Warning: Spoilers for The Amazing Spider-Man #32!
Spider-Man has spent years fighting the Green Goblin, but now, he is forced to become him. In more recent times, the Green Goblin has officially reformed, after the Sin-Eater took away his sins. Unfortunately for mild-mannered therapist Ashley Kafka, those same sins were transferred to her, turning her into the Queen Goblin – and since then, she's sworn revenge on the founder of Oscorp.
Now, in The Amazing Spider-Man #32 – by Zeb Wells, Patrick Gleason, Marcio Menyz, and VC's Joe Caramagna – Kraven the Hunter resurfaces as a key ingredient in the Queen Goblin's vengeance scheme, hellbent on suring his greatest hunt, which he plans to do by defeating Spider-Man's "greatest foe" – and turning Spidey into him.
Queen Goblin Sets Kraven On His Greatest Hunt Yet
Readers should note that this Kraven is the clone "son" of the original Kraven, who has killed his "father" and taken his place. Before she sets Kraven off on his journey in Amazing Spider-Man #32, Queen Goblin gifts him a spear, which through ritual has been imbued with the sins of the Green Goblin. The issue culminates when Kraven attacks Norman in his lab, trying to goad him into unleashing the Goblin of old. Spider-Man is on the scene to protect Norman, but unfortunately, that is exactly what Kraven counted on, as he stabs Peter in the back with the spear.
Spider-Man Takes On Norman Osborn's Many Sins
Amazing Spider-Man #32 ends with Kraven fleeing the scene, ready to be hunted, as Spider-Man laughs maniacally, with the silhouette of the Green Goblin overshadowing him. This issue, and much of the series itself, has played out like a morality play, with Norman Osborn at the center of it all. Characters have been understandably skeptical about Norman Osborn's alignment, and Norman's attempts to redeem himself. That skepticism is the reason why Ms. Marvel was involved in Spider-Man's life, resulting in her death. Earlier in issue #32, Peter Parker's date, a lawyer named Michelle, argues that everyone deserves a fair chance, after Peter criticizes her for representing the villain Tombstone.
Michele very much believes that not everything in life can be seen so plainly: good vs. evil or hero vs. villain. Spider-Man's latest transformation symbolizes that notion, as Marvel's most recognizable hero has become his longtime arch-nemesis, tying directly with the themes of Zeb Wells' run thus far, as well as Norman's redemption arc. With Spidey's transformation unlikely to be permanent, Norman is possibly being set up as Peter's last hope in this situation. Everything seems to be leading Norman to complete his redemption. He may find a way to save Peter's soul, or in an ultimate sacrifice, take his sins back, becoming evil again to save Spider-Man.
The Amazing Spider-Man #32 is available now from Marvel Comics.
