Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Amazing Spider-Man #12
Following the major reveal that Spider-Man is dealing with not one but two different Hobgoblins, a third Goblin may be working from the shadows as well. In the latest issue of Amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker has been grappling with a major Goblin-centric conspiracy involving Roderick Kingsley, Ned Leeds, and Norman Osborn. However, it stands to reason that the former Green Goblin is actually innocent (and not the third Goblin at work).
Recently in Amazing Spider-Man, Peter Parker has been short on friends and allies due to something he did 6 months prior that was morally questionable. As that mystery continues to unfold (having something to do with trying to bring back a lost loved one), a reformed Norman Osborn has surprisingly been the one ally Peter can rely on, having offered him a job at the new Oscorp and making Peter a new Spider-Man suit. However, the return of Kingsley and some shady dealings with Norman have aroused suspicion not only from Peter but also from Ned Leeds (who once had his mind manipulated as the second Hobgoblin).
It should be noted Norman did come clean, revealing to Peter that he had been paying Kingsley off to prevent any kind of future aggression from the criminal. However, the new Amazing Spider-Man #12 from Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr. reveals that both Kingsley and Leeds have become the Hobgoblin once more, apparently working together while also having mysterious gaps in their memories. As such, it seems likely that another figure is manipulating them both behind the scenes.
Spider-Man May Be Facing The Revenge Of The Queen Goblin
In keeping with the Goblin theme, the Queen Goblin may be responsible for the Hobgoblins' return, having sworn revenge on both Norman and Peter during the recently concluded Spider-Man Beyond era. Originally Dr. Ashley Kafka, the psychiatrist was corrupted and turned into a Goblin by the Beyond Corporation using the concentrated "sins" of the Green Goblin. As such, she's become incredibly dangerous with her whereabouts currently being unknown.
All things considered, it would make perfect sense if the Queen Goblin herself was responsible for breaking Kingsley and Leeds' minds and turning them back into Hobgoblins, effectively using them as weapons to get revenge on Norman and Spider-Man simultaneously. While this idea is purely conjecture, someone is clearly working behind the scenes whose yet to be revealed. Queen Goblin certainly fits the bill. Amazing Spider-Man #12 is on sale now.
