Summary

• Green Goblin's obsession with Spider-Man is rooted in jealousy, with Norman Osborn itting he wants to be smarter than Peter Parker.
• Spider-Goblin's possession of Spider-Man's body forces Osborn to confront his insecurities and realize the truth about his obsession.
• Despite their tumultuous history, Osborn and Parker must work together to stop the Green Goblin once and for all in The Amazing Spider-Man #54.

Warning: Contains spoilers for The Amazing Spider-Man #54!

Spider-Man have had a rivalry lasting 60 years. After such a long time, it's hard to why the battle started in the first place. All that there is now is that bitter anger against the opposing side - but Marvel has just changed the game by revealing why Green Goblin became so obsessed with Spider-Man in the first place. And the answer is satisfyingly perfect.

Green Goblin, Marvel's most unhinged villain, has just been bested by the Spider-Goblin possessing Spider-Man's body in The Amazing Spider-Man #54 by Zeb Wells and Ed McGuinness. Sharing the sins of the Green Goblin seems to create a kindred spirit between the Spider-Goblin and Norman Osborn, and gets Osborn to finally it the truth.

Being in Peter Parker's body has allowed the Spider-Goblin to truly understand what it is that Parker has that Norman is missing. When accused of being obsession because Spider-Man is smarter than Green Goblin, Norman Osborn has no choice but to agree.

The Green Goblin's Obsession With Spider-Man Has a Simple Answer

Norman Osborn Became a Villain Out of Jealousy

It's no secret that Spider-Man is better, faster, and stronger than the Green Goblin. He's also far more intelligent, outpacing him in inventions and strategies every step of the way. While this is expected for a scientific hero like Spider-Man, the fact that Norman Osborn its that this is the case reveals his inner obsession. As a scientist with a massive ego, Norman has a strong need to be the brightest in the room. Since the beginning, Green Goblin has only ever tried to be smarter than Peter Parker.

Time and again, however, his plans have proven fruitless. Green Goblin's very failures are the fuel for his obsession, and by now, he is practically addicted to fighting Spider-Man. Even as Spider-Man embraces his dark side as Venom once again, Peter Parker is both a smarter hero and a smarter villain. This leaves Green Goblin with a choice - lose to the Spider-Goblin or put his obsession aside and ask his most hated enemy, Spider-Man, for help.

Green Goblin vs. Spider-Man: 60 Years in the Making

Norman Osborn and Peter Parker Battle Against the Goblin Spirit

If Osborn can put aside his obsession after 60 years, maybe he and Spider-Man can stop the Green Goblin once and for all.

Watching Norman Osborn and Peter Parker fight together to stop the Goblin is one of the most surprising moments in Marvel right now. When the Green Goblin is removed entirely from the situation, Parker is just a young man, and Osborn is a sort of father figure to him. His jealous obsession with his intelligence is a kind of pride in all the wonderful things Spider-Man can do. In his own twisted way, he honors Spider-Man's intelligence every time he loses a battle.

While Norman Osborn cares for Peter Parker like a father, the Green Goblin entity hates him and wants to devour his soul. If Osborn can put aside his jealous obsession after 60 years, maybe he and Spider-Man can stop the Green Goblin once and for all. If not, then it seems this rivalry might continue for another 60 years.

The Amazing Spider-Man #54 is on sale now from Marvel Comics!