Feature: A look-Back at Amazing Spider-Man #39 - #40

I've decided that the next fe blog entries will be a feature on the Best Spider-Man Stories for a new reader in my opinion. the stories that will be featured all have an element to them that the reader can identify with, be it conflict, hardship, fear of failure. these stories show Peter Parker at his finest as he overcomes the obstacles in each of these tales in his own unique way.

The first one the feature is a look-back at ASM #39 - #40 from 1966. 

How Green was my Goblin/The End Of the Green Goblin

 

 

Written by Stan Lee & John Romita Sr. The Story arc that really cemented The Green Goblin’s position as Spider-Man’s arch nemesis, is also one that sees Peter Parker’s toughest challenge in his short career as the webbed crime fighter. The age old tale of what to do when your best friend’s dad is also your own worst nightmare.  

 

This story arc is not the only entry in this list for Gobby but is definitely the definitive encounter, as the revelations from this arc are the catalyst for what sets the tone in battles between Spider-Man and The Green Goblin until the present day.

The story reveals that the Goblin’s main plot is to discover Spider-Man’s secret identity and use that knowledge to expose who Spider-Man really is ridding him as an obstacle to the Goblin’s plans to rule the New York Crime world. He captures Peter Parker and takes him back to his waterfront base where it’s revealed that the Green Goblin is in fact Norman Osborn.

It is believed by some that the outing of Norman Osborn as The Green Goblin is the reason that Steve Ditko  abruptly resigned from the book in 1966 (it is rumoured he wanted the Goblin to be revealed as Ned Leeds), leaving Jazzy John Romita Sr to take over the pencils.

The confrontation between the two in the following issue concludes the storyline and is is filled with tension throughout provided by the excellent writing by Lee. As Spider-Man battles to stop the Goblin using his intellect as much as his powers the issue really demonstrates the conflicted approach that Peter has towards what he perceives what will be his swan song as he’s placed in a no win situation. Knowing that even if he wins the fight and the Goblin is apprehended then his career as Spider-Man is over knowing that his enemy has the ultimate victory in knowing his secret identity. I won’t reveal the ending as not to spoil but this tale is the beginning of all that is to come.
 
As with all early issues the cost of picking up separate copies can range in the hundreds so why not read this in Marvel Masterworks #16

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