man
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 As depicted in Spider-Man: No Way Home
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Spider-Man 2
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Spider-Man 3
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Spider-Man (novel) Chapter 8
- ↑ Spider-Man (novel) Chapter 18
- ↑ Spider-Man (novel) Chapter 23
- ↑ Spider-Man (novel) Chapter 4
- ↑ Spider-Man (novel) Chapter 2
- ↑ Spider-Man (novel) Chapter 19
